Whats your curl type?

Curl identifier

For the best head of curls, you need to know your hair type. Here’s a quick guide and recommended products to get healthy, moisturized, non-frizzy curls bursting with volume. 

Thanks to our product partner Davines for the curl guide.

There are twelve types of hair. Each type is identified by a number and then broken down into 4 categoires. Within each category, there is an additional subdivisions A, B, C that describes how the curl winds.

Which curl pattern best matches your curls? See diagram below.

Type 1 refers to straight hair (no image, us straight hair peeps got it!)

Type 2 to wavy hair

Type 3 to curly hair

Type 4 is for coily and textured hair

  • Type 2 waves can be very delicate or more evident and develop following an S pattern on lengths.

    2A - Wavy and fine hair

    The 2A texture is generally flatter at the root, and it becomes softer from the ears down to the ends. Being barely visible, this type of wavy hair that can be straightened easily.

    2B - Wavy and thick hair

    Your hair is mostly straight at the roots and fall in S bends that are more defined from the mid-length to the ends. It is a medium texture with some frizz especially around the head.

    2C - Wavy and full hair

    Waves are defined from the roots. This texture is generally thick or coarse and is prone to frizz. 

  • The spirals of type 3 curly hair may range from loose to tight and bouncy. They are almost always prone to frizzing.

    3A - Large spiral soft curls

    Curls feature big and large spirals. Ringlets tend to be shiny with a well-defined scroll shape.

    3B - Tight spiral curls

    This type of curl is characterized by spirals that start right off the roots. Curls are bouncy and are halfway between ringlets and corkscrews. They have volume and tend to be coarse and full.

    3C - Corkscrew curls

    It is thick hair prone to frizz and the curl size if fairly tight, typically with the circumference of a pencil or straw Type C hair is the one with tightest spirals in category 3, yet it’s also the one that tends to feature the largest volume. 

  • This hair is commonly referred to as coily and textured hair. It is naturally very dry, thus requiring extra moisture and care. Shafts form small zig-zag curls.


    4A - Tiny coils

    This type of hair can shorten up to half its length once dried: the width of the spiral does not exceed that of a pencil.

    4B - Z-shaped or S-shaped coils

    Zig-zag coils that do not form a true spiral, but rather a broken line. Hair is very delicate, with great volume and prone to frizz.

    4C - Tight textured hair

    These coils have the highest degree of contraction once dried. The spiral is very tight and the hair shaft very delicate.  

Curl Maintenance

 Curly or Wavy hair (Davines)

STEP 1: SHAMPOOING

To give its best, curly hair should be shampooed no more than twice a week. Better to use lukewarm water and apply shampoo on roots, not on lengths and ends to avoid removing hydration. 

It is advisable to always use curl shampoos that gently cleanse, such as LOVE CURL shampoo enriched with Noto almond extract. An alternative — particularly suitable for very curly hair — is the so calledco-wash, i.e.a wash using a conditioner that has cleansing power, lighter than a traditional shampoo. You can use for example LOVE CURL CLEANSING CREAM, which is enriched with Noto almond like all the products of the LOVE CURL family. 

Those who have greasy scalp or feel the need to eliminate the build-up of styling products can use SOLU Shampoo with the extract of buckwheat from a Slow Food Presidium that ensures deep cleansing. 

STEP 2 – MOISTURIZATION AND NOURISHMENT

Curly hair tends to be dry, especially on lengths and ends, because the greasiness of the scalp cannot spread evenly along the hair shaft, as it is instead the case with straight hair. Furthermore, curls are not combed when dry, therefore the greasiness is not spread using the brush.

This is why it is fundamental to protect curl hydration using a conditioner every time you shampoo the hair, for example LOVE CURL conditioner enriched with Almond extract.

Furthermore, it is advisable to apply a mask every three shampoos to boost nourishment: you can continue the routine with LOVE CURL mask or change line and try our Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Mask that contains vegetal keratin.

Apply the conditioner or mask evenlyon lengths using a wooden wide tooth comb: remember that this is going to be the last time you comb your curls before the next shampoo.

STEP 3 – STYLING

Whether you wash and go or have time to spend Styling your hair, Curly hair needs a little product to help bring out those curls and keep them fresh all day long. Ask your stylist for in deepth advice and how to use each product correctly. Below are a few products recommended for at home care.

  • LOVE CURL Shampoo

    LOVE CURL Shampoo

    Good For all Wavy, Curly & Coily

  • LOVE CURL Conditioner

    Good For all Wavy, Curly & Coily

  • The Renaissance Circle

    Good for damaged hair

  • Liquid Spell

    Good for Wavy hair: Type 2 A, B, C.

  • This is a Curl Building Serum

    Good for Wavy Hair

  • This is a Sea Salt Spray

    Good for Wavy hair: Type 2 A, B, C.

  • LOVE CURL Primer

    Good for Curly hair: TYPE 3 A, B, C

  • This is a Curl Gel Oil

    This is good for Curly and Coily hair.

    TYPE 3 & Type 4 A, B, C

  • This is a Curl Moisturizing Mousse

  • LOVE CURL Cream

    Good for Coily hair. TYPE 4 A, B, C