From loose waves to tight coils and everything in between, curly hair types are beautifully varied. Use a curly hair type chart (and our handy tailored care tips below) to identify and care for your curl’s specific needs.
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The variety in curly hair types is caused by different follicle shapes, from round to elliptical. Curl types are also defined by the pattern your strands make, whether hair grows into curves, spirals, or kinks. And it’s totally normal to have more than one curl type going on, so you might have a combo of curls and coils!
As each curl type has slightly different textures and needs, it’s important to identify yours to select the best products and care routine.
The curl type classification system is divided into four types, from 1 to 4, with type 1s being straight hair.
• Type 2 is wavyWithin each numbered category, hair types are divided into subcategories of A to C, depending on curl pattern and width.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the different categories you’re likely to see on a curly hair types chart:
Wavy hair creates a natural S shape.
● Type 2A hair falls in gentle, loose waves with a fine density.
● Type 2B hair features wavy curls that start around mid-length of each strand.
● Type 2C hair falls in tighter, more defined waves with a coarser texture.
Soft or defined, waves need smoothness to look their best, so you can enhance your waves with the Garnier Hair Food masks which feel deeply hydrating. Try it as a rinse out mask or as you’d use your usual conditioner!
And for added shine, you can start the hydration process even earlier in your hair wash by incorporating Garnier Hair Drink treatments into your routine. Use your fingers to detangle in the shower before slathering on the richliquid conditioner containing hydrating ingredients such as banana or papaya. Leave on a for just 10 seconds before rinsing.
Curly hair strands loop back on themselves to create circular curls.
● Type 3A hair falls in loose, curly loops with a C-shape, that spring back when pulled.
● Type 3B hair has a denser, coarser texture with small, defined curls.
● Type 3C hair will look like tight, springy corkscrew shapes with plenty of natural shine.
Define and hydrate your Type 3 curls with Garnier’s supercharged Hair Food masks. Nourishing formulas like the best-selling Banana Hair Food Mask dial up the shine thanks to being enriched with Vitamin Cg, E, and F derivative and packed with nourishing Shea Butter. Leave the mask in wet hair for up to 5 minutes before rinsing out to leave curly strands up to 7x smoother*. You can also leave it in (no rinsing required!) for deep, long-lasting nourishment, or even use it to help when you come to styling your hair.
*Instrumental test after application of the mask as a rinse off
With type 4 hair, the S-shaped curls are tightened into defined coils. Textures can range from thin and fine to very thick.
● Type 4A hair falls in tight, coily, S-shaped springs with plenty of volume.
● Type 4B hair looks like tight coils with a Z-shape, rather than S-shape.
● Type 4C hair is tightly packed with fine, zig-zag coils.
Lock in smoothness and help prevent coil shrinkage with Garnier’s intense hydration Hair Food masks. Try treating your Type 4 curls to the curl-defining Cocoa Butter Hair Food Mask. Apply to dry hair for up to 10 minutes before shampooing, or massage into wet hair as your usual conditioner. You can also leave the mask in for bouncy, nourished, and moisturised coils – we love this as part of your hair smoothing routine. And remember, it can also be a great tool when it comes to styling - for more tips on using this product for styling, check out this article.
Understanding your curly hair type is the key to unlocking your best-ever hair day. While waves, curls, and coils can benefit from a little extra hydrating TLC, your caring routine can be simple and fun with the right products. Ready to show your locks a little love? Try the Garnier’s Hair Food range and share your results!
