Over time, it has come to the limelight that there are different hair types and curl patterns. Since then, you’ve probably been on the search to know what the type 3 hair is all about. If that’s right, you’ve clicked on the right post.
This article will serve as a guide, walking you through what type 3 hair is and how to identify it, as well as sharing a few tips on caring, styling, and maintaining your curls. Stay with us as we provide a detailed overview of type 3 hair and its subcategories. Keep reading!
What is type 3 hair?
Unique, beautiful, different, curly, and kinky. These and many more are the essence of what a type 3 hair represents. Type 3 (curly) hair can range from loose wave-like curls to tight springy curls. These curls are often characterized by S or C shapes.
Type 3 hair simply falls in between the wavy nature of type 2 hair, and the kinky nature of type 4. In essence, it does not have as much kinky texture nor is it as loose as actual waves. It is further divided into 3 subcategories which are:
3A- Soft Curls
Type 3A is a unique type of curly hair which shows the transition between wavy hair and curly hair. This hair type is known to have a loose curl pattern with curls that are looser and less defined than 3B and 3C.
The type 3A hair type tends to be very soft and smooth but can also be prone to dryness and frizz.
3B- Curly
For type 3B, the C-curl patterns are more defined with tighter, coily curls unlike the 3A hair type. The curls of 3B hair are often said to have a spiral or a corkscrew shape. In addition to its unique features, the 3B curls have more bounce and elasticity than the 3A and type 2 curls.
Undoubtedly, some persons with 3B hair may have multiple patterns, with tighter coils at the root and looser waves at the end.
3C- Ultra Curly
Of all the type 3 hair subcategories, 3C has the most defined curl pattern. It is best described to have a Z-like pattern and appearance. 3C hair can also be called zigzag curls as they troll down the length of the hair in a zigzag manner.
The 3C curls are very small, taking the size of a circumference of a pen. They are often densely coiled and tightly packed together with a lot of bounce and significant shrinkage.
Hair care routine for type 3 hair
The type 3 hair is a delicate and defined curl type with distinct patterns, and as such, the need for an effective hair care routine cannot be overemphasized.
In this section of the article, we will discuss a proper wash, styling, and night time routine, effective for keeping type 3 hair healthy.
Type 3 hair wash routine
A good wash routine is ideal to keep your curls healthy. Below is a handy routine to follow on washdays for your type 3 hair.
To begin, here are some things you will need:
- Sulfate free shampoo
- Deep conditioner
- A wide toothed comb or detangling brush
- Microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt
- Leave in conditioner
1. Shampooing
Because type 3 hair is very prone to dryness, it is advisable to use sulfate free shampoo. On sopping wet hair, apply shampoo onto the scalp and root of your hair. Carefully massage hair, wash gently, and rinse off thoroughly. Shampooing helps to clean out build up or any residue left in the scalp.
Washing hair once or twice a week is ideal as this protects your curls from frizzing and drying out
2. Deep conditioner
When it comes to type 3 hair, deep conditioning is a must! The purpose of deep conditioning is to help replenish hair moisture, strengthen the hair shaft and reduce chances of breakage.
In both palms, take a good amount of deep conditioner, apply to hair and work it up to the end of its roots. Gently detangle hair with your fingers or a wide toothed comb. Afterwards, rinse the conditioner with cool water. This helps to seal your hair cuticle and prevent frizz. Use a microfiber towel to dry out excessive moisture.
3. Drying
After washing, the next step is to dry your freshly washed hair. Without so much complexity attached, make use of a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt and gently pat the hair to reduce excess water.
Apply curl cream to hair, next dry hair with a diffuser on a low heat setting. Using a diffuser helps to dry hair faster, while reducing the risk of heat damage by spreading the air evenly. Diffusers also enhance the natural curl pattern and help to prevent frizz.
4. Leave-in conditioner
As the name implies there’s no rinse out. The essence of a leave-in conditioner is to keep hair moisturized and protected. The leave-in conditioner penetrates the hair shaft and forms a protective barrier that retains moisture and prevents hair from drying out.
