At Naturallycurly.ca we uses the following descriptions for Curly hair types:

Type 2 - Wavy

Wavy hair lies somewhere between straight and curly, and falls in loose S shapes. It has less sheen than straight hair and is more prone to frizz. It needs some extra hydration, but not too much as this will quickly weigh the waves down. Avoid heavy leave-in conditioners.

Wavy, S'Wavy Cherub, 2 (A,B,C)

2a- Tousled, beachy waves that sit close to the head, with a little volume.

2b- These waves are more defined, but begin a few inches down from root with slight volume.

2c- Waves begin at the root in a more defined S shape throughout the hair, with more body and volume. Hair texture is usually varied with some true curls in the mix.

Type 3 - Curly

Curly hair strands clump together and wind around in a spiral shape forming ringlets. This hair type can be dry, as the natural oil from the root struggles to make its way down the spirals.  Curly hair will benefit from regular deep conditioning treatments. 

Corkscrew, Botticelli, Corkicelli, 3 (A,B,C)

3a- Defined loops the size of a cork from a wine bottle.

3b- Springy ringlets size of your index finger with more volume than 3a curls.

3c- Tight corkscrew curls the circumference of a straw with lots of volume.

Type 4 - Coily and Kinky Hair

These curls range from a very tightly coiled S-shaped to a Z-shaped kinky pattern. The hair can appear shorter than it is, due to the tightness of the curl (known as shrinkage) and can feel soft and fine or coarse and wiry depending on the hair thickness. Type 4 curls are prone to breakage, dryness and tangles. Hydrating products containing nutritious oils, and deep conditioning treatments are required to avoid this.  We advise following our curly method and take note of the extra tips for additional hydration. 

Super Curly, Coily, Fractal, 4 (A,B,C)

Which type are you? Take a look at the images below for reference and follow up with the reading after.  We are always happy to have a virtual or live consultation to help you figure out your hair type.

How wide is your curl: A, B or C?

The subcategories from A to C are based on the width or diameter of your wave, curl or afro pattern. A is wider, B is medium and C is the smallest of the three.

Kinky hair has kinks in it, meaning the strands make a zigzag shape, not a curl or a wave.

Coily hair is when each of the strands form tight coils. It's very versatile but can be fragile—especially if the strands are fine—because it usually has a thin external layer.

Curly hair strands cluster together and wind around themselves in a spiral or looser curl shape. This texture needs plenty of moisture to encourage a defined pattern, but a little frizz can give it personality.

Wavy hair is when strands curve or form an "S" shape.

Straight is when strands go straight up and down.

Be Aware of Seasonal Changes

Humidity can do a real number on your hair. The same is true for the harsh dry winter months– i.e. the central-heating season – which tend to dry out your hair. During these months it is particularly important to keep up your deep-conditioning routines and to treat yourself to regular hair masks and oil treatments.

Great treatments:

Noelle's Deep Treatment Hair Oil

Stick to Anti-Frizz Fabrics

We are all careful about the products we use on our hair and scalp, and yet, we tend to forget that some of the fabrics we use to dry with or accessorize can be just as damaging. Swap Terrycloth for Microfibre towels for example. You may even consider investing in a silk pillow-case to stop your hair from matting overnight.

We have those:

Hydration is Key

Think about your daily water intake and what it does to your body; if you’re on the top of your water-drinking game you’re hydrated, your skin has a healthy glow and you generally feel good. If you’re drinking too little, you’re bound to feel lethargic, tight and dry skinned and possibly even fuzzy-headed.

Your curls are no different. Type 3B and 3C hair typically has a 5 to 8-inch spring back and if you want to keep those curls bouncy and healthy, they’re going to need to stay hydrated. Choose your conditioners, creams and gels based on their moisturizing factor and always try to give your curls an extra hydration boost before sleeping or going out into the cold with the use of a spray-on refresher or leave-in conditioner.

Get some here:

Go No-Poo

If you’re not already following the no-poo hair regime, it might be worth giving it a try. Eliminating silicone and sulphates from your hair care regime can work miracles on dry, damaged hair and will keep your hair hydrated for longer periods of time.

Grab it here: