5 Types of Curly Hair That Add Texture and Bounce

curly haired women — Coily hair? Loose curls? Spiral curls? They all look rad. Retamosa / Shutterstock

Some people spend their whole lives trying to turn straight hair curly. Others are born with corkscrew coils and just want to tame the frizz. Whether you're rocking gentle waves or tight corkscrews, your hair has its own unique structure and care needs.

Understanding the types of curly hair makes it easier to embrace the bounce, build a solid haircare routine and choose the right styling products.

1. Type 2: Wavy Hair

Wavy hair, also known as Type 2, forms a loose "S" shape along the hair shaft. It's often described as beachy waves and can range from barely-there bends to more defined ripples.

2A: Fine and thin with a slight wave
2B: Medium texture with more defined waves
2C: Thick, coarse and prone to frizz

This type tends to get weighed down easily, so look for weightless hydration and avoid heavy creams. A sulfate-free shampoo helps keep the scalp's natural oils balanced without drying out hair strands.

2. Type 3: Curly Hair

Curly hair types make up the classic curl pattern most people think of when they hear "curly." These springy ringlets have a clear shape and tons of volume. They're more prone to frizz and dryness because the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the curls.

3A: Large, loopy curls
3B: Tighter curls with more volume
3C: Tight corkscrews that may appear dense

Use curl cream or leave-in conditioner to provide moisture and fight frizz. Co-washing (cleansing with conditioner instead of shampoo) can also help maintain essential moisture.

3. Type 4: Coily or Kinky Hair

Type 4 is the tightest curl type and includes coily and kinky hair textures. These tightly coiled curls often look like small curls or zigzags. They're packed with natural bounce but also tend to experience major shrinkage when dry.

4A: Soft, springy coils with an "S" pattern
4B: Sharp angles and tighter curls in a "Z" shape
4C: Very tight coils with less defined pattern

These hair types are prone to dryness and breakage. Products with extra moisture—like avocado oil or coconut oil—help nourish the hair follicles. Air dry when possible to reduce heat damage.

4. Mixed Textures: Multiple Hair Types

Man with curvy hair — It's not unusual to have multiple types of curly hair. Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Many people have multiple hair types on the same head. You might have 2C waves near your temples and 3B curls in the back.

Understanding how each section behaves helps you tailor your products and technique. Thick hair may need stronger hold in some areas, while fine hair benefits from lightweight stylers.

5 Textured Hair Care Tips

Women with different hair types — No matter how curly or straight your hair is, you're rocking it. Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Curly and straight hair grow from differently shaped hair follicles. Straight hair comes from round follicles, while curly hair grows from oval shaped ones.

In general, the more oval or flatter the hair’s cross-section, the curlier (tighter) the hair will be; the sharper the angle, the tighter the curl.

To care for textured hair:

Start with wet hair to apply styling products evenly.
Use a crochet needle only for specific styles like faux locs.
Avoid combing dry hair to preserve the curl pattern.
Enhance volume with diffusing or plopping.
Apply curl cream to damp hair for natural bounce.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.