When talking about hair damage, understanding your hair texture is a game changer.
Hair can be categorized into various types, including curly, wavy, and straight.
Each type has its unique structure and curl strength, which plays a role in how damage manifests and how you should care for it.
Different hair types—wavy, curly, or straight—experience damage differently.
For curly hair, the curl strength and volume can make it more prone to breakage.
On the other hand, wavy hair might seem like a cousin to curly hair, but the difference in structure means it has its challenges.
Understanding these similarities and differences helps in choosing the right styling and care routine to nurture your hair, preventing further damage.
Recognizing your hair type and how it fits into the broader hair category can make a huge difference in your routine.
It’s not just about treating wavy or curly hair; it’s about addressing the overlapping issues specific to your natural hair texture.
This approach ensures that you can effectively manage and reduce damage, leading to healthier, stronger hair over time.
Is wavy hair curly?
Wavy hair in the 2A category often has characteristics of wavy and curly hair strands. Type 2s have a shape influenced by hair follicles. Damaged hair from heat styling or chemically treating can turn wavy hair curlier like 4C. Follow our tips to embrace big curls.
What’s the difference between wavy and curly hair?
The shape of your follicle determines if your hair is wavy or curly. Curly hair forms a 360-degree spiral, making a complete circle with a full spin. Wavy hair creates an S shape, twisting side to side. Shrinkage of hair can occur with tighter curls.
Types of Wavy and Curly Hair
Your curl type depends on the shape of your follicle. A flatter, oval-shaped follicle makes curlier hair, while a circular cross-section gives you straighter hair. The classification system from 2A to 4C helps identify curl types and how to soften coarse hair.
Type 2 (Wavy)
Type 2 waves are bendable, fine, or coarse, with an S pattern closer to the head.
Type 2A:
Type 2A hair is fine with a barely-there tousled texture that’s easy to straighten.
Type 2B:
Type 2B hair lies flatter at the crown, with defined S-shaped waves starting from the mid-length. The strands are thicker and need more elbow grease to get them straight.
Type 2C:
Type 2C waves are thick and susceptible to frizz. The S-bends are well-defined and begin at the roots.
Type 3 (Curly)
Type 3 curly hair varies widely, from loose, buoyant loops to tight, springy corkscrews. While these curls have a natural sheen, they are often prone to frizz.
Type 3A:
Type 3A strands are shiny with large, loose curls about the size of a piece of chalk.
Type 3B:
Type 3B types have springy ringlets with a circumference similar to a marker.
Type 3C:
Type 3C curls are tight corkscrews ranging from the circumference of a straw to a pencil, with densely packed strands and lots of natural volume.
Type 4 (Coily)
Coily hair is naturally very dry with a spongy texture. It can be soft and fine or coarse and wiry. The strands form tight, small curls in zig-zags from the scalp. Understanding how human hair is made helps in caring for oily hair effectively.
Type 4A:
Type 4A hair has dense, springy S-patterned coils with a circumference similar to a crochet needle.
Type 4B:
Type 4B strands are densely packed and can bend in sharp angles like the letter Z.
Type 4C:
Type 4C textures are similar to 4B but more fragile, with tightly coiled strands in a tight zig-zag pattern that’s sometimes indiscernible to the eye.
Wavy And Curly Hair Care Routine
Even though it’s a fact that these hair types aren’t two peas in a pod, one thing is common—hydration. Wavy and curly hair needs water and hydrating heroes to quench and nourish tresses, keeping them bouncy and frizz-free. A hair consultation can help identify the best products for your unique needs.
Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A shampoo’s job is to cleanse your scalp of debris, grease, and dirt. However, this process can steal hair’s moisture. Our Silicone Shampoo for Curly and Wavy Hair is packed with Rice Water and Angelica Seed Oil for hydration and care.
Sulfate-Free Conditioner
Formulated with 100% organic Coconut Oil and fermented Rice Water, our Silicone Conditioner for Curly and Wavy Hair adds moisture and protein to hair strands, leaving them juicy, and defined with a garden of flowers scent. Achieve the most attractive hair color with this nourishing formula.
Leave-In Conditioner
Curly hair needs a product that adds definition and style to ringlets. Our Rice Water & Angelica Seed Oil Silicone Free Leave-In Conditioner is a must-have. It offers continued hydration post-wash, keeping hair frizz-free, shiny, and defined. Use fingers or a detangling brush to distribute the product, scrunch upwards, and air-dry for gorgeous hair.
Weekly Masking
Wavy and curly hair needs to drink up water like a sponge to stay more hydrated and less prone to breakage and damage. Once every 15 days, swap your conditioner with our Rice Water & Angelica Seed Oil Curl Care Hair Mask. It provides serious hydration, controls frizz for up to 48 hours, and enhances your natural curl texture with fermented Rice Water protein.
How to Style Wavy Hair
To style wavy hair with a definitive S pattern that lays closer to the head, start with a high-quality sulfate-free shampoo. Wash and condition your hair, comb with a wide-tooth comb, and rinse with cool water. Squeeze excess water using a t-shirt or microfiber towel. Distribute styling products through freshly washed hair, use curl mousse to enhance the natural pattern, and let it dry 70 percent. Twist sections into pigtails, clip, and allow to almost dry. Let down, and apply hair oil to mid-lengths and ends, bouncing strands with the flat palm of your hand. Finish with a shine spray for hydrated, healthy waves.
How to Style Curly Hair
Styling curly hair requires quality products and the right method. Start by washing with curl shampoo and curl conditioner. Use the plopping method instead of towel drying. Apply moisturizing curly hair products like curl cream to lock in moisture and curl mousse to minimize frizz. Plop your hair onto a t-shirt, wrap, and let it dry for defined, frizz-free curls.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances between wavy and curly hair is essential for proper care. While wavy hair has a gentle, S-shaped pattern that bridges the gap between straight and curly hair, curly hair features a distinct spiral pattern starting from the root. Each hair type requires tailored products and techniques to maintain its health and minimize damage.
FAQ’s
Is wavy hair more straight or curly?
Wavy hair falls between straight and curly, with a gentle S-shaped pattern that creates a beautiful beachy look. It can range from loose, subtle waves to defined, bouncy curls, while curly hair has a distinct spiral shape.
How do you know if your wavy hair is curly?
If you’re unsure about your hair type, try the strand test. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around your finger. If it forms a spiral or coil, you likely have curly hair. If it remains relatively straight, your hair is more wavy or on the straight side.
Can I make wavy hair curly?
Yes, you can make wavy hair curly. Use a curl-enhancing product after showering. Scrunch products into your hair, define curls with a Denman brush and try finger coiling. Plop hair as it dries. Use a lightweight conditioner and a hair mask once a week.
Are waves the same as curls?
Wavy hair is characterized by its loose S-shaped pattern and offers a gentle, flowing appearance. It bridges the gap between straight and curly hair. In contrast, curly hair has a more pronounced spiral pattern that starts from the root, giving it a voluminous, dynamic look.
