Hey Babey 💋
2A, 3B, 4C. The internet LOVES putting curls into categories. Sometimes you'd think you need to pass a curl type exam before you're allowed to buy shampoo.
Spoiler: You don't.
Your curl pattern can tell you something about the shape of your hair. But it's not an instruction manual for your entire routine. Let me explain.
What do the curl types actually mean?
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Type 2 – Waves: Usually more of an S-shaped wave than a defined spiral.
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Type 3 – Curls: Visible spirals, ranging from looser to tighter curls.
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Type 4 – tightly curled Afro hair: Very tight bends or spirals, often with noticeable shrinkage.
Quick check: Does your strand form a spiral that would wrap around a pencil? Then it's a curl, even if it's big and loose. If it stays more of an S-shape, it's a wave.
This is a rough description of shape, not a hair health report. You can even have more than one pattern on the same head. Completely normal.
And nope, two people with “3B” curls don't automatically need the same products. Their strand thickness, density, hair condition and styling goals can be totally different.
When your curl pattern is actually useful
For your haircut: It can offer a clue about natural fall and shrinkage. But density, length, overall shape and the look you want matter too.
For styling: It may help you think about the definition or volume you're after. But “3C” alone won't tell you whether finger styling or a brush is the right approach.
For inspiration: Absolutely save photos of people with similar curls. Just don't ignore the haircut. That makes a HUGE difference to the finished look.
Where the number reaches its limits
When you ask: “Which shampoo, conditioner and gel do I need?”
Your curl type is a good first clue. That's why my product guides are sorted by it, like Premium Curl Picks and the Drugstore Guide.
What exactly suits your curls depends on more: your hair's characteristics, its condition, how you style it and what your routine is doing right now.
Think about it: two Babeys can have similar curls and completely different results from the same styling product. Same curl type. Different needs.
That's exactly what I look at in the BabeyCurls Plan.
My advice? Get to know your hair, not just its category
On your next wash day, notice three things: How does your hair feel after cleansing and conditioning? How does your styling product spread? And what does your hair look like once it's completely dry?
That's going to tell you more about your own routine than another curl-type chart.
Need a starting point? Grab my free Curl Quartet: the 4 products you actually need. And if you want to understand what your curls actually need, that's what we work on in my BabeyCurls Online Coaching.
See you, Babey
Sandra 💋
