FIND YOUR CURL TYPE
Curl Types – What Is Your Hair Type?
It’s one of the most common questions we get asked – what is my curl type? Figuring this out can be confusing, especially as several different textures can exist on one head of hair!
According to hairstylist Vernon François, “Your curl type is determined by the shape of the follicle that your hair grows out of from your scalp. The flatter or more oval-shaped the follicle, the curlier your hair; the more circular the cross-section, the straighter your hair. Your curl pattern is also identified by the shape that the strands of hair make, whether they kink, curve, or wind around themselves into spirals.”
Where you have soft waves cascading down your back, or tight coils flowering towards the heavens, we’re here to help you decode your curls and figure out exactly what’s going on up top…
Different curl types
Wavy Hair
2A | 2B | 2C
This type of hair needs support and volume and is usually quite flat on the top. It generally requires boost and lift, so lighter products are best.
Curly Hair
3A | 3B | 3C
This is the most common curl pattern – it usually has enough volume at the roots and through the mid lengths to give a more defined, curly wave pattern.
Coily Hair
4A | 4B | 4C
Coily hair is the most voluminous of the hair types. It is very strong, usually thick hair that can be hard to keep moisturised.
Wash & Style Routines
Wavy Hair
2A | 2B | 2C
Wash
If scalp is oily it may require several washes per week with Shea Hydrate Curl Shampoo.
You can do a co wash mid-week with ACV Co-wash as this will remove product build up without a lather.
If scalp has build-up you could use a scalp brush BEFORE and during your wash. Requires very light conditioning after on ENDS ONLY.
Styling
After the wash, keep well saturated and tip head over forwards. For very fine waves, use a pea size amount of Shea Hydrate Curl Conditioner on the ends only!
Then use Beach Wave Spray right into the roots followed by 2 pumps of Curl Gel to roots and ends. For a firmer hold, use a small amount a good quality mousse as last layer.
Apply Long Root Clips through the top of the hair going with the natural fall. Pinch curls at the roots and pin for best volume results. Use 2x Hair Picks to lift the back.
Best results are achieved with air drying, but a light diffuse with the pins/picks in may help towards the end of the drying process.
Curly Hair
3A | 3B | 3C
Wash
Wash usually no more than once a week, or even every 2 to 3 weeks depending on product, oil build up on scalp (as long as it is combined with a ACV Co-wash at least once a week just to keep scalp healthy).
Definitely needs Shea Hydrate Curl Conditioner on dry hair before the wash – apply through the mid lengths to de tangle and use a detangling comb to gently remove any knots. Afterward, jump in the shower and use Shea Hydrate Curl Shampoo on the ROOTS ONLY. Remember the hair does not need the cleanse, the roots do.
Rinse well, then condition the ends. Tip: You can create your own mask by using Shea Hydrate Curl Conditioner combined with avocado oil (pre-mix in a small plastic bowl). Apply liberally to the mids and ends of the hair – if you have a plastic cap even better, then have a long shower! This allows the steam to activate the mask, minimum 5 to 10 minutes.
Styling
Keep hair saturated and apply product upside down using a generous amount of Shea Hydrate Curl Conditioner to ends only, then squish with a micro-fibre towel or cotton t-shirt.
Layer 2 to 3 pumps of curl gel to ends, then squish/apply curl cream to minds and ends. At this stage you could use the DENMAN technique around the face, then pin into place with long pins going with the natural fall and pinning sides close to reduce frizz. This will also make the hair appear longer. Use long pins to hold up the back section. Best results on curly hair is completely airdry, but a small amount of diffuse drying is ok right at the end.
Coily Hair
4A | 4B | 4C
Wash
Coily hair can be left for a long time, 2 to 4 weeks in some cases, but once more a regular once a week application of ACW Co-wash will keep the scalp healthy.
I suggest a pre-wash oil treatment using avocado oil – apply to dry hair up to 2 hours before if not overnight before wash day. Apply Shea Hydrate Curl Conditioner to ends, then use a pick very carefully to loosen up any knots or dreads. If you are able, using a scalp brush will help to dislodge product and scale build up. Do a very gentle but thorough wash at the roots only.
With this type of hair we suggest a cocktail of conditioner with say Garnier hair food mask liberally applied all over, and then gently combing out with a detangling comb.
Styling
Keep hair wet and apply upside down with the first layer being Shea Hydrate Curl Conditioner. At this point you may have one of your favourite products that can be combined into this routine, otherwise with the 2nd layer, use several generous pumps of curl gel and then squish with a micro-fibre towel or cotton t-shirt.
For a stronger hold, you could use a firm hold gel as your last layer. No pins required for this type of hair, as it is best to be left to fully air dry
