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When it comes to curl patterns, figuring out which category your hair fits into can be tough, especially if you have type 3A hair curls—which falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between wavy and curly.
“Hair has been categorized based on how curly or loose your hair is, someone with 3A hair type has been categorized as a looser curl,” explains celebrity hairstylist and SheaMoisture ambassador Lacy Redway. “In this sub-category of curls, your hair reads curly and not wavy— think spiral curls that are S-shaped.”
You’ll also need to consider which styling products and techniques are best suited for your unique hair strands. Whether you’re trying to figure out an easy curly hair routine for when it’s time to wash your hair, or have specific concerns you’d like to address—like dry hair or hair growth—everyone’s regimen will vary.
Our Top Picks
- Best Oil: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Molecular Repair Hair Oil, $65
- Best Shampoo: Eva NYC H2-Whoa! Hydrating Shampoo, $14
- Best Mask: amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask, $34
- Best Lotion: Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion, $38
- Best Hot Tool: Pattern The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron, $249
While this all may sound a tad overwhelming, don’t worry—we got you. Discover everything you need to know about 3A hair—from the best 3A hair products to tips from the experts, ahead.
Eva NYC H2-Whoa! Hydrating Shampoo
A blend of hyaluronic acid and violet rose water hydrates hair and adds shine while cleansing strands of debris and excess oils that can leave your hair feeling clammy and dull.
Not Your Mother s Curl Talk 3-in-1 Hydrating Conditioner
This conditioner can be used as a leave-in, rinse-out, or co-wash depending on your unique hair needs. It’s made with a blend of rice, keratin amino acids, and enzymes to strengthen and nourish hair, while helping to keep curls defined.
Better Not Younger Silver Lining Purple Butter Masque
As we get older, our hair changes with us. So as you fall in love with your greys, be sure to keep them nourished. A blend of mango, macadamia, cupuaçu, murumuru, and avocado nut butters moisturize each hair strand from the inside out to leave your hair looking flawless.
amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
The vegan formula, which boasts nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, and sea buckthorn noticeably moisturizes and softens hair after just one use. Those with high porosity hair can swap this in for their regular conditioner, while people with medium to low porosity can opt to use this as a treatment when their hair needs some extra love.
SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
“SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Smoothie is a deeply hydrating cream that defines curls without weighing them down,” says Redway. “Use your fingers to rake the product through, or opt for a detangling brush.”
Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion
Whether you want to wear your hair curly or do a blowout, this lotion leaves your hair feeling ultra-soft and nourished, but never weighed down. Plus, its signature Temple Oud scent gives you a luxe feel.
Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Bounty Balm Rich Curl Cream
“This curl cream will give definition, shine, and frizz control without weighing hair down,” says Ashley. “Apply to your hair while damp, cluster your curls, and then do not touch—just let them air dry.”
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
Reduce frizz, strengthen hair, and improve shine in just one step with ingredients like hemisqualane, squalane, and avocado oil. This product also doubles as a heat protectant—up to 450 degrees.
Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush
Speaking of detangling brushes, this one from celebrity natural hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood has built a cult following for good reason—it works. The tool offers flexible bristles to help prevent breakage and easily rid the hair of knots without pulling or snagging.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Whether you want to diffuse your hair, or do a blowout, this celebrity-loved, fast drying blow dryer does it all, and comes with five attachments to suit your specific styling needs.
Pattern The 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron
Having curly hair means being well-aware that sometimes, your hair is just going to do what it wants to do. Thankfully, Pattern’s new Interchangeable Curling Iron puts you back in control—without damaging your hair, as it was specifically crafted to curb heat damage. Perfect to use both at home and on-the-go, this iron can safely define your curls, add volume, or refresh your style in a flash.
What is 3A hair?
While type 2 hair typically presents soft waves and bends, 3A hair offers loose curls. “3A is a round, loose S-shape curl with fine to medium texture,” shares curly hair expert and Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador Brendnetta Ashley. “It also has a minimum volume.”
