Curl Types Explained: The Complete Guide to Hair Typing
Learn about the curl type classification system, from 2A waves to 4C coils. Discover your curl pattern and what it means for your hair care routine.
The bottom line: The Andre Walker hair typing system (2A-4C) is a helpful starting point, but porosity, density, and strand width matter just as much for product selection. Use curl type as a guide, not a rule.
Quick Picks: Products by Curl Type
Find Your Match
Start with products suited to your curl pattern:
Not sure about your hair type? Take our quick quiz to find out.
Understanding the Curl Type System
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 2 hair falls between straight and curly, characterised by S-shaped waves.
Type 2A
- Pattern: Loose, barely-there waves
- Texture: Fine to medium
- Characteristics: Waves start near the ends, easily weighed down
- Best products: Lightweight mousses, sea salt sprays
Type 2B
- Pattern: Defined S-shaped waves from mid-length
- Texture: Medium
- Characteristics: More defined waves, some frizz at the crown
- Best products: Light creams, curl enhancing sprays
Type 2C
- Pattern: Well-defined waves with some spiral curls
- Texture: Medium to coarse
- Characteristics: Waves start at roots, prone to frizz
- Best products: Curl creams, light gels
Browse Products for Wavy Hair (2A-2C)
Lightweight formulas that enhance without weighing down
Type 3: Curly Hair
Type 3 hair forms defined spirals and ringlets.
Type 3A
- Pattern: Big, loose spiral curls (sidewalk chalk size)
- Texture: Fine to medium
- Characteristics: Shiny, defined curls that may fall flat at roots
- Best products: Curl creams, lightweight gels
Type 3B
- Pattern: Springy ringlets (Sharpie marker size)
- Texture: Medium
- Characteristics: Well-defined, bouncy curls with volume
- Best products: Moisturising creams, medium-hold gels
Type 3C
- Pattern: Tight corkscrew curls (pencil size)
- Texture: Medium to coarse
- Characteristics: Dense, voluminous curls, prone to dryness
- Best products: Rich creams, curl jellies, oils
Browse Products for Curly Hair (3A-3C)
Definition and moisture for spiral curls
Type 4: Coily Hair
Type 4 hair has tight coils and kinks.
Type 4A
- Pattern: Soft, defined coils (crochet needle size)
- Texture: Fine to coarse
- Characteristics: S-pattern visible when stretched
- Best products: Heavy creams, butters, oils
Type 4B
- Pattern: Z-shaped coils with sharp angles
- Texture: Medium to coarse
- Characteristics: Less defined pattern, high shrinkage
- Best products: Thick butters, LOC/LCO method
Type 4C
- Pattern: Tight zig-zag pattern
- Texture: Fine to coarse
- Characteristics: Highest shrinkage (up to 75%), very fragile
- Best products: Heavy creams, oils, protective styles
Browse Products for Coily Hair (4A-4C)
Rich moisture and strong hold for tight coils
Products by Curl Type
Recommended Products by Pattern
| Product | Weight | Hold | Protein-Free PF | Fragrance-Free FF | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly Curlsmith | Light | | – | – | ££ | Wavy hair (2A-2C), fine curls |
| Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Umberto Giannini | Light | | ✓ | – | £ | All curl types, budget-friendly starter |
| Bouclème Curl Defining Gel Bouclème | Light | | ✓ | – | ££ | Type 3 curls, touchable finish |
| Kinky-Curly Curling Custard Kinky-Curly | Medium | | ✓ | – | ££ | Type 3C-4A, natural ingredients |
| Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel Eco Styler | Heavy | | – | – | £ | Type 4 coils, maximum hold |
Beyond Hair Type: Other Factors
Porosity
How well your hair absorbs and retains moisture:
- Low porosity: Cuticles tightly closed, products sit on hair
- Medium porosity: Balanced absorption and retention
- High porosity: Cuticles raised, absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast
Density
How much hair you have:
- Low density: Scalp easily visible
- Medium density: Some scalp visible
- High density: Scalp barely visible
Width (Strand Thickness)
The thickness of individual strands:
- Fine: Thin strands, easily weighed down
- Medium: Average thickness
- Coarse: Thick strands, can handle heavier products
Finding Your Routine
Your curl type is just one piece of the puzzle. The best routine considers:
- Your curl pattern (for styling techniques)
- Your porosity (for product selection)
- Your density (for product amounts)
- Your lifestyle (for maintenance frequency)
Find Your Perfect Products
Browse All Products by Hair Type
Filter by your curl pattern, porosity, and more
Take the Hair Quiz
Get personalised recommendations based on your unique hair profile
Next Steps
Now that you understand curl types:
- Take our Hair Quiz to identify your type, porosity, and get personalised recommendations
- Learn about porosity — it matters just as much as curl type
- Start your routine with our beginner wash day guide