Dear curly heads

I am often asked which products are for which curl type, so I would like to use today's blog post to provide a clear overview of the different curl types and their "groupings".

How do you find your curl type?

Finding your own curl type takes time. Despite the widespread belief that curls are curls, there are wide variations of curl types. Each type has its own characteristics and properties. Although it is easy to divide hair into straight and curly, this is not a measure of the true beauty of unique waves, curls and curls. So how do you determine your own curl type? First of all, it takes time, time and love.

The curl types in detail

Type 2a: a slight "S" movement in the hair that stays close to the head. Rather fine hair

.Type 2b: similar "S" shape to type 2a but tends to be slightly more frizzy on the crown. Loses definition easily.

Type 2c: this hair has the coarsest wave form among the wavy curls. They consist of some real curls, not "just" waves.

Type 3a: Curls show a clear "S" pattern that is well defined and usually bouncy. This type of curl has a circumference the width of a piece of sidewalk chalk.

Type 3b: These curls have more volume and a smaller circumference than type 3a - roughly like a lipstick

Type 3c: The curls resemble tight corkscrews and have approximately the circumference of a pencil or straw. Type 3c hair tends to be denser and coarser than type 2 or 3 hair.

Type 4a: Tightly coiled hair with an "S" pattern. It has more moisture than type 4b and a visible curl pattern. The circumference of the spirals is close to that of a crochet hook.

Type 4b: the curly strands have a "Z" shape and a less defined curl pattern. Instead of curling, the hair bends at sharp angles like the letter "Z". Type 4b hair is tightly coiled and can feel wiry to the touch. This is also known as kinky hair because of the kinks in the "Z" shape

Type 4c: The hair consists of strands that are almost impossible to define without the use of styling products. Type 4c hair can range from: fine, thin and soft to coarse, with dense strands.

Curl types by texture

Another method of grouping hair is by texture, as there is often overlap in the "type groups" so that it is easy to distinguish hair by texture:

Kinky:Kinky hair has kinks in English: "kinks". This means that the strands of hair have a zig-zag shape, not curly or wavy. A good sign that kinky hair needs another cut is when the ends get tangled.

Coily : Coily hair forms rolls, from the English: "Coil" which means roll or coil. Coily hair is very versatile, but also very sensitive. Especially if the hair is fine, as it only has a very fine, natural protective sheath.

Curly: Curly hair stays more in strands and wraps around itself in spirals or a loose curl shape. Curly is English for curly. This texture needs a lot of moisture to have a defined curl pattern, a little frizz can give these curls personality.

Wavy : Wavy hair is when the hair is shaped in waves.

But no matter what type of curl you have, all of them can be broken by: coloring, straightening, chemical or simply wrong treatment; and need love. So you could describe "broken" as your own hair type J

What does which curl type need?

The care of different types of curls is just as different. So what does which curl type need?

Type 2:Make sure you use lighter products that won't weigh your hair down. Mousse, gel and cream gels are good for soft waves.

Type 3abis3b: need less moisture, more styling cream, a cream gel or styling milk for less frizz but more definition.

Type 3c:Use styling creams or puddings that moisturize. Deep conditioner at least once a week to maintain elasticity and moisture.

Type 4:requires a creamy humectant to maximize protection and moisture. A curl-defining pudding or soufflé/smoothie can safely stretch the curls for twist-outs and braid-outs.

No matter what type you are, you should always use sulfate-free shampoos to preserve your hair's natural moisture and protect it from drying out.

I think it's also the case that no curly head can be pinned down to one curl type. I have what feels like three different types of curls on my head ☺️

If you are not sure which products are best for you, send me a photo of your curls together with your "curl request" and I will be happy to help you find the right products for your curls. Of course I am also happy to hear from you, every feedback helps me to make lockenkopf even better.
(I speak German, English and Spanish)

Cordially

Rosa Maria