THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR 3a, 3b, & 3c HAIR TYPES
By now, all of us know that curly hair just acts different.
By now, all of us know that curly hair just *acts different*. Some of us have Shirly Temple ringlets, some have the Tracee Ellis Ross spirals, some of us have Teyonah Parris ‘fros; No two curls are the same and many of us may have different curl pattern all at once—so we shouldn’t try to wash, moisturize, or style all these different curls with the same products.
While there is a range of six different curly hair types, we’re going to focus on the three’s – 3a, 3b and 3c – here today. We talk more about the other curly hair types here.
Learn about 3a, 3b, and 3c curly hair and some products to help you style it, keep curls defined, and lock in moisture.
Types of Curly Hair
The overall shape of 3a curls is best described as big and loopy, like Carrie Bradshaw à la Sex and the City. 3a hair can be styled to be looser curls or tight waves, and these curls are usually very reactive to the elements (read: frizzy).
This curly hair type may have body and movement, but it’s also likely to have combination oiliness at the scalp and dryness at the hair shaft—causing weighed-down roots and frizzy curls. Choosing the right 3a hair products, like lotions and mousses, can be important to your hair’s overall health and achieving your desired style.
3b hair consists of more defined curls that are sometimes called ringlets or corkscrew curls. These curls are slightly tighter and more coarse, so instead of wide loops, you’ll see smaller ringlets with a narrower circumference.
This hair type is still prone to frizz, but also drier scalps. Using products that moisturize the hair shaft, prevent frizz, and don’t weigh curls down is crucial to having 3b hair that looks and feels healthy.
3c hair is made up of even tighter curls that sometimes dabble in the coily world. This hair type may also have some 3b curls and 4a coils mixed in, and can range in density. 3b can also be coarser than 3a or 3b hair, and benefits from thicker hair creams, custards, and sometimes hair oils.
While ‘3’ hair types can vary the most in effective hair care routines from one curly girl to another, all ‘3’ curls will benefit from products that:
Hydrate
Prevent frizz
Remove product build up
Here are some of our favorite hair products that can help make your curls look their best!