The Complete Guide
Curly Hair Type Chart:
Find Your Curl Pattern
Types 2a to 4c explained — use our visual flowchart to identify your curl pattern and discover the right routine for your hair.
Why Your Curl Type Matters
Understanding your curl type is the single most important step in building a curly hair care routine that actually works. The wrong products for your pattern can cause frizz, weigh curls down, or leave hair feeling dry and undefined — frustrating results that are completely avoidable once you know your type.
The most widely used curl typing system was created by hairstylist Andre Walker and later expanded by the curly hair community. It runs from Type 1 (straight) through Type 4 (coily), with subtypes a, b, and c within each category reflecting the curl diameter and texture.
Use the interactive flowchart above to trace your curl type step-by-step, then read the full descriptions below for product tips and care advice tailored to each pattern.
Type 2 — Wavy Hair
Wavy hair falls between straight and curly. It forms a loose S-shape and often has a natural shine that curly hair types don't always share. The main challenge with wavy hair is frizz and losing wave definition, especially in humidity. Lightweight products and the right drying technique make all the difference.
The most subtle wave type. Hair has a slight S-bend near the ends and is usually fine in texture. Very easy to straighten but also easy to lose definition.
A more defined S-pattern that begins closer to the root. Medium thickness with moderate frizz. Great for beachy waves with minimal effort.
A strong, well-formed S-wave that starts at the root. Usually thicker and coarser than 2a or 2b. Prone to frizz and often overlaps with 3a.
Best practices for wavy hair
Wavy hair responds well to lightweight gels and mousse applied to soaking-wet hair. Avoid heavy creams that can weigh waves flat. The "squish to condish" technique and a diffuser on a low-heat setting help lock in the wave pattern. Avoid brushing hair dry — always detangle in the shower with conditioner.
Type 3 — Curly Hair
Type 3 curly hair forms distinct spiral or ringlet patterns. The curl is clearly visible when the hair is dry, and unlike wavy hair, it cannot be easily straightened without heat tools. Type 3 hair tends to be drier than type 2 because the scalp's natural oils have a harder time travelling down the twists of the curl shaft. Deep conditioning and moisture retention are essential.
Loose, bouncy ringlets roughly the diameter of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Shiny with good definition when properly moisturised.
Tighter ringlets about the width of a marker pen. More volume and more prone to frizz than 3a. Responds very well to curl creams and gels.
Dense, tightly packed corkscrew curls about the width of a pencil or straw. Very full, with significant shrinkage when dry.
Best practices for curly hair
Type 3 hair thrives on the curly girl method (CGM). Use a rich leave-in conditioner, layer a curl cream on top, then seal with a light gel for hold. Plop your hair in a microfibre towel for 20–30 minutes after washing. Refresh second-day curls with a water and conditioner mix in a spray bottle.
Type 4 — Coily Hair
Coily hair — often called kinky or natural hair — features very tight, densely packed coils or zigzag patterns. It is the most fragile hair type due to its structure, and also the most prone to dryness and breakage. Type 4 hair has extraordinary volume and the most shrinkage of any curl type (often 50–75% of its actual length). The right moisture-sealing routine is the foundation of healthy type 4 hair.
Defined S-shaped coils roughly the width of a crochet needle. Retains some moisture better than 4b and 4c, with a slightly more visible curl pattern.
Sharp, angular Z-bends rather than a defined S. Less visible curl pattern, very fine strands packed densely together. Very prone to dryness.
Extremely tight coils with almost no visible curl definition without styling. The most shrinkage of any type (up to 75%). Requires intensive moisture and gentle handling.
Best practices for coily hair
The LOC or LCO method (Liquid, Oil, Cream — in that order) is the gold standard for type 4 moisture retention. Seal with a heavy butter or oil. Protective styles like twist-outs, braid-outs, and updos help retain length and reduce breakage. Always detangle gently from ends to roots using a wide-tooth comb with plenty of slip conditioner.
Universal Curly Hair Tips
Regardless of your curl type, these fundamentals apply to all curly and wavy hair patterns.
Moisture First
Curly hair is structurally drier than straight hair. Prioritise hydrating shampoos, rich conditioners, and leave-in treatments every wash day.
Avoid Sulphates
Harsh sulphates strip the natural oils curly hair desperately needs. Choose sulphate-free or co-wash cleansers instead.
Apply Products Wet
Always apply styling products — gels, creams, mousse — to soaking-wet hair. This distributes product evenly and enhances curl clumping.
Trim Regularly
Split ends travel up the shaft and cause breakage. Trim every 8–12 weeks to keep curls healthy, bouncy, and free of frizz at the ends.
Protect at Night
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk bonnet to protect curl definition and prevent friction-caused frizz overnight.
Know Your Porosity
Curl type isn't the whole story. Low-porosity hair repels moisture; high-porosity absorbs it fast. Understanding your porosity refines your product choices.