Type 3a hair is characterized by well-defined spiral curls that are typically the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Although the circumference of 3a curls is wider than that of 3b and 3c hair, it can be difficult to tell the three curl types apart.
You have type 3A hair if you can easily wrap your curls around sidewalk chalk. Your hair type is 3B if the permanent marker is the best suit. Finally, you know you have 3C hair type if your spiral curls are about the same size as a pencil.
3A hair is made up of well-defined and springy curls that have a loopy, “S” shaped pattern. Their circumference is the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. 3A ringlets have a fine to medium texture. This curl type benefits from lots of body and movement, but is prone to frizzing and dryness.
Type 3 curly hair ranges from a light curl to tight, curly tendrils, and usually have a combination of textures. They are defined and springy, with more height and volume at the root than type 2s.
Type 3a hair is characterized by well-defined spiral curls that are typically the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Although the circumference of 3a curls is wider than that of 3b and 3c hair, it can be difficult to tell the three curl types apart.
Styling your 3A hair actually starts in the shower. Working some curl-defining cream and curl-enhancing mousse through your wet coils will set you up for success. After you've applied the product, you can either use the curl plopping technique or try a diffuser to define your ringlets.
Coily Curls
The last, but most rare type of curl is the coily curl. This curl type is similar to that of an afro and when observed carefully, looks like the angular letter 'Z'. These curls require the most amount of moisture, as the hair type is much thicker than the other curl types.
Type 3A hair, often referred to as a “combination” hair, is characterized by its defined s-shaped curls, usually the diameter of a piece of sidewalk chalk. It is the loosest variation of type 3 curls and usually appears to have very soft curls. The hair of 3A heads tends to shine more than that of 3B or 3C.
The most apparent difference between types 2C and 3A hair is their appearance. 2C hair is wavy, while type 3A hair is curly. If you look closely at 2C curls, you'll see that they have more of an s-shape than a spiral (which 3A curls have). In addition to that, type 2C curls may not start at the root.
To keep the hair and scalp healthy and avoid product buildup, consider shampooing your 3A curls once or twice a week.
Type 3 and 4 are hair texture types for African-American hair. People who have type 3 hair have S shaped bouncy curls that are well defined, dry and slightly rough. This type has further three hair texture types for African-American hair: type 3a, 3b and 3c. 3a curls are springy and have a definite S shape.
3A type hair has loose, well-defined, and spring-like curls. People with 3A type hair usually have oily scalp but dry locks. Combing regularly to spread the sebum from the roots to the tips is important for 3A type hair. However, you should not use harsh brushes as they can make your hair frizzy.
Type 2a hair tends to lie flat at the roots and starts to form waves at eye-level. This gradual change in texture can make hair look inconsistent. The shape of these strands don't take on the slight curl pattern of 2c hair types nor do they have the definite wave texture of a 2b hair type.
Type 2C waves are usually identified as small to medium size waves that form into a letter S shape as they grow. This shape borders between wavy and curly hair. Though for some this may already look like a typical curly hair, the 2C type does not form springs, a distinguishing feature between waves and curls.
That's why it's essential to use the right products and care routine to encourage perfect, even definition of those gorgeous curls. “Like all curly hair types, 3A hair is prone to damage, frizz, and dryness.
It depends on your length, texture, and thickness, but 3a hair can usually wear most hairstyles suitable for straight, wavy, and curly hair types (think: types 1c to 3c). Your end results might look a little different, but the styles themselves—like braids, buns, French twists, etc. —are all doable on 3a curls.
As you get older, your curls may drop, loosen, or even form new curl patterns due to hormonal changes, like menopause. Environmental factors such as gravity, climate, and pollution also play a part. The thinner and weaker your aging curly hair is, the less likely it is to actually curl.
Out of all the hair types, types 4A, 4B and 4C are the curliest. They tend to form a compacted Z pattern, plus they have a high density that requires creams, gels and custards to hold their shape and reduce volume. Plus, due to the lack of cuticle layers, coily hair also requires extra moisture.
Thick (Coarse)
Thick or coarse hair texture is the strongest hair texture and typically feels coarse or thick to the touch. Coarse hair contains all three hair layers – the cortex, cuticle and medulla.
The story of human migration and evolution is written in hair DNA. In sub-Saharan Africa, genes favour tight, curly hair. But in east Asia, mutations have led to straighter, thicker hair. In Europe, other mutations brought wavy and straw-coloured hair.