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
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.