The process of applying the leave-in conditioner kicks in right after you’ve had your hair washed from a shampoo, deep conditioned and dried. Take your leave-in conditioner and rub in between your palms, apply evenly throughout your hair, beginning at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Use your fingers or a comb to work the conditioner into your hair. Remember do not rinse out.
Let it sit for a few minutes and then style.
5. Detangling
Although detangling type 3 hair can be a little challenging. Doing this with the right tools makes it a whole lot easier!
On washdays, detangling and conditioning usually go hand in hand. After applying your leave in conditioner, use a wide-tooothed comb or a detangling brush to work your way from the ends of your hair to the roots. Avoid pulling hair vigorously, as doing that can result in breakage.
Type 3 hair styling routine
One common thing type 3 naturals struggle with is getting their curls into a crisp, defined, throat cutting style. Below are some tips that’ll help you style your crown to get the most volume, bounce and definition all week long.
1. Dampen the hair
This simply means adding water to the hair making it moist but not soaking wet.
Start by wetting hair with water from a spray bottle. Avoid getting hair all soaked as you wouldn’t want your hair to end up having a greasy look. Dampening your type 3 curls makes it easier to style while enhancing the looks and preventing frizz.
2. Apply curl cream
Your curl cream helps to moisturize your type 3 curls while adding some definition. It’s definitely a step you wouldn’t want to miss.
At intervals, take a pea size amount of cream on your hands and apply gently on hair. To get even distribution to every hair part, work it up from the ends of the hair paying special attention to the roots.
3. Apply gel mousse
Applying gel mousse is important cause this helps to preserve the definition you just added to your curls. It adds a strong hold and keeps them firmly together thereby preventing frizz.
Rub a little quantity in-between your palms and apply into your already sectioned hair. Feel free to scrunch up or just just rake it through the hair. Rinse and repeat this process till you cover every section of your hair. Aside from making styling easy, gel mousse also helps to protect hair from humidity and other environmental effects.
4. Diffuse
You’ll undoubtedly get the best result when you diffuse your type 3 hair. Diffusing helps to dry the hair after styling without having to dent your curl pattern. Attach the diffuser end to your blow dryer, flip your head over and dry from your ends up to the root.
5. Apply oil
Applying oil after styling helps to seal in moisture within hair strands while adding shine to the hair and giving the strands a lustrous look.
Type 3 hair night-time routine
Having a night time routine is important to keep your curls lasting and looking fresh till your next wash day. Here is a basic everyday routine you should follow.
1. Put hair in a loose bun
Putting your hair in a loose bun is a beautiful and efficient way to keep your curls in place through the night. To achieve this, you’ll most likely put your hair up for a loose ponytail. Afterwards, twist your hair in a protective way and pack it together with a silk or satin scrunchie.
While setting your bun, avoid pulling your edges too tight as this can result in damage. This practice is a great way to keep hair wrapped up and tucked in place while you sleep.
2. Wear a silk/ satin bonnet
Going to a silk or satin bonnet is not just ideal, but a must do for type 3 hair. When we sleep, the cotton on our pillowcases can drain out the moisture from our hair, leaving the hair dry and brittle. Wearing bonnets help to lock in moisture and keep out curls in place as the bonnets are specially sewn to glide over your hair and keep your curls in place.
Because of its gentle nature on hair and its great ability to lock in moisture, silk and satin material is highly recommended for this [practice. Do not use a bonnet made with cotton, wool, or any other absorbent material as they are very likely to dry out your hair.
In conclusion;
Having curly hair is a blessing to those who were chosen. Though often challenging, it is definitely worth the ride. Being faithful to this routine comes with many benefits as It helps to prevent hair problems like knotting, frizz and breakage. It also encourages length retention, leading to overall healthy hair.
Remember that your type 3 hair is delicate and unique, and your curls are a reflection of how well you follow your hair routine. So love your curls, care for them, and never give up!
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