How To Take Care of Type 3 Curly Hair

Feb 24, 2021

Heads Up!

This content may contain affiliate links. Buying from these links will give us small compensation which we use to run this website. Buying by clicking on the links helps to support our efforts to provide you with the most accurate information. Please consider shopping our suggestions 🙂

Type 3 hair, out of all of the curl textures, has the most diversity across its spectrum.

From loose, S-shaped ringlets to corkscrew curls, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where you fall within the Type 3 range.

Curl density and width also varies within the Type 3 world, and these factors play a large role in how your hair will respond to products and moisture.

In a nutshell, Type 3 hair is:

  • Curly, not coily or wavy
  • Ranges from loose, bouncy curls to springy, tight corkscrews
  • Prone to frizz when not properly moisturized

Let’s get into the wonderful world of Type 3 curly hair, the best products for Type 3 hair, and general tips for maintaining and moisturizing your curls.

How To Determine Your Curl Pattern

Before we discuss Type 3 hair, it’s important you understand how to properly identify your curl pattern.

Although curl type is not the most important trait to focus on (we argue that porosity is much more significant), it does play a factor in product selection and styling techniques.

To properly identify your curl pattern, you must make sure your hair is wet prior to identification. Your curl pattern is the most recognizable when wet!

If you’re still having issues with determining your curl pattern, have no fear: take our quiz to find you exactly what curl type you are.

Now, let’s get into the details, including our fave products for Type 3 hair.

Type 3a

Type 3a hair is marked by large, loose S-shaped ringlets, about the size of sidewalk chalk. For reference, your curl type is Zendaya.

an image of Zendaya smiling showing her Type 3 hair (3a)

Many 3a curlies are actually unaware of their curl potential. Because of how fine 3a hair strands are, the curls are easily flattened. Even sleeping on it can result in flat, straight hair!

This curl type also experiences uneven curl distribution. If you have 3a hair, you may have super defined curls in one area of your hair, but super straight hair in another.

If this sounds like you, have no fear – there are ways to encourage curl definition. By strategically styling your natural hair and using the right products, your curls will start to pop more in no time.

Best Products for 3a Natural Hair

an image of the shea moisture coconut and hibiscus shampoo

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Best for TYPE 3a

A great, gentle shampoo for Type 3a and 3b loose curls. This shampoo has enough detergent to cleanse your scalp and remove product buildup, but will not overly strip your hair and cause longterm dryness. Plus – it’s affordable!

an image of miss jessie multicultural curls

Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Curls

Best for TYPE 3a

A light-weight, hydrating leave-in moisturizer. Perfect for Type 3 naturals with loose curls. Use a light-handed amount on wet hair, detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Remember to focus on your ends for more volume and curl definition. PS – this is Zendaya’s fave leave-in!

 

MorrocconOil Treatment

Best for TYPE 3

Lightweight oils, gels and other stylers are best for Type 3a curls. Avoid using heavy oils such as olive oil and coconut oil, and opt for oils like morroccon oil and argan oil. This oil treatment can be used as a last step after your leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and keep your curls bouncy. Be very light-handed and focus on your ends.

Now, the above products are great, but only if you know how to leverage them.

The tricky thing about styling 3a natural hair is achieving optimal definition, without sacrificing volume.

Too much product can weigh your hair down, resulting in weighed down, limp-looking curls. It’s all about balance with Type 3a hair.

Here’s how to properly style 3a hair:

  • Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week, using a deep conditioning treatment biweekly (replacing the conditioner).
  • On sopping wet hair, apply a dime sized amount of curl cream starting from mid-length to your ends.
    • Avoid applying the cream on your roots to avoid weighing down your curls.
    • To evenly distribute the product, gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. This will also remove tangles and let your curls really shine!
  • Squeeze out the excess water and apply a light layer of argan or morroccan oil to lock in the moisture.
  • Scrunch your hair upwards to encourage definition. Flip your head over and continue scrunching to pump up the volume!

