Curly hair, like many things, can be a quagmire of confusion and conflicting information. For starters, the appearance of curls can differ greatly according to genetics, the condition of the hair and environmental factors such as humidity and heat. Not only that but there are multiple methods for caring for curly locks: the bowl method, the Curly Girl method, plopping and squelching, to name a few. 

One way to see the wood from the trees is to identify the general section of curls that your specific hair type falls into. Commonly referred to as the hair typing system, it runs from type 1 (straight), all the way through to type 4 (coils). Here, we’re going to dive into 3c hair and how to identify and care for it – straight from an expert. 

“Type 3c hair describes tighter corkscrew-like curls,” explains Chloe Elliott, curl specialist and owner of the hair salon Curly Gal Chlo and Odyssey Box.

“These curls are often characterised by their definition but can be susceptible to tangling. Working in four or more sections when washing and styling this curl type can help to minimise breakage from manipulation when detangling. It also makes the process easier if you have particularly dense hair.”

“What works for one set of curls may not work for the next, even if they look the same – the curl typing system doesn’t take into account the unique characteristics of your curls that can help you better care for them,” cautions Elliott. 

“For example, it’s worth observing how well your hair absorbs and holds onto moisture to get a sense of when you should apply your products – it could be in the shower or after.”

“You can also take into account how thick or fine your strands are to decide whether to use lightweight or heavier products. Or you can consider how many strands you have on your head to determine how much product to use.”

“This curl type likes curling creams and custards to style and can maintain definition with lightweight gels. As the curls are so tightly packed, it’s worth bearing in mind that your hair will feel shorter when it’s dry versus when it’s wet as a result of shrinkage. Some will love it, others won’t necessarily be a fan of it, but ultimately, shrinkage is a sign of healthy hair.”

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