We have stepped off the beach, the wavy beach of type 2 hair that is.

Thank you for viewing my blogs and getting in on the discussions about our beautiful crowns!

 

As promised today’s blog focuses on Type 3 hair. Now, the most obvious trait we can use to identify this category of hair is the curly shape of the strands. Type 3 hair has a defined S pattern where the lower half of the S forms an O. The space between these shapes is short and the cuticles do not lay flat. The strands form perfect ringlets and often cause dryness because natural oils find it harder to travel along the curls.

Like types 1 and 2, type 3 hair can be divided into three sub-categories; 3A/C3a, 3B/C3b and 3C/C3c.

Here goes a very poor drawing of mine showing what this type of hair looks like. You can see the S that constantly turns into an O.

I know it can be confusing to identify your hair type, especially since with enough moisture and styling, our strands take on kinks, coils, curls or waves that wouldn’t necessarily have naturally. Also, for some of us with longer hair, we may find different patterns along the strands as they descend and then we become baffled.

So the first step to identifying any type of hair and especially, in the case of type 3 hair, is to pay close attention to the nature of the strands when they are left unstyled.

1. Do they cluster together and wind around themselves in the shape of a corkscrew?
2. Is there a defined S-shape that folds into an O?

Yes to both questions? Well then you have curly hair a.k.a Type 3 hair. See this chart for clarification.

I know the term S-shape is used to identify type 2 hair as well but remember the definition, sharpness and strength of the shape that the strands have naturally are what matters.

3A/C3a Hair

Purple 3A Curly Hair on ItsMyRayeRaye from YouTube.

• Shiny but not as shiny as Type 1(straight) or Type 2(wavy) hair.
• Loose strands hence a looser curl pattern
• Spiral, usually springy curls

• The space between each curl is about 1.75″ diameters.
• Without hydration it will lack definition and frizz easily.

3B/C3b Hair

A low cut 3B Hair/Credit:NaturalHairQueen

• Coarse textured.
• Tightly wound curls like corkscrews, usually bouncy.
• Has more volume than 3A hair.
• Width between the curls is about the circumference of a Sharpie marker.

3C/C3c Hair

3C Hair/Credit: StyleCraze

• Tightest of type 3 curls.
• Also called coily because of the shape of the curls.
• Densely packed on the head hence a voluminous crown.
• Strong curls that can be wrapped snuggly around a pen.
• Fine textured.
• Curls can stay intact and definied even days after washing.
• More prone to dryness than 3A and 3B because sebum doesn’t get to travel down the strand due to the tight curl pattern.
• Width between the curls are short, approximately the circumference of a pen or pencil.

---

Now that we know how to identify type 3 hair and I can just hear someone saying…

That’s what I have!

You are welcome! So get the right products designed for your curls because you my friend, do not have wavy hair. You have coils and curls which need products that your strands will thank you for.

With that being said, here are some general tips for treating and styling Type 3 curly hair;

1. Be very generous with moisture. Curly hair is usually dry so use crèmes, gels, hair puddings and masques to keep hair hydrated and the scalp moisturized.
2. Choose the right Shampoos. This is equally as important for both men and women. Menshairblog tells us why that is so. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.
3. Deep condition after every wash.
4. Throw out the towel! Use a micro fiber towel or and old t-shirt instead. You can also allow hair to dry slowly using a diffuser or diffusing attachment with your blow-dryer.
5. Always dry hair at least 10% with a t-shirt or micro fiber towel before using diffuser or blow-dryer with diffusing attachment.
6. Have your hair cut by someone who is an expert on hair care or curly hair specialist.
7. Always apply products to wet hair for definition.
8. Detangle starting at the ends always.

Since the tips above are umbrella type suggestions and we know that 3C is “tightly” different from 3A, here are more specific ones for each sub-category;

I hope you at least snickered at my attempt of a joke just now 😏

• Add protein treatments to your 3A hair care regimen for added body as the fine strands can cause curls to look flat.
• Use a Denman brush with a moisturizing conditioner for detangling 3A hair.
• Putting your hair in sections, held by bobby pins while you diffuse can add volume.
• Do not co-wash 3A hair regularly, this causes your hair to be limp.
• 3B hair should be deep conditioned most if not all wash days.
• Little manipulation is the best, this prevents frizzing and reduces the need for detangling.
• The LOC treatment is vital to keep 3B hair looking and feeling healthy. It keeps in moisture necessary for this coarse textured type.
• Hair masques are highly suggested for 3B hair. See NaturalHairQueen for more useful tips.
• Back Away from the Straightening Iron, that’s if you’re a 3C lady or gent. This will only damage the pattern and health of your hair. Use a serum/protectant if you insist. NaturallyCurly suggests a few.
• Use hair rods or rollers if you think you need help boosting your curls.
• LOC is highly recommended for 3C hair too!

This method has become a holy grail for me even though I am a kinky girl! It is uber useful for anyone with any sort of curl, coil or kink in their hair.

• Sleep on silk pillows and wrap your head with silk scarves to reduce tension and keep frizz at bay.
• Use sulphate-free shampoos on 3C hair, natural products are best to increase and maintain hydrated strands.
• To keep 3C looking fresher for longer, try the pineapple method before bed.

---

I hope I was able to clear up any misconception you may have had before reading today’s blog.

See you tomorrow!