Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
When it comes to curls, there is a fascinating variety of styles, shapes and textures of curls. The different types of curls have their own charm and can significantly shape and even change a person's appearance.
In addition, each type of curl requires individual care and there are different hair care products for the different types of curls.
Now you may be asking yourself: “What type of curls am I?” In this guide, we will help you understand your individual curls in more detail and find out what type of curls you are.
From the different levels of curl - from slightly wavy to very curly - to the different hair types , we can find all kinds of curls on our heads. Let's take a look at our curl chart together and find out which curls you have.
We have compiled everything you need to know. Join us on this exciting journey through the fascinating world of curl shapes and discover what magnificent curls lie dormant in your hair.
And our curl quiz is even better. Here you will get the answer to your question in just a few minutes: "What type of curls am I?"
Why is it so important to know your own curl type?
Knowing your curl type is very important. This knowledge lays the foundation for a proper hair care and styling routine for your curls . Each curl type has its own specific needs and requires tailored products and techniques to get the most out of your curls.
By understanding your own curl type, you can specifically address its peculiarities. This is useful, for example,
- to combat frizz hair ,
- to improve the definition
- and promote the health of your curly hair.
In addition, this knowledge will also help you choose suitable haircuts and hairstyles . This way, you can show off your curls to their best advantage and maximize your individual styling potential.
Therefore, it is of crucial advantage to know and understand the different types of curls and their unique characteristics . This way, you can optimally adapt your curl care and styling routine to your personal hair needs and get it perfectly on point.
Are you ready to explore your curls and discover your personal curl category? Let's go!
What kind of curls do I actually have?
Before we delve into the fascinating world of different curl types, we first want to give you an overview of how curls are categorized.
From straight hair, known as type 1, to curl types 2 to 4, there is a wide range of curl types, each with their own characteristics and properties.
Each curl type has a unique texture and structure that influences the type of care and styling . Let's find out which category your curls fit best into.
The different variants at a glance:
Type 1: Straight hair
Straight hair is characterized by its silky, smooth texture , which naturally has no waves or curls . It is usually shiny and easy to comb through. Straight hair tends to get greasy more quickly because the natural oil of the scalp spreads more easily from the roots to the tips.
To add volume and texture to straight hair , various styling techniques such as
- blow-drying,
- papillotes
- or the curling iron can be used.
wavy hair
Wavy hair is an intermediate between straight hair and curly hair. It is characterized by gentle waves and a natural texture that gives the hair movement and volume.
Wavy hair scores with its versatility and changeability , whether for a casual everyday look or a breathtaking appearance for special occasions - but it is not always easy to style .
Curl type 2a: The hair of this type is very close to straight hair and is characterized by a loose, wavy structure. The waves are usually mostly straight, but there may also be occasional tighter waves.
Curl type 2b: With the 2b type, the waves are already more pronounced and are in a wide S-shape. The waves can be loose or tight. The hair has a visible texture and tends to frizz in unfavorable weather conditions.
Curl type 2c: Curl type 2c already has clear, tight waves that extend from the roots to the tips. The hair has a stronger texture and the waves are thicker and more resilient than in the previous types. The hair is prone to frizz and can also look dry quickly.
Suitable care products:
Products that provide moisture and control frizz are suitable for caring for wavy hair .
- Light curl creams , such as Curl Girl Nordic | Curling Cream
- soft leave-in conditioner , like the Sumilayi | Nourishing Shea Butter & Avocado Oil Leave-in Conditioner
- and a defining curl gel, like the Pretty Curly Girl | Magical Flaxseed Gel
can help define and shape the waves.
It is also important not to brush your hair roughly to prevent breakage. Instead, brush your hair gently with plenty of conditioner or leave-in so that your brush can glide easily through your hair.
To make it as easy as possible for you, we have put together a special set for the care of wavy hair: Wavy to curly hair – all-round starter set
Curly hair
Curly hair is known for its defined curls and spirals that give the hair bounce and volume. From large coils to corkscrew curls, this type of curl can be anything. Each type has its own characteristics and needs.
However, all curls in this category tend to frizz quickly and often look messy if not cared for properly.
Curl type 3a: This type has large, well-defined curls that can reach a diameter of up to 2cm. Despite its curly texture, this curl type can shine beautifully if well cared for.
