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 What Is Curly Hair Typing

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carrie View Drop Down
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Joined: Feb 21, 2002
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Posted: May 27, 2007 at 12:13pm
When I first started visiting talk boards and they would talk about their curly hair "types" I was confused.  I didn't want to look like a loser by not knowing what all the different symbols meant so I kept quiet until I figured it out.
 
Depending on who you talk to, the whole curly "hair typing" movement started with Oprah's hairdresser, Andre Walker, who wrote a best selling book called Andre Talks Hair.  Any self respecting curly haired girl has read this book because it lays out the basics of typing.
 
Chapter Two of Andre's Book is called To Thine Own Self Be True - Whats Your Type and provides a clear and concise analysis of the different "type" of curls.  Andre divides them up into groupings and they are defined as 2-3 and 4.
 
Each of the groupings has sub categories.  For example, there is Type 4 hair and there is A and B within the Type 4.
 
Over the years, various talk forums have come up with their own subcategories and merged them into even more definitive descriptions.
 
This forum is to talk about hair typing for curly hair and to share your own questions, concerns, opinions and custom typing systems.
 
There is so much information out there about typing that hopefully we will be able to answer questions for newbies and refine typing to a new art form.

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Ms.Honey View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
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Posted: May 27, 2007 at 12:13pm
[QUOTE=carrie]
 
There is so much information out there about typing that hopefully we will be able to answer questions for newbies and refine typing to a new art form.
[/QUOTE]
 
We definitely need to refine hair typing. I bought Andre's book. It was unecessary because everything I needed to know I learned here and on other hair forums for free. Still, it's nice to have.

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carrie View Drop Down
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Joined: Feb 21, 2002
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Posted: May 27, 2007 at 12:13pm
[QUOTE=MSHONEY][QUOTE=carrie]
 
There is so much information out there about typing that hopefully we will be able to answer questions for newbies and refine typing to a new art form.
[/QUOTE]
 
We definitely need to refine hair typing. I bought Andre's book. It was unecessary because everything I needed to know I learned here and on other hair forums for free. Still, it's nice to have.
[/QUOTE]
 
Hi,
 
Yes, yes, yes on the refining part. 
 
I know so many people with curly hair that have multipe "types" of hair and I know there have been lots of info posted about this on the Web.  Please help by sharing anything you have that is new or would help refine.

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Ms.Honey View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
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Posted: May 27, 2007 at 12:13pm
 Well one thing I've noticed is that my natural hair seems to change seasonally. When I typed it earlier this spring, it was soft, wavy and curly so I typed it as a 3 a b and c. I had a little bit of everything going onLOL. If I were to type it today in this weather I would type it as a 3c/4a. I still have the curls and waves at the crown but everywhere else it's bushy no matter how much moisture I add to it.

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carrie View Drop Down
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Joined: Feb 21, 2002
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Posted: May 29, 2007 at 12:13pm
[QUOTE=MSHONEY] Well one thing I've noticed is that my natural hair seems to change seasonally. When I typed it earlier this spring, it was soft, wavy and curly so I typed it as a 3 a b and c. I had a little bit of everything going onLOL. If I were to type it today in this weather I would type it as a 3c/4a. I still have the curls and waves at the crown but everywhere else it's bushy no matter how much moisture I add to it.[/QUOTE]
 
Yes...great point.  Maybe another letter should be added to the 3c/4a for seasons?  I guess that could be a little confusing but I know exactly what you mean.  Every Spring and Fall my hair goes a little insane but settles down and pretty much is 3b/c. 
 
I appreciate your feedback.  I hope we can figure out a way to indicate hair moods.  :-)

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Ms.Honey View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
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Posted: May 29, 2007 at 12:13pm
So, where do we startSmile?

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Ms.Honey View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
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Posted: May 29, 2007 at 12:13pm
Maybe listing ALL the typing symbols out there and the definitions for them and refining from there with a less confusing more accurate Type list? Do you want to include all hair types or just curly types?

