Texture Talk: What’s Your Curl Type?
We believe every curl has a story—and understanding your texture is the first step to caring for it with love.
Whether you’re embracing your natural waves for the first time or you’ve been living that curl life for years, decoding your curl pattern can help you choose the right products, styling techniques, and haircut for your hair’s unique needs.
Let’s break it down together.
So, What Is a Curl Pattern, Anyway?
Hair types are often categorized using a simple system from Type 1 to Type 4, with letters A, B, and C to show how tight or loose the curl is.
Type 1: Straight
Type 2: Wavy
Type 3: Curly
Type 4: Coily/Kinky
Most people don’t fall into just one category—you might have 3A curls around your face and 3C or 4A in the back.
That is totally normal!
The goal isn’t to label your hair perfectly, but to better understand how to care for it.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Not all straight hair is created equal. Type 1 strands may not have a visible curl or wave, but they still have texture—and each subtype has its own personality and needs.
1A: Super Fine + Silky
Think smooth, straight, and ultra-fine. Type 1A hair lays flat and is often naturally shiny, but it can be tricky to hold volume or curl. Dry shampoo and volumizing mists are your best friends here.
1B: Straight with a Little Body
Slightly thicker than 1A, this hair still looks sleek but has a touch more movement and can sometimes hold a soft curl. It’s usually easy to style and plays well with layers and light texture.
1C: Straight with Subtle Texture
Closer to wavy, 1C hair is thick and straight but may have a hint of bend or frizz. It can be more prone to humidity issues and works best with smoothing products or a customized cut to help bring out shape.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair falls right in between straight and curly—and it’s full of bounce, body, and endless versatility. This type typically forms an “S” shape and can range from loose and tousled to defined and voluminous. Here’s a look at the subtypes:
2A: Loose + Airy Waves
Soft, subtle, and usually easy to straighten or curl, 2A hair has a fine texture and a light wave pattern. Salt sprays or light creams work well here without weighing it down.
2B: Defined + Beachy
With more noticeable waves that form mid-length, 2B hair has that sought-after “just left the beach” vibe. A little frizz control and scrunching go a long way.
2C: Voluminous + Textured
These waves are thick, coarse, and can flirt with full curls. Type 2C hair may have some frizz and needs more moisture to define its natural shape without puff.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curls bring the party—and the personality. Type 3 hair is all about bounce, definition, and volume. These curls form ringlets and spirals, varying from soft and loose to springy and tight. This type needs moisture, frizz control, and curl-friendly care to truly shine.
3A: Loose Spirals
Big, loopy curls with a smooth texture. 3A curls are defined but still soft and manageable. Think lightweight gels or creams to enhance definition without crunch.
3B: Springy Ringlets
These curls are tighter and more voluminous, often with a mix of textures. Hydration is key—reach for moisturizing leave-ins and curl creams that fight frizz and keep shape.
3C: Tight Corkscrews
Dense, defined, and full of volume, 3C curls are about the width of a pencil. This texture can get dry fast, so layering moisture (think leave-in + curl cream + oil) helps curls stay hydrated and healthy.
Type 4: Coily Hair
Type 4 hair is beautifully bold and full of structure. These tight coils form a zigzag pattern and are naturally the most fragile of all textures, even though they appear dense. Type 4 strands thrive with deep moisture, gentle detangling, and protective styling.
4A: Soft Coils
Defined coils with an “S” shape—4A hair is tightly curled but retains some visible curl pattern. A mix of curl creams and rich moisturizers help maintain shape and hydration.
4B: Fluffy + Z-shaped Curls
This curl pattern bends in sharp angles (like the letter Z) and tends to be fluffy, not as defined. It’s more prone to shrinkage, so elongating but gentle products like shea-based creams and oils are great.
4C: Tightest Coils + Most Shrinkage
4C hair has no defined curl pattern and the most shrinkage of all types. It’s delicate and needs extra TLC. Deep conditioning, protective styles, and daily moisture are essential to keep it soft, strong, and thriving.