Curl type 3b: With curl type 3b, the curls are tighter and more intense. The hair has a pronounced texture and tends to frizz. The curls are smaller and have a diameter of up to 1cm. If you think of corkscrew curls, these often fall into category 3b.
Curl type 3c: Even tighter corkscrew curls can be found in the 3c type. The maximum diameter is 0.5cm. The hair has a distinct texture and requires careful care.
Suitable care products:
When choosing the right products for curly hair to care for, it is important to use moisturizing products as curly hair tends to dry out quickly.
- Nourishing curl creams, such as Les Secrets de Loly | Kurl Nectar
- Leave-in conditioner, like the Breahni | Leave-in conditioner
- and regular treatments and hair masks, such as the Curl Girl Nordic | Protein Mask , can help define the curls.
This way, annoying frizz can be controlled and the hair remains healthy and well-groomed.
Gently detangling with your fingers or a wide-toothed curling comb using a curl conditioner is recommended. This helps to maintain the structure and definition of the curls and avoids unnecessary stress on the hair when combing.
Our practical bundle for curly hair contains everything you need to care for and style your curly hair: Curly Hair – All-Round Starter Set .
frizzy hair
Coily hair, also referred to as "coily" or "kinky" hair, is characterized by a structured, dense and spiral hair structure . It is known for its natural texture, which can range from tight curls to tight spirals.
The hair is wonderfully voluminous and consists of small, very tight curls . Curly hair is the most demanding hair type and requires special care and styling techniques, otherwise it quickly becomes dull and brittle.
Curl type 4a: Curl type 4a is characterized by defined, small S-shaped curls. The curls have a distinct spiral pattern and are close together. Curly hair type 4a has a high level of elasticity, but can be prone to dryness and breakage.
Curl type 4b: With curl type 4b, the curls are tighter and have a zigzag pattern. Due to this tight structure, the hair is pulled together by the curls for up to 75% of its total length.
The hair tends to tangle easily. Type 4b frizzy hair can require intense styling and lots of moisture to control frizz and define curls, otherwise it can quickly feel wiry and brittle.
Curl type 4c: Type 4c is the strongest but also the most fragile curl type. This type of hair is characterized by dense, tightly twisted curls. The hair can be very dry and tends to tangle.
Type 4c frizzy hair requires a lot of attention and intensive moisturizing with treatments and oils. This way, the elasticity is maintained and the curls are protected from split ends and breakage.
Suitable care products:
For the care of frizzy hair and Afro hair, products that are moisturizing and intensively nourishing are essential.
- Deep conditioning hair masks, such as the Ecoslay | Banana Cream Deep Conditioner
- rich leave-in conditioners, such as the Curls | Blueberry Bliss Leave-In Conditioner
- and nourishing hair oils, such as Ecoslay | Moonshine Hair Oil can help moisturize hair, reduce frizz, and define curls.
It is important to use gentle detangling techniques and protective options such as satin pillowcases or hair covers to minimize breakage and damage to the hair structure.
For strong curls and Afro curls, we have lovingly put together the best products for very curly and frizzy hair in one set for you: Strong Curls – All-Round Starter Set .
Conclusion
By understanding the different curl types, you have gained a valuable foundation of knowledge to develop the best possible hair care and styling routine for your own curly hair. You have learned that each curl type has its own needs and special requirements.
By knowing your own curl type and its specific requirements, you can choose the right products and care techniques . This will help you
- reduce frizz,
- to maximize definition and volume
- and promote the health of your curls in the best possible way.
Now you can confidently give your curls the love and care they deserve! No matter what type of curls you have, we at Lockenbox will help you with the right products and tools to make your individual curls shine.
Feel free to take part in the curl quiz and, based on your answers, we will show you what type of curl you are and which curl products are suitable for you.
FAQ
What types of curls are there?
There are several different types of curls that occur naturally in humans. The most common include waves, ringlets, and corkscrew curls. However, there are also hybrids and variations within these categories.
How can I determine my curl type?
There are several factors you can consider to determine your curl type. First, look at the shape of your curls. Are they wavy, do they have slight curls or are they very frizzy? Another factor is the thickness of your hair. Is it fine, medium or thick?
Additionally, you can check the elasticity of your curls by observing how they respond to moisture and styling. By combining these characteristics, you can determine your curl type.
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