Curly hair comes in many beautiful shapes and patterns, but figuring out your exact curl type can be confusing.
Understanding your curl pattern helps you choose the right products and styling techniques for your unique locks. This guide breaks down 15 different curl types to help you identify and care for your gorgeous curls!
1. Type 2A: Subtle Waves
Barely-there waves that add a hint of movement to otherwise straight hair. Type 2A curls typically lie flat at the roots and form gentle S-patterns toward the ends.
These waves are often fine in texture and can be easily weighed down by heavy products.
2. Type 2B: Defined Beach Waves
More pronounced than 2A, these waves form distinct S-shapes from mid-shaft to ends. The hair stays relatively flat at the crown but develops noticeable texture below.
Without proper products, 2B hair tends to frizz, especially in humidity.
3. Type 2C: Bold Waves
The most defined of the wavy types, 2C features waves that begin at the roots. These thick, coarse waves border on curly with pronounced S-patterns throughout the hair shaft.
Prone to frizz and often has mixed texture patterns.
4. Type 3A: Loose Curls
Springy, well-defined loops about the size of a wine cork. These shiny curls create an airy, bouncy silhouette with plenty of movement.
Type 3A curls wrap around your finger easily and have a definite S-shape with wider circumference.
5. Type 3B: Springy Ringlets
Bouncy, spiral-shaped curls that range from ringlets to corkscrews. About the diameter of a marker, these curls spring back quickly when stretched.
More densely packed than 3A, these curls create beautiful volume but need moisture to prevent frizz.
6. Type 3C: Corkscrew Curls
Tight, densely packed curls about the width of a pencil. These springy corkscrews form tight spirals that create impressive volume and fullness.
Type 3C hair shrinks considerably when dry and needs significant moisture to maintain definition.
7. Type 4A: Tightly Coiled S-Patterns
Densely packed coils with an S-pattern visible when stretched. About the width of a crochet needle, these springy curls have a defined pattern.
Type 4A hair has high shrinkage and creates beautiful volume with the right moisture balance.
8. Type 4B: Z-Patterned Coils
Sharp-angled curls that form a Z-pattern rather than an S-shape. These dense, springy coils bend in zigzag formations with less visible curl definition.
Type 4B hair has high shrinkage and creates gorgeous volume but requires plenty of moisture.
9. Type 4C: Tight Zigzag Coils
The tightest curl pattern with densely packed zigzag coils that may not be immediately visible. These delicate strands have the most shrinkage of all curl types.
Extremely versatile for styling but requires maximum moisture to prevent breakage.
10. Wavy-Curly Combo
A mix of 2C waves and 3A curls creating an interesting texture variation. Usually wavier at the crown and curlier toward the ends.
This combination pattern often results from genetics or chemical treatments and requires customized care routines.
11. Cachos com pinos
Tiny, uniform spiral curls that resemble coiled springs. Whether natural or created with styling tools, pin curls form tight, bouncy ringlets.
These defined curls create fantastic texture and can be found in various curl types.
12. Botticelli Curls
Romantic, flowing S-shaped curls reminiscent of Renaissance paintings. These loose, elongated curls cascade down with a distinctive artistic quality.
Named after the painter Sandro Botticelli, these curls combine elements of both waves and curls.
13. Cherub Curls
Soft, angelic ringlets that frame the face with delicate loops. Often seen in children but can persist into adulthood with proper care.
These bouncy, perfectly formed spirals have a halo-like quality that creates a youthful appearance.
14. Shirley Temple Curls
Perfectly uniform, tight ringlets resembling the iconic child star’s signature look. These springy, well-defined curls form consistent spirals throughout the hair.
Whether natural or styled, these distinctive curls create a playful, nostalgic appearance.
15. Transitioning Curls
The unique pattern that emerges during the transition from chemically straightened to natural hair. Features a mix of textures as new growth develops.
These curls represent a hair journey and require special care at the line of demarcation.