How to Figure Out Your Curl Type? - 2B, 3A, 4C Hair

The letters refer to the curliness or coil pattern, while the numbers indicate the degree of curliness or coil size. Lower numbers indicate looser curls or waves, while higher numbers mean tighter coils. The hair typing system helps categorize different natural hair textures and can be useful for finding products and styles suitable for your hair type. 2B, 3A, and 4C refer to different hair types in the hair typing system. This system categorizes hair based on curl pattern, with type 1 being straight hair, Type 2 being wavy, Type 3 being curly, and type 4 being very curly or coily hair. So, how to figure out your curl type? We have the best curly wig hair for you!

Hot Curly Hair Types - 2B, 3A, 4C Hair

2B hair is wavy hair that forms loose waves. The waves can be wide and range from barely-there waves to distinct S-shaped waves.

• -Wave pattern ranges from loose to tightly defined S waves.

• -The waves can be quite uniform throughout the hair or be a combination of S and C shapes.

• -When wet, 2B hair will appear almost straight before waving up as it dries.

• -2B hair is very easy to style and can hold curls with products. It tends to be frizz-prone.

• -Celebrities with 2B hair include Jennifer Aniston and Lorde.

  
  

3A hair has loose, well-defined curls. The curls are springy and can be stretched into waves when pulled. The curls tend to be wide and loose.

• -Springy, loose, well-defined ringlets.

• -The curls are wide, with around the width of a crayon or pencil.

• -When wet, 3A hair will appear straight or wavy before curling up as it dries.

• -3A curls hold their shape well but can be weighed down easily. They are prone to frizz.

• -Celebrities with 3A hair include Shakira and Julia Roberts.

  
  

4C hair is tightly coiled with very little definition. The coils are tightly packed with sharp angles and the hair texture is wiry. 4C is often referred to as kinky hair.

• -Tightly coiled with little to no definition between coils.

• -4C coils are very dense and packed together, with sharp angles rather than rounded curls.

• -When wet, 4C hair remains tightly coiled. The coils swell in size when wet.

• -Very fragile and prone to dryness. Holds styles like braidouts well.

• Celebrities with 4C hair include Viola Davis and Solange Knowles.

  
  

Other Curly Hair Types

• 2A - Loose waves tend to be more on the straight side, with the "S" shaped waves being less defined.

• 2C - Distinct "S" shaped waves that are a bit more defined and structured than 2B hair. The waves can be frizzy.

• 3B - Tighter corkscrew curls than 3A hair. The curls are well-defined and more springy, with lots of bounce.

• 3C - Tight corkscrew curls that are more defined, with a sharper curve to the curl compared to 3B hair. The curls are dense and tend to shrink up closely to the head.

• 4A - Tightly coiled S-shaped curls that are slightly more defined than 4B or 4C hair types. The coils are smaller than a pencil width.

• 4B - "Z" shaped tight coils that are less defined than 4A and have more shrinkage. The "S" shape isn't always apparent.

• F - This means the curls are fine in texture, with a thinner strand diameter.

• H - This means the curls are more hydrated, soft, and shiny.

• i - This means the curls may have some inconsistent variations or be a blend of types.

What Types of Spray to Use for 2B, 3A, and 4C Hair?

Here are some recommended spray product types for 2B, 3A, and 4C hair:

2B Hair:

• - Sea salt spray - Adds texture and beachy waves. Brands like Ouai, Oribe, or John Frieda.

• - Anti-frizz spray - Helps control frizz and flyaways. Try Frizz Ease by John Frieda.

• - Volumizing spray - Gives lift at the roots. Examples: Big Sexy Hair, Kenra.

3A Hair:

• - Curl definer spray - Enhances natural curl pattern. Shea Moisture, Cantu, and DevaCurl have options.

• - Holding spray - Provides a flexible hold to set curls in place. Aussie, Ouidad.

• - Shine spray - Adds luminous shine while taming frizz. Moroccanoil, evo.

4C Hair:

• - Curl revitalizing spray - Rehydrates and defines coils. Camille Rose, As I Am, Design Essentials.

• - Twist-out spray - Helps achieve defined twist-outs. Carol's Daughter, Taliah Waajid. 

• - Cooling spray - For itchiness and dryness. Try SleekHair.