How to love your natural curls— a guide for all curl types

Mar 4, 2021

The first step to loving your natural hair is learning how to care for it.

March is the month of self love at Cloré, and with the launch of our #SelfLove sale event, we're helping all our customers blessed with textured hair find confidence in loving and caring for it. Starting with this guide!
Every curly haired beauty has a different type of curl, ranging from Type 2A to 4C—and each curl type has its own set of unique characteristics and traits. So, how do you identify your curl type? It takes some exploration, and because our hair transforms over time, it also takes patience and kindness to your tresses. It's also very possible that we can be in-between curl types or have several curl types on our heads. No two textures are alike. But the fun part is learning about yours!
When thinking about your curly hair routine, there are a few staples you need to know about. Anyone with naturally curly hair should use sulfate-free shampoos to preserve moisture, followed by a good conditioner. Regular co-washing in between sulfate-free shampooing is also a good idea to help boost moisture levels and keep hair well nourished, and using a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair will help keep curls formed.
Keep scrolling to find out more about the curl types and identify yours- we've also recommended some amazing products for our curly cuties. You can find them below, or browse the #SelfLove sale for more!

Type 2 hair is wavy hair, where the strands form an 'S' shape.

2A — Your hair tends to be fine in density with natural stretched-out waves that sit close to the head.
2B — Your curl pattern is more defined. Your hair may be fine in texture- but you might have a lot more of it! You may often have some frizzing at the crown of the head. You may also notice your waves are looser underneath compared to your outer hair.
2C — This hair texture tends to be coarser, with a tighter curl pattern that includes both waves and some curls. You are likely to be more prone to frizz.
Type 2 textures need lightweight haircare products that will moisturise but won't weigh the hair down. It's a good idea to use just a few products in your routine instead of many, to prevent heavy build-up on your hair and scalp. Leave-in conditioner sprays work well, as do light creams and gels for styling. You can enhance your texture with sea salt sprays.

CLORÉ RECOMMENDS:

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner

Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel with Aloe Vera and Nigella Sativa
(Product in the #SelfLove sale event)

Wave Nouveau Texturizing System Moisturizing Finishing Lotion
(Product in the #SelfLove sale event)

Type 3 hair is curly hair, where the strands form a spiral shape.

3A — The hair forms well defined loops that are usually springy. Your hair texture tends to be finer and your curls tend to be wider.
3B — Your hair may be slightly coarser in texture, with medium size ringlet curl shapes. You may have tighter curls underneath compared to your outer hair.
3C — Your hair forms smaller 'corkscrew' ringlets that may appear more even in size. These curls are usually fairly coarse in texture and higher in density.
Type 3A textures benefit from anti-humectant (humidity-blocking) products, and styling creams, cream-gels or styling milks that control frizz and help with definition. Type 3B/3C textures should use moisturizing styling products such as creams or puddings, and deep condition once a week to retain elasticity and moisture.

CLORÉ RECOMMENDS:

Camille Rose Naturals Honey Hydrate Leave-In Conditioner

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enchancing Smoothie

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Penetrating Hair Treatment
(Product in the #SelfLove sale event)

Type 4 hair is kinky and coily hair. Coily hair forms tight coils, and kinky hair strands form a zigzag shape, not a curl or wave.

4A — Your hair forms defined coils that tend to be softer and more voluminous with a bit more moisture than other type 4 textures.
4B — You may have a combination of 'Z' shape curl patterns and tight coils that appear less defined. This hair is usually very versatile, but can be fragile if the strands are fine.
4C — Your hair is tightly kinked and there is no curl definition as the strands rarely clump without the use of styling techniques. Type 4c hair can range from fine, thin and soft to coarse with densely packed strands.
Type 4 textures should use creamy humectant leave-ins to maximize protection and moisture levels. A curl defining cream, custard or gelee can stretch coils safely for twist-outs and braid-outs.