Do you know your curl type? Whether you have loose beachy waves or tight springy coils, understanding your curl pattern is the first step to building a hair care routine that actually works. This guide covers the full curl type chart — from 2C waves through to 4A coils — and what it means for how you care for your hair.
The Curl Type System: An Overview
The curl typing system was popularised by hairstylist Andre Walker and later expanded by the curly hair community. It classifies hair into four main categories (1–4) with sub-types (A, B, C) based on the shape and tightness of the curl:
- Type 1: Straight — no curl pattern
- Type 2: Wavy — S-shaped waves
- Type 3: Curly — defined spiral curls
- Type 4: Coily/Kinky — tight coils or zig-zag patterns
Note: your curl type can vary across different parts of your head. Many people have a mix of types — for example, 2C at the front and 3A at the back.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
2A — Loose Waves
2A hair has a subtle S-wave that tends to sit flat at the roots. It is the easiest wave type to straighten, but also the most prone to going limp. 2A hair benefits from lightweight products — heavy creams will weigh the waves down completely. Mousse and light gels work best.
2B — Defined Waves
2B waves are more defined, typically lying flat at the roots and forming stronger S-shapes from mid-length. Frizz is common, especially in humidity. 2B hair responds well to the Curly Girl Method and benefits from a diffuser to enhance wave definition without heat damage.
2C — Thick Wavy / Borderline Curly
2C is the waviest of the wavy types — thick, defined S-waves that can border on ringlets. 2C hair has significant volume and frizz potential. It needs more moisture than 2A or 2B and responds well to curl creams and medium-hold gels. A dry curl cut is particularly effective for 2C hair to remove bulk without collapsing the wave pattern.
Type 3: Curly Hair
3A — Loose Curls
3A curls are large, loose spirals roughly the width of a piece of sidewalk chalk. They have a lot of natural shine and bounce. 3A hair tends to be fine to medium in texture and can be weighed down easily. Lightweight leave-ins and defining creams work best. Without the right cut, 3A hair can look poofy or undefined.
3B — Medium Curls
3B curls are tighter spirals, roughly the width of a marker pen. They have significant volume and shrinkage (up to 30%). 3B hair needs more moisture than 3A and benefits from layered styling — a leave-in followed by a cream and gel. This is one of the most common curl types seen at Hair Love Artistry on the Sunshine Coast.
3C — Tight Curls
3C curls are tight, dense corkscrews about the width of a pencil. They have high shrinkage and require regular deep conditioning to stay hydrated. 3C hair is often prone to dryness and tangles. The LOC method (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) works well for this type. Protective styles like braids and buns can help manage length retention.
Type 4: Coily Hair
4A — Soft Coils
4A hair has a defined S or Z-pattern with tight coils roughly the width of a crochet needle. It retains moisture better than 4B or 4C but still needs regular deep conditioning. 4A hair shrinks significantly — often 50–70% of its actual length. With proper moisture and a good cut, 4A coils can have incredible definition and volume.
4B — Z-Pattern Coils
4B hair has less defined curl pattern — the strands bend in sharp Z or W shapes rather than forming distinct coils. It is very dense, very prone to dryness, and shrinks up to 70–75%. Moisture and sealing with an oil are essential. Protective styling is especially important to retain length.
4C — Tightly Coiled
4C is the tightest coil type, with very little visible curl definition in its dry state and shrinkage up to 75% or more. 4C hair is the most fragile of all types and requires the most intensive moisture routine. Gentle detangling, regular deep conditioning, and minimal manipulation are key.
Why Knowing Your Curl Type Matters
Your curl type helps you understand:
- How much moisture your hair needs
- Which products will work (and which will flop)
- How to cut your hair for best results
- What styling techniques to use
That said, curl type is just one part of the picture. Porosity (how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture) and density (how much hair you have) are equally important when building your routine.
What is Your Curl Type? Get a Professional Assessment
Not sure where you fall on the curl type chart? At Hair Love Artistry in Buderim, every appointment begins with a curl consultation — we assess your curl type, porosity, density, and hair history to recommend the right cut, products, and routine for you specifically.
Danielle Rosin is a dedicated curly hair specialist serving the Sunshine Coast — from Buderim and Maroochydore to Noosa and Caloundra. Book your curl consultation here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my curl type change over time?
Yes. Curl pattern can change due to hormones (pregnancy, menopause, puberty), health changes, chemical treatments, and even diet. Many people find their curl pattern becomes more defined once they switch to CGM-approved products and stop heat styling.
Do I need different products for different curl types?
Generally yes. Type 2 wavy hair needs lighter products; type 4 coily hair needs much heavier moisture. Type 3 falls in between. A curl specialist can recommend the right products for your specific combination of curl type, porosity, and density.
Is curl typing the same as the Curly Girl Method?
No — curl typing is a classification system. The Curly Girl Method is a product and technique approach. You can follow CGM regardless of your curl type.
