Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Reiner Chase
Black hair can showcase various beautiful curl patterns, including tight coils (4C), defined curls (3C), and classic curls (3B). These numbers refer to the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, helping individuals understand their natural curl and texture.
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Different Types Of Curls For Black Hair
The Classic Curl
The classic curl is a beautiful style that can be achieved with the product and some time. This type of curl pattern has been around since the 1960s, but it was popularized by celebrities in the 1980s such as Lisa Bonet and Kim Fields from The Facts of Life. If you have curly hair or waves, this is one of your best options for achieving a bouncy look without spending too much time on your styling routine.
Only use heat sparingly when creating this type of curl because it will cause damage to natural curls over long periods of time. A better option would be to invest in an anti-frizz serum like Curl Keeper’s Frizz Eliminator Spray Gel ($14) which has ingredients that help keep your curls looking bouncy and smooth.
The Loose Curl
Looser curls are the type of curl that all naturals will be familiar with. This is because loose, full-bodied waves were popularized by people like Beyonce and Rihanna who both have natural hair types. You’ll want to add some product or oil to this style if you’re looking for more definition and a sleeker appearance.
A good way to get looser curls is using your fingers instead of a comb or brush when styling your hair in order to avoid breaking the bonds between strands of hair which causes frizziness and breakage.
The Baby Curl This type of curl pattern can also be called baby hairs or big coils because they look just like tiny ringlets
Looser curls are often seen on girls with long hair who put their hair up into a high ponytail or bun at night before going to bed. They’re typically large waves with gentle spirals throughout instead of tight curling patterns like those found in kinky curly textures.
The Baby Curl
This type of curl pattern can also be called baby hairs or big coils because they look just like tiny ringlets. Looser curls are often seen on girls with long hair who put their hair up into a high ponytail or bun at night before going to bed. They’re typically large waves with gentle spirals throughout instead of tight curling patterns like those found in kinky curly textures.
The Naptural Curls is an approach that focuses on the soft texture and natural movement typical within African-American’s nappy, coil, and curly strands by embracing them as beautiful rather than trying to straighten them out which causes more damage over time. This technique embraces your natural curls, kinks, coil patterns like those found in kinky curly textures.
The Sleek And Smooth Wave
The Sleek and Smooth Wave is a type of style that’s best suited for those who have medium to fine hair. It can be achieved on any length of hair with the help of roller or Flexi rods, but it generally takes longer than other styles because you need more time to let the rollers set your hairstyle in place overnight. The end result will give you sleek and smooth waves that are perfect for special occasions like weddings or formal events. This long-lasting look is created by curling each section one at a time before carefully letting down the rod while holding onto strands around your face so they don’t get caught up in the process. You’ll then use hairspray (if needed) as well as hold the style in place with a hair net or scarf.
The Voluminous Wavy Bob
This hairstyle is perfect for those of you with medium to fine hair. It can be achieved on any length of hair but generally takes longer than other styles because you need more time to let the rollers set your hairstyle in place overnight. The end result will give you sleek and smooth waves that are perfect for special occasions like weddings or formal events, it’s a long-lasting look created by curling each section one at a time before carefully letting down the rod while holding onto strands around your face so they don’t get caught up in the process. You’ll then use hairspray (if needed) as well as hold the style in place with a hair net or scarf. I hope this article has helped show different types of curls for black hair!
What Is The Difference Between A Perm, Crimp And Curl?
You can tell the difference by looking at each of these types of curls. A perm will involve chemicals that break down your hair’s protein structure. Crimping or curling involves heat from things like straightening irons to give you different looks until it wears off naturally in about three months’ time (but if you have fine hair this may take up to six months). It also has fewer styling options than with permanent waves because it won’t hold as well against humidity or sweat due to its temporary nature so there are fewer chances for frizzies too. So fundamentally all these methods provide an alternative texture but they differ in how long they last and what type of look they give.
How to Figure Out Your Curl Type
Understanding your curl type can be a game-changer when it comes to hair care. With the right knowledge, you can tailor your routine and products to bring out the best in your natural hair. If you’re wondering how to determine your curl type, here’s a simple guide:
1. Understand the Curl Classification System
The curl classification system is largely attributed to Oprah’s hairstylist, Andre Walker. It categorizes hair into four major types — straight (1), wavy (2), curly (3), and kinky (4). Each type is then subdivided according to the tightness of the curls or waves.
2. Analyze Your Hair When It’s Wet
For best results, examine your hair strands immediately after washing when there is no product applied. Wet, clean hair showcases its natural curl pattern most accurately.
3. Examine Individual Strands
Don’t glance merely at the overall look of your hair. Instead, pull out a few individual strands for examination. Look closely at how they bend and curve to define your curl type.
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Type 1 (Straight) | Hair is completely straight and has no curl pattern. |
| Type 2 (Wavy) | Hair forms loose, long S-shaped waves. It could further be classified as 2A (loose waves), 2B (more defined waves), and 2C (defined waves with some spirals at the end). |
| Type 3 (Curly) | Hair forms definite, springy curls in the shape of spirals. It includes 3A (loose curls), 3B (tighter curls), and 3C (tightest curls before becoming kinky). |
| Type 4 (Kinky) | Hair forms tight, small coils or zig-zag patterns from the scalp, often seeming more ‘fluffy’. It’s divided into 4A (tight curls that form an ‘S’ pattern), 4B (Z-shaped strands), and 4C (tightest kinks with almost no visible curl pattern). |
4. Assess Your Hair Overall
Once you’ve examined individual strands, take a step back and look at your hair overall. It’s important to remember that it’s perfectly normal to have more than one curl type on your head.
Once you’ve successfully determined your curl type, you can now adjust your hair care routine and products to best suit your unique curls. It will ultimately lead to healthier, more manageable, and lusciously beautiful curls. Remember that regardless of your curl type, taking good care of your hair should always be your top priority.
References:
https://fabbon.com/articles/hair/curly-hairstyles-for-black-women
https://www.dentalhairclinicturkey.com/blog/afro-hair-types-complete-guide/