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hairbraider View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 04, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: Jun 08, 2007 at 12:13pm
[QUOTE=carrie]I know so many people with curly hair that have multipe "types" of hair and I know there have been lots of info posted about this on the Web.  Please help by sharing anything you have that is new or would help refine.[/QUOTE]
 
Yes!  I have just about everything from 1b-3c!  Different areas on my head are different textures with different amounts of curliness.  I just usually go by what the majority is like.
 
edited to add:
There are 2 other things besides weather that impact what type the hair appears to be.  The health of the hair is a big issue.  I know that before I got to be a hair "fanatic", my hair was more frizzy and did more of the S-waves instead of curls.  After I got it into much better health and learned how to style it right, the texture and curl type changed quite a bit. 
 
That brings us to the second point which is styling techniques used.  For instance, if you brush your hair out after washing it, you may think your hair is only wavy or frizzy.  If you let it air-dry without combing or brushing, I promise it will be curlier. 
hairbraider2007-06-08 23:25:17

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Ms.Honey View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
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Posted: Jun 09, 2007 at 12:13pm
    I agree totally. When you type your hair it should be after washing with regular shampoo, (not clarifying or any specialty conditioners added) and air drying no conditioner or other products. They can be misleading. 
    The condition of your weather outside and the air in your house is another factor to consider. Is it muggy, humid, damp, dry? Do you need a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home?
    The condition of your water has to be considered also. Is it hard or soft water, well water, heavily chlorinated, full of minerals etc.
   As a matter of fact I think we should come up with a whole cleaning process before typing procedure. This could become very detailed but I thnk we can still keep it simpleSmile

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hairbraider View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 04, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: Jun 15, 2007 at 12:13pm
I like that idea.  I think my hair feels its most natural after a chelating wash and deep conditioning.  (I use baking soda mixed with shampoo, and then mayonaise)

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Ms.Honey View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
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Posted: Jun 16, 2007 at 12:13pm
[QUOTE=hairbraider]I like that idea.  I think my hair feels its most natural after a chelating wash and deep conditioning.  (I use baking soda mixed with shampoo, and then mayonaise)[/QUOTE]
 
Why don't we both come up with a pre-typing routine then compare and refine them whenever we get the chance?

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hairbraider View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 04, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: Jun 30, 2007 at 12:13pm
I'll see what I can put together.  What are your ideas?

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Ms.Honey View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 12, 2006
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Posted: Jul 19, 2007 at 12:13pm
I am SO sorry that I haven't replied sooner. I haven't written anything down yet. pm me to remind me to do it this week. 

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suicides_eve View Drop Down
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Joined: Jun 21, 2007
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Posted: Jul 25, 2007 at 12:13pm
has anyone read that Curly Girl book by Lorraine Massey? it sounds like it is about the same thing as Ophra's hairdresser's. I am waiting for the library to get my copy transfered over from another branch, they said it was gonna take 10 days!Shocked

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hairbraider View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 04, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: Jul 28, 2007 at 12:13pm
[QUOTE=MSHONEY]Why don't we both come up with a pre-typing routine then compare and refine them whenever we get the chance?[/QUOTE]
 
Something like this:
1. deep cleanse to remove all build-up of products (and/or hard water deposits).  I like to use 1 tsp regular shampoo + 1 tsp baking soda.  Gently but thoroughly massage all through hair and scalp, rinse very thoroughly. 
2. deep condition because you just totally stripped your hair and it's very fragile now.  I like to use a big glob of real mayonaise (not low fat, not miracle whip).  Smear it all through the hair immediately after washing and rinsing, clip it up and wrap the entire scalp area and all hair in plastic wrap or a plastic bag and then wrap a warm towel around it, leave for 30 minutes, rinse with warm water.
3. air dry completely, try not to touch your hair while it's drying.  Do not comb or brush or run fingers through, do not add styling products. 
4. your hair should now be at least very close to it's natural state.
5. if your hair is badly damaged, heavily color treated, or chemically straightened this won't work.  You'll have to work to improve the condition of your hair before you'll be able to see what it's naturally like.

