If you have type 3C hair, you have the curliest hair possible. Type 3C hair is full of volume, definition and swoon-worthy curls that are practically picture perfect. When it comes to true curly hair, which is the type 3 category, 3C is the tightest of this curl pattern. And even though this type can rock a top-notch wash-and-go, there are a few challenges that come with a head full of tightly-packed spirals. To learn how to take care of 3C curly hair and the best curly hair products for 3C curls, keep reading. (And if you’re still questioning your curl type, take our quiz.)
Considering a protective style for your curly hair? You’ll want to pick up one of these protective stylers.
How do you know if you have 3C hair?
3C hair is the curliest of the type 3 curly hair pattern. And since type 4 hair is considered coily instead of curly, type 3C hair is the curliest of curly hair. If you have 3C curls, your curls have the width of a pencil and are shaped like corkscrew-like ringlets. Type 3C hair is also very dense and full of volume. In fact, 3C curls have more volume than any other curl type. 3C curls are usually fine to medium and texture and the curls tend to stick close together and be super defined. Type 3C curls are springy and bouncy and easily one of the most picture-perfect curls out there.
Find Your Personalized Routine!
Know your curls better than ever before! Our quick and easy 5-step quiz, which uses powerful data to determine your hair type, will help you understand your strands. Set aside a couple of minutes to answer some simple questions, and we’ll take care of the rest. At the end, we’ll identify your curl type and main hair concerns, and provide expert tips, product recommendations, and a personalized routine. The journey to gorgeous hair starts now. Click Here
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What are some tips for keeping 3C hair healthy?
Even though 3C hair is full of bounce, spring and definition, it needs tons of moisture and care to thrive. Here are a few tips for keeping this curly hair type healthy and looking its best.Sulfate-free shampoos are your friend
Don’t skip cleansing. To maintain a healthy scalp, regular shampooing is necessary. Reach for a sulfate-free formula like the Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Sulfate-Free Shampoo. If you prefer to alternate with a cleansing conditioner, our go-to for 3C hair is the Hair Milk Curl Cleansing Conditioner. It’s formulated with agave nectar to help detangle and moisturize the strands from root to tip.Deep treatments help boost definition
Since 3C hair has bouncy spirals, definition will take your hair from good to great. Applying a deep conditioner once a week will help keep moisture levels in the hair balanced and give your strands a reset. The Coco Creme Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask is ideal for dry hair types, like 3C curls. It leaves the hair moisturized, soft and shiny. Or try a hair cream the infamous Healthy Hair Butter.Snooze with care
Hair care doesn’t end once bedtime comes around. A pineapple is a 3C girl’s friend when it comes to sleeping without squishing your spirals. And a spritz of the right product for 3C curls while you sleep makes all the difference. Try Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Milk before securing your hair to sleep. This will not only add moisture, but it helps to revitalize any stretched out of frizzy curls, too.Make moisturizing your focus
All curly hair needs moisture, and 3C curls are no different. From shampooing and conditioning to styling, be sure to choose moisture-rich products for your best curls yet. Try layering 3C hair products like the Coco Creme Curl Perfecting Water Coco Mist Spray and the Curl Shaping Cream Gel with Coconut Oil to ensure moisture levels are balanced.Experiment with protective styles
If you love a good wash-and-go, chances are your strands could use a little break from styling and exposure to environmental elements. Consider sporting protective styles like twist outs, Dutch braids and bantu knots from time to time to relieve your hair of manipulation. For extra shine, try styling with Mimosa Hair Honey.Figure out your hair porosity
Understanding your hair porosity will help you to pick the best products for your hair. Not all 3C hair is created equal. Low porosity hair tends to reject moisture, while high porosity hair has trouble keeping moisture locked-in. Understanding your hair porosity will help determine what hair products and styling techniques are best for your 3C curls.Beware of knots
Since 3c curls are tightly packed corkscrew ringlets, there is the tendency for this curly hair type to knot and tangle easily. Single-strand knots or fairy knots are very common in type 3 curls since the curls tend to wrap themselves around each other. The general rule of thumb is to treat a fairy knot like a pimple. Don’t pick at it or pull it, simply grab a hair scissor and cut it out. Pulling or tugging on these knots can cause breakage that cannot be reversed. For other knots, apply Monoi Repairing Anti-Breakage Spray before you tackle them.Considering a protective style for your curly hair? You’ll want to pick up one of these protective stylers.
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