Type 3 Hair: Curly
Type 3 hair is curly: it forms defined, springy spiral curls, graded by curl width. 3A curls are large (about sidewalk chalk), 3B are springy (about a marker), and 3C are tight (about a pencil). Here is how the three compare and how to care for curly hair.
Type 3 hair is curly, forming defined loops and spirals rather than S-waves. The curls have a clear circular shape and spring back when stretched. It ranges from the loose, large curls of 3a to the tight corkscrews of 3c.
How to Recognize Type 3 Hair
On clean, air-dried hair, look for spirals or loops with a defined round shape. If the pattern is a flat S rather than a loop, you are type 2. If the coils are very tight or form a zigzag, you are moving toward type 4.
The three Type 3 subtypes
- 3A hair typeLoose, large curls with a clear spiral shape, roughly the width of a piece of sidewalk chalk. They are defined but springy and lose shape if handled too much.
- 3B hair typeSpringy ringlets tighter than 3a, around the width of a marker, with more volume and density.
- 3C hair typeTight corkscrews packed densely together, around the width of a pencil or straw, with a lot of volume and more shrinkage.
How to Care for Type 3 Hair
Type 3 hair needs moisture and gentle handling. Use curl creams and gels for definition, avoid brushing when dry, and try plopping or diffusing to keep the curl shape. Sulfate-free cleansing and regular conditioning help prevent the dryness curly hair is prone to.
3a vs 3b vs 3c: how to tell them apart
The curly sub-types differ by curl diameter and density. 3a curls are large and loose, 3b curls are tighter springy ringlets, and 3c curls are tight, dense corkscrews. A quick guide is width: sidewalk-chalk width points to 3a, marker width to 3b, and pencil or straw width to 3c. Tighter and denser curls with more shrinkage sit closer to 3c.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is type 3 hair?
- Type 3 hair is curly hair that forms defined spiral curls. The subtypes (3A, 3B, 3C) are graded by curl width, from large loose curls to tight corkscrews.
- How do I know my type 3 subtype?
- Match your curl width to an object: sidewalk chalk is 3A, a marker is 3B, a pencil or straw is 3C. The tighter the curl, the higher the letter. The free quiz confirms it.
- What is the difference between wavy and curly hair?
- Wavy (type 2) hair forms open S-bends, while curly (type 3) hair forms full, closed loops and spirals. If most of your hair makes complete circles, it is curly.
3a vs 3b vs 3c: how to tell them apart FAQ
- What is the difference between 3a and 3b hair?
- 3a curls are large and loose, about the width of sidewalk chalk, while 3b curls are tighter, springier ringlets about the width of a marker, with more volume.
- Is my hair 3b or 3c?
- 3b forms springy ringlets around marker width, while 3c forms tight, dense corkscrews around pencil or straw width with more shrinkage. The tighter and more packed the curls, the closer to 3c.
- How do I know if I'm 3a, 3b or 3c?
- Compare your dry curl width to everyday objects: sidewalk-chalk width is 3a, marker width is 3b, and pencil or straw width is 3c.