Hair Type Guide: Understand Your Curl Pattern and Care Needs

When you're trying to figure out why your hair acts the way it does, you're not just dealing with bad products—you're dealing with your hair type, a classification system based on curl pattern, thickness, and porosity that determines how your hair holds moisture and responds to styling. Also known as curl pattern type, it's the reason some people need heavy creams while others get greasy after one day without washing. If you’ve ever wondered why your curls vanish after brushing or why your hair feels straw-like after shampooing, your hair type holds the answer.

There are four main categories: straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily (Type 4). Type 3 hair, defined by distinct S-shaped curls that range from loose spirals to tight corkscrews. Also known as curly hair, it’s the most common type people struggle to care for because it’s easily misunderstood. Type 3A, 3B, and 3C each need different products—thicker creams for tighter curls, lighter gels for looser waves. Skip the sulfates. Avoid brushing when dry. And never assume what works for straight hair will help curls. The same goes for hair extensions, additions that can enhance length or volume but often cause breakage if not chosen or maintained properly. Also known as clip-in or tape-in extensions, they’re popular but risky for anyone with fine or fragile curls. If your hair is already prone to dryness or tangles, extensions can pull at your natural strands and lead to thinning.

And then there’s the question of washing. Water-only hair wash, a method where people skip shampoo entirely and rely on water and scalp massage to clean their hair. Also known as no-poo method, it’s not for everyone—but for some with curly or coily hair, it helps preserve natural oils and reduces frizz. People with Type 3 hair often find this works better than daily shampooing, which strips moisture and causes curl collapse. But it’s not magic—it requires patience, scalp health, and the right technique. If your scalp gets oily or itchy fast, water-only might not be your fix.

What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a real-world toolkit. You’ll see how people with Type 3 hair actually care for their curls, what happens when you put extensions on fragile hair, and whether washing with just water really works. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works—and what doesn’t—based on what people have tried and tested.