Many women with curly hair are not aware of the difference between type 2 and type 3 curls. While they may look similar, understanding the differences is important because these two types of hair require different types of care.

What Are Type 2 Curls?

Type 2 curls are generally defined as wavy. Less prone to frizz than other hair types, this type of curl pattern is also less prone to breakage. That means that you'll be able to grow your hair for longer before you need to have your hair trimmed.

Type 2 curls may be fine or thin, but they're also more likely to have a looser curl pattern than the tighter style of type 3 curls. You can style type 2 curls with heat tools, or you can choose not to use any heat at all! Just remember that you should never brush through wet hair. Instead, combing your hair with a wide-tooth comb will help you separate each strand without causing damage. 

That means your hair will dry faster in its natural state instead of getting clumped together and using knots.  So, if you have type 2 curls, always use a wide-tooth comb to separate your hair into sections. Then, let it dry before you style you hair.

What Are Type 3 Curls?

Type 3 curls can be ringlet type curls without being coily. Unfortunately, this type of curl pattern is prone to frizz and shrinkage. Type 3C curls are the tightest and most fragile form of type 3 curls, but they also hold their shape very well. On the other hand, type 3A curls look more like waves than curls. They also tend to look more relaxed than type 3B or C hair.

The good news is that this type of curl tends to hold its shape better than other types of natural hair due to its curl formation. However, this means you'll need extra moisture, but styling products can help you with that.

Are There Other Curly Hair Types?

In addition to type 2 and type 3 curly hair, the other main type of curl is type 4. Type 4 curls are the tightest and curliest type of curls, but they’re also the most fragile. If you have type 4 hair, you may need to wear a protective style like braids or twists in order to keep your curls healthy and shiny!

Now That You Know Your Hair Type…

The key to treating your curls is to find a product line that works for you. If you have type 2 curls, then you should look for products designed specifically for your hair type. The same goes for people who have type 3 curls. When you apply the right products to your curls, keeping your hair in tip-top shape can be a breeze.