Curl Pattern
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Waves
Wavy S-shaped bends ranging from subtle to defined, also referred to as Type 2. -
Curls
Loose ringlets, springy spirals, and so much more, also referred to as Type 3. -
Coils
From tight coils to Z-shape zig-zags and everything in between, also referred to as Type 4.
Knowing your curl pattern is important, but it’s MORE important to know your curl texture to select the right products. When we say ‘curl texture’ we refer to the thickness or width of the individual hair strand, better known as fine, medium, or coarse. That’s because wavy, curly, and coily hair can be fine, medium, or coarse. Keep in mind, texture is not the same as hair density, which is how much hair you have.
It’s important to note that ‘coarse’ does not mean your hair is rough-textured or difficult to style. Also, ‘fine’ does not mean limp or lifeless. These terms are scientific and technical, used by stylists as well as dermatologists to describe texture.
There are three basic textures: fine, medium, and coarse. To determine your hair’s texture, take a single strand and lay it flat on a white piece of paper. If it’s hard to see or feel between your fingertips and appears thin, it is fine. If it is visible and not hard to feel between your fingertips, it is medium. Coarse texture will be highly visible and easy to feel between fingertips.
Here’s how to navigate your curl texture:
If you have fine texture …
- Not easy to see or feel between fingertips
- Tendency to appear thin
- May not hold styles well
If you have medium texture …
- Visible and not difficult to feel between fingertips
- Tendency to appear full
- Holds styles fairly well
If you have coarse texture …
- Highly visible and easily felt between fingertips
- Tendency to appear very full
- Holds styles well
Decoding Your Texture
Determining your hair texture is the key to finding the products that will work best with your curls, whether wavy, curly or coily. But wait, what is hair texture? It’s a term used to describe the thickness or width of each individual hair strand, bette known as fine, medium or coarse.-
Fine
Fine strands are not easy to see or feel between fingertips. They appear to be thin and may not hold styles well. -
Medium
Medium strands are easy to see and not difficult to feel between your fingertips. They tend to appear full and hold styles well. -
Coarse
Coarse strands are highly visible and easily felt between fingertips. They appear very full and hold styles well.