Type 3b

3b hair is a hybrid of corkscrew curls and ringlets. This hair type is usually marked by high-shine, defined curls that are the size of Sharpie markets.

For context, your curl twin is none other than the iconic Tracee Ellis Ross!

a GIF of Tracee Ellis Ross smiling, showing her Type 3 hair (3b)

Similar to Type 3a hair, 3b hair is susceptible to frizz due to lack of moisture. Moisturized 3b curls are only as good as the products you use, so here our are fave products for 3b hair.

Best Products for 3b Hair

an image of best products for type 3b hair giovanni avocado olive oil

Giovanni 2chic Ultra Moist Shampoo – Avocado & Olive Oil

Best for TYPE 3b

A gentle but effective shampoo for Type 3b curls. This formula is incredibly rich and contains hydrating ingredients and fatty-acids that will protect your hair from the stripping effects of the shampoo. A must-have for Type 3b curls!

an image of the best products for type 3 hair ors Curls Unleashed Cocoa and Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Creme

ORS Curls Unleashed Leave-in Conditioning Creme

Best for TYPE 3b

This leave-in is amazing for defined 3b curls. The ingredient list contains a few beneficial ingredients for natural hair such as shea butter and panthenol, both instrumental for keeping your 3b hair strands moisturized. 

AG Curl Recoil Curl Activator

Best for TYPE 3 – 4a

This gel is amazing for defined wash and gos. The ingredient list also contains a few beneficial ingredients for natural hair such as nettle and rosemary oil, both instrumental for strengthening hair strands. 

best products for Type 3 hair_shea moisture deep treatment masque

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

Best for TYPE 3b

The OG of deep conditioners. It contains deep sea kelp and shea butter to provide deep hydration right into the hair shaft. This mask is great for looser curl patterns. For best results, use in the shower after shampooing (in replace of a regular conditioner) for 15 minutes.

Just like 3a hair, the above products must be used in conjunction with a proper styling strategy. Too much product can weigh the hair down, but not enough product can result in frizz.

Here’s how to style your 3b hair:

  • Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week, using a deep conditioning treatment weekly (replacing the conditioner).
  • On sopping wet hair, apply your curl smoothie starting from mid-length to your ends. After, rake in a dime sized amount of gel into your curls evenly. Remember: less is more!
  • To pump up the definition, twirl pieces of your hair around your fingers to encourage deeper definition.
  • Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser (on the cold setting) to dry your hair. Use an afro pick to fluff it out once your hair is dry. This will not only boost volume but it will break the dreaded, crunchy gel cast.

3c Hair

As this hair type straddles the line from Type 3 to Type 4 hair, Type 3c hair is tight, has a lot of volume and experiences the most shrinkage out of the Type 3 curlies.

The curls of 3c are tight and shaped-like a pencil. Your celeb hair crush is Yara Shahidi.

a GIF of Yara Shahidi smiling and clapping, showing her Type 3 curly hair (3c)

Taking care of 3c hair may seem overwhelming because your curls are significantly different than 3a and 3b, but there is a tried and true method for keeping your curls happy and healthy.


The first step: using high-grade, quality products.

Best Products for 3c Hair

an image of the best products for type 3 hair_mielle organics pomegranate and honey shampoo

Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Shampoo

Best for TYPE 3c

This shampoo is one of the most moisturizing shampoos on the market – and this is an understatement! Key ingredients such as honey and panthenol promotes moisture retention and hydration throughout the shampoo process.

best products for Type 3 hair, TGIN honey miracle hair mask

TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask

Best for TYPE 3 – 4a

One of the most superior ingredient list of any deep conditioner on the market. Honey is the SECOND ingredient, meaning that you’ll truly feel the softening effects from the honey after rinsing. Jojoba oil and aloe vera, the third and fourth ingredients respectively, are incredibly beneficial for moisturizing natural hair. A must have for 3c textures!