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malibu View Drop Down
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Joined: Feb 17, 2006
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Posted: Sep 06, 2007 at 12:13pm
Hi! I have curly hair and I have no idea what type it is but I know it's several types all over the place. It's also frizzy. I tried the Noodle Head from Sally's and I must say, it makes a difference for the better! It definitely controls the frizz. It's not a miracle cream but it helps a lot.

On the second day (after I washed my hair) I spray my hair with a water/conditioner mix. That seems to help.

With all that said, my hair has been straight via Yuko for five years and it's finally all grown out. I'm still trying to figure out how to control it but it's been tough. In fact this week I straightened my hair for the first time since Februrary!! and I have to admit, I love it straight. Since I know the flat iron is harsh on my hair I just really want to learn how to wear it curly.

I have fine hair and it's wavy/curly/frizzy. Yum I know.

I'd love to keep this forum active!! Hopefully you guys are still around to chat!

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hairbraider View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 04, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: Sep 07, 2007 at 12:13pm
Welcome, Malibu!  I'm not here alot because my time is limited, but I try to check in now and then.  (you can always find me on the long hair support forum or pm me if you have a specific question for me or something) 
 
I think the most important thing for having great curls is to have healthy hair.  I know from experience that the healthier it is, the better the curls form, the less it frizzes.  You can read all about my hair routine and products I use and stuff on my site. (link below) 
 
Do you have a pic of yours?  How long is it?

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malibu View Drop Down
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Joined: Feb 17, 2006
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Posted: Sep 09, 2007 at 12:13pm
HI Hairbraider! Thanks so much! I am going to check out your site now! You're right, the healthier the hair the less frizz and better curl. I'm trying to keep all heat tools away except for the blow dryer twice a week.

How long is my hair you ask? LOL
I wear extensions so it's fairly long but my own hair comes down to my shoulders.

I'm really interested in changing up my cleansing routine. I use shampoo with sulfates, yay! I feel like that's what gets my hair clean. I wash my hair two times a week. The other days, in the morning I spray my hair with water/conditioner mix.

Thanks for your warm welcome!

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hairbraider View Drop Down
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Joined: Dec 04, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: Sep 14, 2007 at 12:13pm
I haven't had much luck from sulfate-free shampoo either.  I get build-up on my scalp really bad.  I mainly use regular shampoo on my scalp and organic shampoo on the length so it's not so drying.

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Aloloo View Drop Down
Newbie
Joined: Feb 23, 2008
Location: United States
Posted: Feb 23, 2008 at 12:13pm
So, what is curly  hair typing? People keep saying that they're 3c's or 2a's, but what does that mean?

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Lynne Chapman View Drop Down
Newbie
Joined: Feb 15, 2009
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Posted: Feb 15, 2009 at 12:13pm
New here. Smile
 
i have heard the term before but still have no idea how do 'type' my hair. Do I have to read the book? Or is there a place that lists the info in an easy to understand manner?

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andriyam View Drop Down
Newbie
Joined: Apr 23, 2009
Location:
Posted: May 02, 2009 at 12:13pm
i think there must be a dedicated section just for different curly hair, though i am new in this forum, hope my views will be given a second thought by you guyz.
www-hair-extensions.com

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Lynne Chapman View Drop Down
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Joined: Feb 15, 2009
Location:
Posted: May 02, 2009 at 12:13pm
[QUOTE=andriyam]i think there must be a dedicated section just for different curly hair, though i am new in this forum, hope my views will be given a second thought by you guyz.
www-hair-extensions.com
[/QUOTE]
 
I haven't found that anyone really answers a newbie's questions here. They just chat with each other. I will be staying in the BellOnline forums where I get some interaction.

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Abimbola Olurin View Drop Down
Newbie
Joined: May 20, 2008
Location: Azerbaijan
Posted: Apr 29, 2010 at 12:13pm
I agree with you guys.Nobody has laid out what the different types are....

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remy hair View Drop Down
Newbie
Joined: Apr 25, 2011
Location:
Posted: May 12, 2011 at 12:13pm
I have a question,i like curly hair,it looks femine,nice whatever terrific!i never curl my hair,i just straight my hair,because i think curly hair do not fit me well,i am,baby fact,big,round face.I really want to have a try,but afraid!^^Confused
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