What's your curl type? How to determine your wave or curl pattern

You may have heard of curl types 2, 3, or 4.
But what do they actually mean? And more importantly: how do you know what curl type you have?

Your curl type determines the shape of your hair, from slight waves to tight coils. But note: your curl type is just one part of your hair profile.

👉 Want to determine all your hair characteristics at once? Read here how to determine your hair characteristics.

In this article you will discover:

• What curl type means
• What kinds of curl types there are
• How to determine your curl type
• What this means for your routine

What does curl type mean?

Curl type refers to the natural shape of your hair. Within the curly hair community, four main categories are usually used:

• Type 1 – Straight hair
• Type 2 – Wavy hair
• Type 3 – Curly hair
• Type 4 – Coily or kinky hair

Each category has subtypes (A, B, and C), but for choosing the right products, it's often more important to look at the main category.

Curl type 2 – Wavy hair

Type 2 hair has a distinct wave, but not a tight curl.
This hair type can fall flat more easily or become frizzy.

What does type 2 often need?

• Lighter products
• No heavy creams
• Support for natural movement
• Styling with flexible hold

Curl type 3 – Curly hair

Type 3 hair has distinct spirals or curls.
This hair type often needs more hydration and can be prone to frizz.

What does type 3 often need?

• Balance between hydration and hold
• Support for definition
• Protection against dehydration

Curl type 4 – Coily / kinky hair

Type 4 hair has very tight curls or coils.
This hair type is often more fragile and requires intensive care.

What does type 4 often need?

• Rich hydration
• Protection against breakage
• Products that retain moisture well

How to determine your curl type?

You can determine your curl type by:

1. Letting your hair air dry naturally without styling
2. Looking at the shape of your hair
3. Assessing whether it is wavy, curly, or coily

But note:

Curl type alone is not enough to choose the right products.

Your hair porosity and hair thickness also play a big role.

👉 Read also: What is hair porosity and how do you recognize it?

Why curl type alone is not enough

Two people with curl type 3 can have completely different needs.

For example:

• High porosity hair requires more repair
• Low porosity hair needs lighter products
• Fine hair can be weighed down more easily than thick hair

That's why at CurlCandy we always look at:

• Curl type
• Porosity
• Hair thickness

Together they determine your ideal routine.

What does your curl type mean for your routine?

Once you know your curl type, you can make more targeted choices for:

• A suitable wash routine
• Styling products that support your curls
• Products that won't weigh down your hair

View our routines by curl type
or take the hair quiz directly for personalized advice.

Still not sure?

Determining your curl type is a good first step, but combining curl type, porosity, and hair thickness provides a much more complete picture.

With our hair quiz, you'll discover in a few minutes:

• Your curl type
• Your porosity
• Which routine suits you

👉 Discover your hair profile

Frequently asked questions about curl type

How do I know what curl type I have?

Let your hair air dry naturally without styling and look at the shape. Wavy hair falls under type 2, spirals under type 3, and tight coils under type 4.

Can your curl type change?

Your natural curl type usually doesn't change, but damage, heat, or hormones can affect how your curls look.

What's more important: curl type or porosity?

Both are important. Curl type determines the shape of your hair, while porosity determines how your hair reacts to products.

Which products suit my curl type?

That also depends on your porosity and hair thickness. Take the hair quiz to find a routine that truly suits your hair.