Type 3 Hair: How To Identify Your Hair Type + Curly Hair Styling Tips From The Pros

The beauty industry certainly loves a classification system: from skin types to face shapes to hair types, we're always trying to figure out exactly where our unique features fall. Now, beauty is fluid and diverse—meaning we'll never fall into one box perfectly. (For example, someone who identifies as having oily skin can still have a few dry or sensitive days, too!) But sometimes labels can help us create language and handy guides on how to better take care of ourselves—which is why we use them in the first place. 

Such is the case with hair types. These range from 1 (straight) to 4 (kinks), each with additional subtypes that further break down the texture and patterns of the strands on our heads. Now, most people have multiple types to care for—additionally, factors like porosity, density, and lifestyle factors can all play a role in your hair care routine. So, no, this isn't an exact science. But understanding your type is a very good place to start. 

We're getting into the details of type 3 in this story, but it never hurts to cover hair types generally, in the event you need a refresher. As we noted, hair is categorized into types from 1 to 4, each with three smaller subsets noted as A, B, or C. Hair types aren't scientific terms (so this isn't a set standard crafted up by derms or researchers; in fact, it was developed and made famous by famed hairstylist Andre Walker), but it's pretty universally accepted among hairstylists, trichologists, and even many derms themselves! 

As a rundown: Type 1 is straight, with the variance usually coming down to how flat your hair lies. Type 2 is wavy, with the major differences depending on how loose the S-pattern is. Type 3 is curly, which changes depending on how tight the curl is. And Type 4 is kinky or coily, which changes depending on whether the shape of the pattern is more zigzag or springs. 

Listen, you may find yourself here because you already know your hair type pretty well. But for those of you who need a bit more guidance, we actually created an mbg hair type quiz that takes only a few minutes. So click the link below and come back here when you have your results. 

Hair type quiz.

But let me just say again, most people have a few patterns to deal with or a patch or two that doesn't seem to fit in with the rest. So you might have to do different techniques for different areas to make it all uniform—or go all-in on the unique textures! Not to mention there are other factors at play: hair porosity, density, and strand thickness. Essentially you've just got to get to know the many facets of your hair, not just type.  

"I cannot stress studying your hair enough. A stylist can only give you recommendations, but essentially you go home with your hair," says Danielle Malary, owner of Lumiere Vive Salon. "Feel your hair out, document how it reacts. Essentially, keep a journal for your hair and learn to love it."

As the loosest curls, these are usually the most finicky and least defined of this bunch. They can be described as medium-barrel curls and can have a lot of variety in the sizing of the different sections. As they are not as defined inherently, they can be weighed down by product easier, too. 

Here your spirals are getting tighter and more defined. These will look like bouncy ringlets with a bit of spring and pop. The width of these is similar to a large marker. The hair is also quite voluminous and lush-looking. 

This pattern is a tight loop, with a circumference like a pen. They're also the closest to type 4, and share many characteristics of that grouping—such as being prone to breakage or dryness. You'll also have a lot of volume, starting right at the root. 

"Hair porosity describes how the hair's cuticle absorbs and holds on to moisture in its pores—hence, the term porosity," says Branch. And it's a spectrum, ranging from high to low. High porosity means the cuticles are more open, so hair absorbs water easily. But it also means it evaporates easily. Hair that has low porosity has dense cuticles. This means the hair has a harder time absorbing water, product, or even your scalp's natural oils, and you'll see buildup faster. It also takes longer to dry after getting wet as it's holding all that water in. Then you can fall somewhere between these two ends of the spectrum, which is considered medium porosity. You can take our hair porosity quiz for more information. 

Hair density is basically how full your head of hair is. According to celebrity hairstylist Ryan Richman, "The density of the hair is determined by how close your hair strands are to each other. This, in turn, determines how thin or thick your hair appears." Scalps with more hair follicles often appear more lush and full—but may also be drier (especially at the ends) and harder to manage. Scalps with low density may mean wider parts and thinner styles but will usually be shiner and easier to hydrate, says Richman. 

Thickness and thinness are often confused with density, but the two actually refer to the diameter of the strand. Thin strands have a small circumference, while thick strands are larger. If you don't know where you fall, you can try the fingertip test: roll around a strand of hair between two fingers. If you can feel it, you have a thick diameter. If it's basically undetectable, it's likely on the thinner side. We recommend trying this with several strands on your head, as diameter can change depending on the area of your scalp. 

Caring for your precious strands means you need to get to know them. One huge part of that puzzle? Your curl type.