What type of curly is my hair?

Have you ever woken up from a night’s sleep and looked in the mirror to see a head of what resembled Medusa? You know, that mythical being who had snakes for hair. Well fear not my curl friend! ‘Curly hair is beautiful too‘, as stated by Solange Knowles.

If you’re here trying to figure out what type of curly your locks might be – this is the article for you!

The Story

Before we dive deep into all things curls, let me share with you something about myself. I am one of those people who never knew their real texture until they stopped getting relaxers. After transitioning and dealing with some growing pains (including frequent jokes from friends) I finally embraced my unkempt tresses.

To remove confusion, I listed some common terms used when referring to curly hair:

  • Coily: Tightly curled or coiled strands
  • Wavy: Loose ringlets or curls
  • Kinky: Tightest type of curl pattern; more zig-zag shaped than spiral.
     
    Now that we have established these basics, let us proceed.

Porosity Test To See “What Type Of Curly Hair Do I Have?”

One way in figuring out which kind of curly mane joie de vivre is through porosity testing. Porosity refers to how well your locks can absorb and retain moisture – which impacts not only product effectiveness but also dimensional stability based on lighting shine & diffraction across each strand over time due changes caused primarily by moisture level variability within air flow patterns present beyond root zone if certain products are introduced at different extents around circumference during styling period while existing layers continue relaxing under similar influences in parallel continuum long after initial process has ended past its dissolution point before newer ones begin forming again anew later down line ahead towards crown area origins where new growth gradually grows stronger outwards with each succeeding round weaves its way through coarser sections towards ends. 

In order to conduct a porosity test, do the following:

  1. Take one strand of hair from your head.
  2. Fill a bowl of water and place the strand in it
  3. Wait for five minutes
  4. Observe what happens next.

If the hair sinks – this means you have high porosity hair; it can take on moisture quickly, but also dries out just as fast (which is annoying).

When Hair Floats: If your strand floats – then congratulations! You have low porosity curls which will not absorb liquid products easily therefore less prone to dehydration triggered by lack thereof because they are closer together than other types and more challenging to penetrate due smaller spaces between follicles blocking pathways where nutrients or liquids could flow into strands effectively making them last longer between washes without appearing oily

Insert happy dance

5 Notes About Water Intake

Your overall intake of H20 plays a role too!

Drinking directly hydrolyzes bonds that connect keratin proteins comprising individual hairs influencing their composition over time so be careful how much tap water u consume guys/gals as trace particles floating around inevitably impinge upon existing systems similar might occur when bathing wherein chlorine present weakens defenses against potential damage further compromising protective layers leaving curls at possible risk dehydrating faster due lost elasticity etcetera especially if exposed too frequently such environmental stressors like heat conditioners with harsh chemicals during styling regimen resulting breakage headaches down line ahead

Which Type Of Curly Am I?

Now let’s figure out what type of curly mane you have…

There are four different types listed from 2-3a to 4c here:

Type 2: Wavy Curls (not kinky)

This type usually looks somewhere between straight & curly until product distribution enables loose ringlets protruding throughout entire length foundation only becoming more evident after styling process takes effect. Those that belong to this type often become frizzy when exposed high humidity or harsh air flow.

Type 3: Curly Curls

Type three hair generally denotes a curlier strand, bouncing up well after brushing or touching individual strands with moisture retention staying in one place for longer periods of time than wavy ones above it. It usually looks voluminous & springy, but tangles easily without proper treatment from suitable products tailored towards individual needs based porosity as we have seen earlier.

Type 3A- Medium Loose Curls

Curl pattern is loose and varied spaced out

Type 3B – Tight Curls

This type bounces back naturally forming tight spirals.

Type 4: Kinky Curls

Extremely coiled curls defined by tightly packed together S-shaped coils which form at root gradually spiraling outward toward ends of strand creating zig-zag shape throughout curl these are known for their durability but also difficulty attain not just through genetics alone requires consistent care throughout each stage lifelong journey maintaining quality long term functionality…basically an investment worth putting time into so invest wisely young grasshopper! The multiple step process needed involves detangling prepping moisturizing sealing hydrating conditioning combing provide assistance along way keeping kinks healthy manageable instead unruly mess they can become.

Type 4C (aka Z Pattern)

This is the most tightly curled hair pattern on the curly spectrum. This hair texture forms complex shapes resembling z-patterns with s-shaped coils and moves where body goes while still looking totally fabulous major plus points sis/bro!

What Products Work For Each Curl Type?

Here’s a quick guide:

Wavy Curls:

Shampoos containing silicones since volume key factor when dealing less definition; gentle cleansing effects ensures no residue retained behind improving overall manageability best mousse gels or hairspray light hold daily protein treatments based porosity adjustments PH balance between diffuser air dryer heat styling effectiveness without causing breakage.

Curly Curls:

Co-washing. Condition first with detangling brush or smooth down unit, then use device for conditioning product application as needed; comb through potential tangles again until curls are thoroughly hydrated later refresh relax back into place any remaining frizz via spritzing bottle vs water only reduces necessary steps relieving stress handling individual strands altogether instead products that work well include:

  • SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
  • The Mane Choice Doesn’t Get Much ? Butter Than This Daily Hair Dressing

Kinky Curls:

Kinky-curly hair requires more moisture, so invest wisely applying oil-based leave-ins or custards before sealing hydration adding essential oils providing deep nourishment penetrating each strand while enhancing shine defining elasticity improving overall scalp health retaining length notice smoother consistency longer-lasting levels of bounce natural curl retention achieved over time giving season ones own glow-up process some much needed TLC

Wrap Up

In conclusion, figuring out what type of curly you have can be a tedious process but it is super important in order to maintain those fabulous locks! Conduct the porosity test and equip yourself with the knowledge shared above ..and voila! all your mane problems will soon start subsiding- including the insults people keep throwing at you about being Medusa 😉

Remember: ‘Curlfriend‘ – embrace those loops wholeheartedly!

Peace Out 🤗

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