Curl Pattern

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.

Here’s the low-down on the shape of your curls. Keep in mind that your curls can be anywhere in between. Remember, no matter what your curl type is, your hair can be fine, medium, or coarse; it’s the most important thing to know in choosing the right products.

When we say ‘hair texture,’ we refer to the thickness or width of the individual hair strand, better known as fine, medium, or coarse. That’s because waves, curls and coils can be fine, medium or coarse. Curl pattern, which we reference as waves, curls and coils, speaks to your strands’ shape.

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.

Curl Pattern

Waves

Curls

Coils

Decoding Your Texture

Fine

Medium

Coarse