Taking care of curly hair is more complex than it appears. Achieving healthy curls is not just about the 3C curly hair products you are using. Instead, it is also influenced by the hair texture of your hair. Different hair types require different care routines. However, when people see curly hair, all they think about is that it is a mass of densely packed curls.
That's because most people are not familiar with different hair types. If you are also one of those people, do not worry you are not the only one! Let us dive deeper into this blog and discuss what type 3C hair is, how to know if you have type 3C hair and how to take care of your type 3C curls!
What is type 3C hair?
Curly hair looks stunning, but only the people who are blessed with it will agree that it can be a real nightmare to manage. However, some changes in your hair care routine can help you get curls that look and feel great. If you have type 3C curly hair, it means you have the curliest hair possible. This type of hair is not just full of volume and definition, but it is also the tightest of this curl pattern.
Type 3C curly hair can vary from loose curls to tight and well- defined ringlets. This hair type is also known as "curly-coily," and it has the tightest curls within the curly hair category. These curls are usually about the size of a straw or pencil and are packed closely together. This gives the hair a thick and voluminous look.
Even though 3C hair has the most volume among curly hair types, it also tends to shrink. It happens when your hair looks shorter when it dries compared to when it is wet. While most hair types experience some shrinkage, the amount varies depending on the texture of your hair and how porous it is. Shrinkage gives those curls their tight and springy shape.
How to find out if you have a 3C hair type?
Figuring out your curl type can be challenging, especially since many people have a mix of different types. Identifying 3C hair type can be even trickier because it shares features of both coily and curly hair. Below are some key characteristics of 3C curly hair:
- Defines and S-shaped curls
- Tightly packed together
- About the size of a pencil
As we discussed in the blog above, 3C hair is the curliest and thickest among all type 3 curls. However, it is normal to have different curl patterns on the same head, especially if you have type 3 or 4 hair. Most of your hair might be 3C curls, but you could also see looser curls around your face or tighter spirals near the back of your neck.
How to take care of 3C hair?
Now that you know that you have type 3C hair, you might want to know how to care for 3C hair and develop a proper hair care routine. If this is the case, then you have come to the right place! Here are some tips that can help you take care of your 3C hair:
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Make sulfate-free shampoos and conditioner your friend
Never skip cleansing! Shampooing and conditioning your 3C curls is necessary to maintain a healthy scalp. Try using the best shampoo for 3C curly hair, like the Curl Nourish (Moroccan Argan Oil) Shampoo & Conditioner.
This ultra-moisturizing duo is infused with Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, Organic Aloe vera and Silver Linden/Tilia tomentosa extract to hydrate and repair dry curls.
Also Read: Best Sulphate-Free Shampoo for Curly Hair: Does it Help Remove Scalp Buildup
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Moisture is key
Type 3C hair has more chances of getting dry than other hair types. That is why you might need to use as hydrating and moisturizing type 3C hair products on your hair as possible. For example, try using the best curly hair mask, like Best Life’s Deep Conditioning Strength & Repair hair mask to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
Related: An Ultimate Guide to Reviving Dry Curly Hair: Tips for Healthy & Nourished Curls
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Detangle with care
Brush your 3C curls with care to ensure there are no tangles, and your curls become easy to manage when it comes to styling 3C hair. Start brushing from the ends and move up to the roots using a detangling brush.
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Rely on beauty sleep
Changing your sleeping habits can make a big difference in the look and feel of your type 3C hair. Consider using a satin or silk pillowcase at night to ensure your hair stays hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1- Are type 3C hair frizzy?
Ans. The tighter the hair texture, the harder it is for natural oils to move down the hair, which leads to frizz. So yes type 3C hair is frizzy. However, you can use hydrating type 3C hair products and anti-humidity treatments to keep your hair defined, bouncy and frizz-free.
Q2- What is the difference between 4C and 3C hair?
Ans. Many people think 3C and 4C hair are alike because of their letter classification, but they are actually different. While 3C hair has a consistent S-shaped curl, 4C hair is more varied and has a mix of coils, curls and zig zags. However, both 3C and 4C hair types are the thickest and most voluminous within their respective categories.
Q3- What is the difference between 3C and 3B hair?
Ans. Although both 3B and 3C hair have well-defined curls, the main difference is the size of the curls. 3C curls are smaller, about the width of a pencil. Whereas, 3B curls are larger, roughly the width of a permanent marker. 3B hair has medium-sized curls, often a mix of looser and tighter strands.
Q4- What hair products to use on 3C hair?
Ans. Since the market is flooded with hundreds of good products for 3C hair, choosing products that might be right for your hair is challenging. However, you can choose the best products for 3C hair type based on three factors: Curl variance, porosity and elasticity.
Knowing all these aspects will help you find products that are actually right for you. Here are some best 3C hair products that every curly person should use:
- Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Deep conditioning strength & repair hair mask
- Curl nourish hydrating style gel
- Curl nourish hydrating style hair cream
Related: Hair Gel for Curly hair: The Secret to Shinier and Healthier Curls