The Do’s and Don’ts of Type 3c Curly Hair

Previous
Next

Taking care of type 3c curly hair can be a daunting task for beginners and even the most seasoned naturalistas. However, with the right hair care routine, consistency, and patience, you can grow healthy, strong, and long natural curly hair.

What is Type 3c Hair? 

First thing’s first—curl type is determined by the way the hair grows out of the follicle, while the shape and movement of the strands determine the curl pattern (Allure). 

Type 3 hair encompasses a range of curls—3a, 3b, and 3c. 

3a hair is often characterized by looser looping strands, while 3b curls are tighter but still have buoyancy and movement. 

Type 3c curls are dense, tightly coiled spiral or corkscrew curls that may be more prone to frizz. 

Does the latter sound like your hair texture? If so, continue reading to learn about the hair care regimen best suited for your unique hair type! 

The Natural Hair Regimen for Type 3c Curls

The key to creating and implementing a natural hair care routine that yields results is keeping it simple and consistent. You don’t have to break the bank to purchase products or follow an overly complex natural hair care regimen in order to have healthy hair. 

At its root (no pun intended!), a natural hair care routine should include 3 basic steps :

  1. Cleansing
  1. Conditioning
  1. Styling

Cleansing Naturally Curly Hair

Naturalistas should not shy away from cleansing their scalp!

Cleansing removes buildup, dandruff, and other surface oils and dirt that could be clogging pores and deterring hair growth

To cleanse, opt for a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing shampoo that is designed specifically for people with curly hair. Using shampoos that are not sulfate-free can dry out your hair and strip it of moisture.

 Cleansing should be followed up immediately with the next step : conditioning.

Conditioning Naturally Curly Hair 

A good conditioner should have moisturizing properties and offer lubrication (also known as slip) to make detangling super easy. People with curls or coils may also choose to deep condition, which typically entails using a more intensive conditioner and leaving the product in your hair for longer than 3-5 minutes for maximum hydration.

Hydrated tresses are less prone to frizz and breakage, creating a solid canvas for the next (and perhaps the most important) step: styling!

Styling Naturally Curly Hair

Afro natural hair holds styles beautifully due to its texture. Curly hair can be worn naturally in wash-n-go’s, styled into braids, blow dried and straightened, and much more.

To extend the freshness of your style, be sure to incorporate styling products that offer moisture and hold, such as hydrating gels or mousses.

Remember, figuring out what works best for YOUR hair boils down to trial and error—no matter the hair type. Take your time and enjoy the natural hair care journey!