What does 3A hair look like?
According to Redway, 3A type curls tend to have a corkscrew-like shape. “It s a wider curl in diameter but can still spring back when pulled out of its original shape,” she explains. Celebrities like Zendaya and Mariah Carey both have natural 3A curls, for example.
Is my hair 2C or 3A?
Figuring out whether your hair fits into the latter end of the type 2 category, or falls into type 3 territory can be tricky, especially considering each hair strand is unique. But there are a few things to look out for. “2C is a defined wave,” explains Ashley. “3A has more of a round shape that forms a curl.”
Redway agrees, adding the actual texture and feel of your strands can help you figure out how to classify your hair as well. “Think body waves with 2C, with 3A being curlier, which can also change the appearance of texture in your hair,” she says. “In the 3 category, your hair texture could appear more coarse than the 2s wavy texture.”
Is 3A hair low porosity?
Honestly, it depends—and the shape of your curls really have nothing to do with it. “Porosity is based on how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture,” Redway shares. “It is based on the protective outer layer of the hair with overlapping cells and the condition of your hair s cuticle.” It will also vary based on your own genetic makeup. However, it can be altered overtime depending on what you use to style your hair and how often you’re doing it.
“Things like chemical treatments or heat damage from hot tools can play a role,” Redway explains.
Regardless of whether you have 3A hair or not, there’s no way you can just look at your hair and know if it’s low porosity. However, you can do a simple test, right at home, to figure it out.
“The best way to determine if your hair has low or high porosity is to do a porosity test,” says Ashley. “Take a strand of hair and place it in a cup of water. If the strand floats to the top you have low porosity which means it doesn’t absorb water. If it settles in the middle or sinks you have high porosity which means you have the ability to absorb moisture.”
Once you discover which category your hair falls into, then you can start to curate your regimen and products to best suit your specific needs.
How to Take Care of 3A Hair
As mentioned, everyone’s hair care routine will vary, but there are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to 3A curls. Ashley suggests focusing on hydration, which will help to curb frizz, keep hair feeling soft, and increase definition and shine.
Redway echoes Ashley’s point, adding that it’s a good idea to look out for products that are lightweight, so hair will be bouncy—not weighed down. That said, you may want to opt for a hydrating shampoo, followed by a light conditioner to detangle in the shower. Once a week, you can opt for a deep conditioner to give your hair a little extra nourishment. After towel drying, a light leave-in conditioner and natural oils like jojoba, for example, can help lock in moisture.
How to Style 3A Hair
On wash day, Redway recommends starting your styling process with detangling in the shower, by using a moisturizing conditioner. Once your hair has been towel dried, she says to use a light leave-in, then brush it through to ensure each strand is evenly coated. “Allow hair to air dry or dry on low to medium heat,” she says.
In between washes, you can spritz your hair with water to refresh your curls, then add any additional products you need.
Can 3A hair hold braids?
Absolutely!
“All of the braid styles can be worn by 3A hair,” explains Ashley. Just be sure whichever style you choose isn’t too tight or causes tension, which can lead to hair and/or scalp damage, and in severe cases, even hair loss. “You also don’t want to keep your braided style in for longer than eight weeks,” she adds.
Redway recommends going for knotless braids, or even a single, slicked-back plait. “I like to refer to this style as the Sade,” she says. “Also, simple, straight back cornrows are always a vibe.”
How often should you wash 3A hair?
“With any hair type, you don’t want to over-wash to strip hair of its natural oils,” explains Redway. “Washing 3A hair once a week is sufficient, but if you use heavy products in your hair to style, try rinsing your hair without shampoo in between styling to prevent products from clogging your scalp.” On the other hand, Ashley recommends using a dry shampoo between washes should your scalp start to get greasy.
Meet the Experts
- Lacy Redway is a celebrity hairstylist and SheaMoisture ambassador, with A-list clients like Alicia Keys and Hunter Schafer.
- Brendnetta Ashley is a curly and textured hair expert, as well as a Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador.