3C hair type is a distinct curl pattern that falls under the curly hair spectrum and is differentiated by tight curls that form a particular S shape with a circumference similar to a pencil or straw. Furthermore, this hair type is prone to dryness and frizz, requiring proper moisture and care to maintain its health and definition.
Known for its beautiful locks, 3C hair allows individuals to experiment with various hairstyles, from defined curls to twist-outs and braid-outs. If you are someone with these natural curls then you are in the right place as we have prepared a list of hair essentials and styling tips to enhance the quality of your locks. So without further delay, let's take a look at the details.
What Is Type 3C Hair?
There are different types of type 3 hair which has definitive curls that range from loose curls to tight springy corkscrews. Furthermore, people often refer to these curls as tight coils as the strands are tightly packed together to form a texture that is usually the size of a pencil or straw.
Although the locks look pretty and well put together, they are often prone to frizz and can be a bit challenging to manage. Plus, it has a tendency to shrink when it dries, which can make it appear shorter than it actually is. It is also prone to dryness and requires proper hydration and moisturizing to maintain its health and prevent breakage.
3C Curls VS Other Hair Types
Type 3C hair is a specific classification within the curly hair spectrum created by an Emmy Award-winning hairstylist, Andre Walker. He has categorised hair into different types based on its curl pattern and texture.
Based on his classification, curly 3c hair is characterized by tight corkscrew-like curls about the circumference of a pencil or straw. This hair type usually has a lot of volume and is densely packed with curls that can be prone to frizz and form a defined S-shaped pattern.
Other curly hair types such as 2C, 3A, 3B, and 4A-4C, have different curl patterns and textures such as -
- 2C hair has loose, wavy curls that are thicker and more defined than 2A or 2B hair.
- 3A hair has larger, looser curls about the circumference of a sidewalk chalk.
- 3B hair has tighter curls that range from the circumference of a marker to a pen.
- 4A hair has tightly coiled curls about the circumference of a crochet needle.
- 4B hair has a more zig-zag pattern with less defined curls compared to 4A hair.
- 4C hair has tightly coiled curls that are more likely to breakage.
How To Care For Hair Type 3C?
If you have struggled to manage your curly hair your whole life, you understand how important it is to find the proper care routine. But when it comes to tight curls, the struggle is double.
With its tight curls and coils, type 3C hair requires specific attention to maintain its health and manageability. In this blog, we will explore practical tips and techniques to help you care for and embrace your beautiful 3C hair.
Five Steps Ritual To Care For 3C Hair:
1. Moisturize:
Be it straight, wavy, or a curly hair, it needs regular moisturizing as curly locks tend to be dry, so regular moisturizing is crucial. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use a leave-in conditioner or a water-based moisturizer to keep your hair hydrated.
2. Deep Conditioning:
While working with dry curls, you have to incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to nourish and strengthen your hair. In fact, using, leave-in conditioners with steam or heat helps combat dryness and promotes elasticity.
3. Gentle Cleansing:
It is crucial to wash your hair thoroughly using a sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Also, consider co-washing (using conditioner to cleanse) between shampoo sessions with cool water to help the pores of the hair close.
4. Protective Styles:
Embrace protective styles like twists, braids, or buns to minimize manipulation and reduce breakage as these styles help retain moisture and protect the ends of your hair. And yes, opt for silk bonnet or sating/silk pillowcase cover for extra protection!
5. Low Manipulation:
To reduce breakage, it is advised to avoid combing in your day-to-day life but you can use a wide-tooth comb in an emergency. However, the best approach to managing your hair would be using your fingers as a detangler.
3C Hair Type Styling Tip
Known for its tight curls and coily texture, styling this curly 3c hair type can be challenging, but with the right tips and techniques, it can be transformed into beautiful and manageable hairstyles. Here, we will explore some helpful styling tips specifically designed for curls 3c.
1. High Puff:
To get a clean and polished look for your curls, try getting a high puff on the forehead to add volume and shape to your hair. To achieve the look, start by gathering your hair at the crown of your head or lower and fluff the puff using your fingers.
Then, gently brush on the upper side to get rid of extra frizzy hair and secure it with a hairband. Lastly, add some hair oils, mousse or wax to get a wet look!
2. Bantu Knots:
Bantu knots are stylish and goes with various types of events. Be it a formal office event or a regular school day, having this knot will serve you best!!
To get a clean knot, start by dividing your hair into sections. Then twist each section into a tight knot and secure it with an elastic. Lastly, allow them to dry completely before unravelling for defined curls.
3. Wash and Go:
This technique is easy peasy as all you have to do is wash your hair and add leave-in conditioner or curl-defining cream to wet hair. Allow your hair to air-dry for a natural, effortless look, and you are done!
4. Twist-Out or Braid-Out:
Twist or Fulani braids are stylish and effective options when it comes to curly hair. Therefore, add braids or twists to your damp hair and leave them to air dry completely.
You can also add hair extensions for an edgy look.
5. Frohawk:
Create a faux mohawk by slicking down the sides and leaving the middle section in its natural, voluminous state. Add accessories of your choice and your favourite oils to create an illusion of a damp appearance.
6. Updo with Accessories:
For someone looking to style their hair for a formal event or classy look, opt out to creating a high bun or updos and accessorize with hairpins, clips, or a stylish headband.
7. Defined Curls with Rollers or Flexi Rods:
For defined curls, apply a styling product and then set small sections of your hair with rollers or flexi rods. Let your hair dry completely before removing the rollers for bouncy, defined curls.
8. Low Bun with Side Swept Bangs:
To wear this hairstyle, gather your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck and leave some strands of curls or twists loose at the front for a stylish, face-framing look.
Remember to use products that cater to your hair's moisture needs and try different styles to see what you love best! Experimenting with different looks can be a fun way to embrace and celebrate your natural hair texture.
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