Curl Care That’s Anything but One-Size-Fits-All
We know every curl is different—and we celebrate that. Our stylists are KurlPro Certified, meaning they’ve received advanced education in curl-specific cutting, care, and styling techniques. Whether you’re working with gentle waves or tight coils, we approach your hair with the knowledge, skill, and care it deserves.
During your appointment, we take time to listen, assess your texture, and create a customized plan based on your curl type, hair goals, and lifestyle.
Our mission is to help you love your natural texture and leave the salon feeling empowered, confident, and fully yourself.
KurlPro Helix System
Understanding the Helix System + DOT Method
Curly hair is diverse, beautiful, and never one-size-fits-all. We use advanced techniques—including the Helix System and DOT Method from KurlPro Academy—to deliver curl services that are custom, precise, and empowering.
🌪️ The Helix System: 7 Types of Curl Patterns
The Helix System is a revolutionary way to categorize the natural curl patterns found on a single head of hair. Many people have more than one curl type—and identifying each helps us create a personalized plan that truly works for your hair.
Here’s a look at the 7 Helix Types:
Helix 1: Wave
Loose, flowing bends with minimal definition. Often found around the crown or nape.Helix 2: Curl
S-shaped curls with moderate structure. These tend to stretch or flatten easily.Helix 3: Spiral
Springy, corkscrew-like curls with a tighter pattern and lots of bounce.Helix 4: Coil
Tightly wound coils with defined shape and volume. They often shrink significantly when dry.Helix 5: Tight Coil
Dense, zigzagged coils that form close to the scalp and require more hydration and care.Helix 6: Zig Zag
Sharp bends and angular patterns with less visible curl definition and more volume.Helix 7: Tight Zig Zag
Very tight, compact patterns that appear more like texture than individual curls—requiring ultra-tailored cutting and styling techniques.
Recognizing these distinctions allows us to approach your hair with true expertise—matching your curl pattern with the techniques and products that bring out its best.
💡 The DOT Method: Personalizing the Process
To complement the Helix System, KurlPro also teaches the DOT Method. DOT considers the client’s overall curl journey, head shape, and lifestyle by evaluating:
D – Density
How much hair you have per square inch. This impacts cutting techniques, product choices, and overall style volume.O – Objective
Your goals. Whether you want shape, length, manageability, or all of the above, we build a plan around what matters most to you.T – Texture
The feel and behavior of your strands—fine, coarse, silky, thick. Texture affects how curls hold shape, how color takes, and what kind of maintenance will work best for your routine.
✂️ Why It All Matters
By using both the Helix System and DOT Method, our KurlPro Certified stylists can offer something that’s often missing in curly hair services: true personalization.
We don't make assumptions. Instead, we listen, assess, and collaborate with you to create a style that’s not just beautiful, but also sustainable and easy to maintain at home. No forcing your hair into a mold—it’s all about honoring your natural texture and enhancing it with intention.
Curly Hair Myths We Love to Bust 💭
❌ “You have to stick to one curl type.”
✔️ You probably have a few—it’s the mix that makes your texture special.
❌ “You need tons of product.”
✔️ You just need the right ones, and we can help you find them.
❌ “Your curls need to be tamed.”
✔️ They need to be loved, hydrated, and understood.
At Dwell, We’re Curl People.
Our team includes stylists who specialize in all kinds of curls—from soft waves to tight coils.
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter cuts or forcing your hair into a style that doesn’t feel like you. Instead, we take time to listen, assess your texture, and create a plan that suits your curl type and your lifestyle.
If you're unsure where to start, we’d love to help you decode your curl pattern and build a routine that feels right.
Let’s Talk Curls.
Book a KurlPro curly haircut with one of our Curl Specialists who truly get texture.
We’re here to celebrate your natural pattern and help you feel more confident than ever!