CURL TYPE
There are many variants on curl typing. This can be confusing in itself, plus you can have a mixture of curl types on any one head. We like to keep things simple and believe the key to fabulous curls is understanding the particular needs of your hair.
For example:
- How much moisture do your curls need?
- Do your curls lose moisture quickly?
- Is it difficult to form and hold your curls?
- Experimenting with application amounts and techniques is essential. As you begin to learn more about your curls, bad hair days become a thing of the past!
THE THREE MAIN CURL TYPES
WAVY
Wavy loose S-shaped curls are straight at the roots with slight bends down the length. They can be fine, medium or thick in texture. Concerns with this hair type are creating volume, curl formation and hold.
CURLY
Curly curls loop more and are well defined. Often there is a mixture of different curls and textures on one head within this type. Without enough hydration, these curls will be dry and frizzy. Due to their spring factor, they can also experience some shrinkage when drying. Weekly deep conditioning treatments recommended.
COILY
Coily, kinky curls are smaller, tightly curled and can be dense. They tend to be thicker in texture but can be fine or mixed. They are the most porous and fragile of all the curl types. They expe-rience a lot of shrinkage when drying (up to 75% of hair length) and need plenty of hydration to prevent dryness and frizz. Styling techniques can be used to manipulate, define and elongate curls.
CURL TEXTURES
Hair texture is determined by the circumference of the individual hair strand. There are three main textures - it is common to find a mixture of different textures on any one head.
FINE
The strands of fine hair are thin and very fragile. Fine hair feels light and can be oilier than other textures. It falls flat to the head and can become easily weighed down. Fine hair has difficulty holding styles, curls are prone to dropping and hair requires extra volume and root lift.
MEDIUM
Medium is the most common hair texture. Individual strands are middle range and look and feel thicker than fine hair. This texture is easily styled and curls hold well. Medium hair tends to need more moisture due to being bigger in diameter.
THICK
Thick hair has the largest circumference of all the hair textures and is prone to being porous and losing moisture easily. Thick hair is denser and looks full. It is stronger than other textures and holds styles well. Due to the density, it can take longer to dry.
POROSITY
Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. This is determined by the condition of the hair's cuticle layer which is made up of overlapping scales and can be described as low, normal or high porosity.
LOW
The cuticles are compact and lie flat. Moisture isn’t easily absorbed and is more resistant to chemical processes. Using heat, a steamer or hooded dryer with deep treatments helps the cuticle layer to open up, so moisture is more readily absorbed into the hair shaft.
NORMAL
The cuticles are raised slightly and can absorb moisture more easily. However, unlike high porosity, hair will retain moisture once absorbed.
HIGH
The cuticles are highly-raised, so the hair absorbs and loses moisture quickly and easily, and can become dry and damaged easily. Chemically treated hair is often highly-porous due to damaged cuticles. Protein treatments help repair, strengthen and replenish hair by filling in the damaged holes on the hair shaft to reduce porosity. Layering products will help retain moisture for longer. Leave your Curl Conditioner in, then follow by applying Curl Cream, then Curl Defining Gel or Super Hold Styler.