Type 3 curly hair is the texture other curl types are envious of… respectively speaking for myself. Though, if you have this curl pattern, you’re probably the most annoyed with its stubbornness.

And you are not alone because I had clients with this curl pattern who have a love-hate relationship with their hair doing its own thing. But when it comes to curly hair, you get the 3 Bs: beauty, bouncy, and body ody ody. 

With proper knowledge of how to make your hair work for you, over time, you will become its master and it will obey every single time. So if you have type 3 curly hair, and want to learn more about its sub-types (3A, 3B, 3C), keep reading for the breakdown.

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What Are Type 3 Curls?

Type 3 curls come in fine, normal, and coarse hair textures and densities. Your curl pattern has nothing to do with your hair density or how thick each hair strand is.

This curl type has more naturally defined curls. That means wash-and-go hairstyles can be effortless with the right hair products. It comes with a lot of volume and body.

These curls tend to be dry, but not as dry as type 4 curls. That’s because the natural sebum we produce on our scalp can travel faster down the hair strands due to larger curls than the smaller, tighter curls of type 4.

Subcategories for Type 3 Hair

Curly type 3 natural hair is loose and springy curls that are categorized into three subcategories: 3A, 3B, and 3C. You won’t see any kinky-coily tight curls like type 4 natural hair. But it has a tighter curl pattern than type 2 wavy hair.

The curls will start closer to the root than type 2 curls, which normally start an inch or two from the scalp. You will care for your curls similar to kinky coily curls because both are very prone to dryness.

3A, 3B, and 3C hair still needs moisture, just like 4A, 4B, and 4C curls. If your curls are dry all of the time, it’s more vulnerable to breakage and damaged ends.

Dryness and breakage will lead to major split ends, which leads to an unwanted haircut. So make sure to keep your curls hydrated at all times.

Let’s get into type 3A hair and see if you fit into this group.

Type 3A Hair

Type 3A natural hair has the loosest curl pattern out of 3B and 3C. They are large, S-shaped curls about the diameter of a one-inch curling iron.

It is mostly manageable, though frizz can be an endless battle. The texture is very soft and bouncy.

They are well defined without even trying. Those curls want to be the star of the show and your life. So make sure to use products that will keep them defined.

You can start with a curl mousse and a diffuser to get these curls poppin’. The best thing about 3A curls is that they don’t require major work.

I know you are like, “Girl, yeah right!” But listen, hear me out. Your curls don’t need anything heavy like styling butter or heavy oils. Leave the heavy-duty products for wash days.

When styling your hair, use lightweight styling products like gels and creams while it’s wet. You can air dry or use a diffuser to set your hair, and BOOM, you have well-defined, juicy curls.

Pros of 3A Hair

• Mostly manageable when detangled
• Easy to define curls

Cons of 3A Hair

• Prone to major frizziness
• Tend to be dry

Type 3B Hair

Type 3B natural hair has more springy curls than its 3A sister.

They resemble corkscrew, ringlet curls that are a bit tighter, but not as tight as 3C curls. If you take a 3/4th or 1/2 size diameter curling iron, it will create 3B curls.

Just like 3A curls, the 3B curl pattern comes with a lot of body and volume.

It visually looks thicker and fuller than 3A hair, due to its curl texture. But yet again, frizz can be a major concern when it comes to 3B hair.

Just like 3A curls, you want to keep the styling products as light as possible. Hair gels and lightweight creams will be your best friend.

Use all styling products while your hair is wet, so when it dries, you will have easily defined, juicy curls that should last at least a week or two, or three.

Also, use a good cream moisturizer that will help fight off the frizz and tangles. 

Pros of 3B Curls

• Full of body
• Easy to define

Cons of 3B Curls

• Frizz, Frizz, and more Frizz
• Can be dry to the bone if not moisturized daily

Type 3C Hair

Type 3C curls have a corkscrew, S-shaped curl pattern, and can be extremely dense. These curls are a close step away from resembling type 4A curls. However, 3C curls are visually looser than 4A curls.

This has the tightest curl pattern of the type 3 curl family.

It’s on the verge of being considered coily and has a lot of volume. But on the flip side, more volume and tighter curls mean more shrinkage.

So when choosing a hair product, make sure it moisturizes, defines, and elongates your curls to help fight frizz and shrinkage. 

Pros of 3C Curls

• Volume to the Gods

Cons of 3C Curls

• Shrinkage is real

Can You Have More than One Curl Type?

Yes ma’am, you can have more than one curl type in your hair and that’s perfectly normal. Can I tell you a little secret? Most of my clients have type 3, type 4, and type 2 curls in their heads.

“Say what now?” Yup. And I promise I’m not lying. I’ve seen type 3 springy curls in the front and sides, with kinky coils in the middle, and wavy curls in the nape area.

And that’s perfectly okay. Rare, but okay. The key is to always keep your hair hydrated so that your curls are taken care of regardless of the different patterns in your hair.

RELATED: Type 4A Hair: How To Care For It?

Great Hair Products for Type 3 Curls

The Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo and Conditioner set is made with Coconut oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, iron, and fatty acids, which delivers shine while reducing breakage.

It comes with neem oil and silk protein to restore moisture and strengthen and protect hair strands from breakage, or splitting while restoring shine.

The shampoo is sulfate-free, and color-safe, that moisturizes and deep cleans the hair and scalp. Conditioner restores moisture, softens the hair, detangles, and without weighing down your curls.

Both are 16oz

Use the TGIN Honey Miracle Mask when your hair is extremely dry, damaged, and needs repairing. This black-owned product is made with jojoba oil, olive oil, and raw honey that moisturizes and hydrates thirsty hair and scalp. Strengthens overprocessed hair and restores natural shine.

The Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is perfect for curly hair. It activates curls while fighting frizz for hydrated, defined curls. Softens the hair while providing a gentle hold. Made with Argan Oil and other antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.

The All About Curls Bouncy Cream is an alternative to gel. It defines and sets curls, moisturizes and softens hair, is color-safe, and provides medium hold. This cream-based styling product will give you frizz-free curls that will have movement and shine.

I hope this helps my love!

– Much Love, Ash ❤️