What Is Your Hair Type?
What Is Your Hair Type?
Discover your curl pattern, understand the difference between 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C hair, and find the best routine for your texture.
Find Your Hair Type
Find Your Hair Type
Start with your curl pattern, then open the full guide for your hair type.
3A Hair
Loose, defined curls with bounce and movement. 3A hair usually needs lightweight moisture and frizz control.
View 3A Guide3B Hair
Springy curls with more volume. 3B hair often needs leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and gentle detangling.
View 3B Guide3C Hair
Tight corkscrew curls that are dense, full, and prone to dryness. 3C hair benefits from moisture and curl definition.
View 3C Guide4A Hair
Soft, defined coils with an S-shaped pattern. 4A hair responds well to leave-ins, creams, and protective styling.
View 4A Guide4B Hair
Z-shaped coils with high shrinkage. 4B hair needs moisture, gentle handling, and styles that protect the ends.
View 4B Guide4C Hair
Dense, tight coils with major shrinkage. 4C hair needs consistent moisture, patience, and low manipulation.
View 4C GuideHair Type Is Only the Beginning
Your curl pattern helps you understand your hair, but your best routine also depends on porosity, density, strand thickness, scalp health, dryness, shrinkage, and styling habits.
Type 3 Hair: Curly Hair
3A Hair
3A hair has loose curls with natural shine and bounce. It usually does best with lightweight products that do not flatten the curl pattern.
Read 3A Guide3B Hair
3B hair has springy curls with more volume than 3A. It usually needs moisture, curl cream, and frizz control.
Read 3B Guide3C Hair
3C hair has tighter corkscrew curls that need hydration, curl definition, and regular conditioning.
Read 3C GuideType 4 Hair: Coily Hair
4A Hair
4A hair has soft, defined coils with visible curl definition. Moisture and gentle detangling are key.
Read 4A Guide4B Hair
4B hair has a tighter zig-zag pattern and high shrinkage. Protective styles and moisture help reduce breakage.
Read 4B Guide4C Hair
4C hair has the tightest curl pattern and major shrinkage. It thrives with moisture, low manipulation, and satin protection.
Read 4C GuideHair Type Comparison
| Hair Type | Pattern | Main Need |
|---|---|---|
| 3A | Loose curls | Lightweight moisture and frizz control |
| 3B | Springy curls | Moisture, curl cream, and definition |
| 3C | Tight corkscrew curls | Moisture, curl definition, and detangling |
| 4A | Soft coils | Moisture and gentle handling |
| 4B | Z-shaped coils | Moisture retention and breakage protection |
| 4C | Tightest coils | Consistent moisture and low manipulation |
Helpful Hair Type Guides
Best Products for 3C Hair
Leave-ins, curl creams, gels, oils, and conditioners for 3C curls.
Read GuideBest Products for 4C Hair
Moisturizers, oils, deep conditioners, tools, and styling products for 4C hair.
Read GuideProducts
Explore hair products for curls, coils, locs, hair growth, scalp care, and moisture.
View ProductsBuild Your Hair Routine
1. Cleanse
Use a shampoo that cleans your scalp without stripping your hair.
2. Condition
Condition and deep condition regularly to improve softness, moisture, and manageability.
3. Moisturize
Use a leave-in conditioner, cream, or moisturizer based on your hair type and porosity.
4. Protect
Use satin or silk at night to reduce dryness, frizz, tangles, and breakage.