a picture of camille rose curl love moisture milk

Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk

Best for TYPE 3c, low porosity

This buttery, soft leave-in contains incredibly moisturizing ingredients such as avocado oil, rice oil and aloe vera (aka the moisture G.O.A.T.)! Plays well with creams and gels for defined twist-outs and good for all porosity types, especially low porosity naturals.

an image of the shea moisture jamaican black castor oil leave-in conditioner

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-in Conditioner

Best for TYPE 3c, high porosity

A fan favourite amongst high porosity and protein-loving naturals. The proteins in this formulation are small enough to fit into your cuticles, reducing frizz and increasing moisture absorption. A win-win!

Earthtones Naturals Curl Enhancing Jelly

Best for TYPE 3c

A Canadian-based brand, Earthtones Naturals focuses on holistic, natural ingredients – and this gel is no exception. Its formulated with deeply moisturizing ingredients such as aloe leaf juice, panthenol and sea kelp!

Once you’ve got a strong set of products on your side, it’s time to learn how to use them on your curls.

Styling 3c natural hair can seem daunting, as sometimes you may feel like your hair does not cooperate with you. But here are some helpful tips for taking care of your 3c hair:

  • If you have dense 3c hair, detangle your hair using water and a regular conditioner prior to shampooing. This will reduce unnecessary shedding and breakage, and cuts down time spent in the shower.
  • Use a light leave-in conditioner on damp hair before applying a gel or oll. Never apply gel or oil to your hair without water and leave-in first.
  • Deep conditioning is a must! Use a deep conditioner once a week to soften and repair your hair.
  • Know your porosity. Your porosity is the key to understanding how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. In a nutshell:
    • If you have low porosity hair, use a steamer during the deep conditioning session to allow for deeper product penetration
    • If you have high porosity hair, follow the LOC method and apply coconut to your hair as a pre-poo

Final Thoughts on Type 3 Hair

Type 3 curls are bouncy, defined and beautiful, and with the right products and techniques, your curls will be moisturized and bouncy 24/7.


What are your tips for taking care of Type 3 hair? Share the love down below!

The Curl Market is a natural hair blog catered to helping black naturals grow their curls into a long, luscious manes.

We use the latest evidence-based scientific research to provide you with the top tips on growing your curls, regardless of hair type.

We also provide lifestyle tips, both self care and mental care, to ensure you are optimizing your body’s natural hair growth cycle – because you can’t grow natural hair if you’re stressed out!

Come as you are.

The Latest

Here’s How To Grow Low Porosity Hair (In 5 Seriously Easy Steps)

Here’s How To Grow Low Porosity Hair (In 5 Seriously Easy Steps)

It’s no secret that low porosity hair suffers from dryness. This is because the cuticles lay completely fact, acting as a barrier to water and product penetration. And we all know that dryness = breakage. And breakage = no length retention (aka “growth”). What is...

Best Curl Defining Products for 4c Hair (That Actually Work)

Best Curl Defining Products for 4c Hair (That Actually Work)

It’s simple, really: the best curl defining products for 4c hair are ones that are moisture-rich (aka water-based!), hella conditioning, provide ample slip and lock in all that glorious moisture. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not hard to pop and define 4c coils....

The Top 5 Best Conditioners for Dry Natural Hair in 2022

The Top 5 Best Conditioners for Dry Natural Hair in 2022

If you’re deep conditioning, using lots of water, protective styling – and you still experience dry natural hair, it may be time to take a look at your conditioner. Simply put, the best conditioner for dry natural hair is one that is rich and slippery, makes your hair...

Categories

WRITTEN BY

Ayana Aden

Ayana is The Curl Market’s brand founder. When she’s not deep in natural hair research or creating content, she’s hanging on the couch with her husband and her cat, reading a book or scrolling through TikTok. Follow her on Instagram at @tothecurlmarket.

Best Curl Defining Products for 4c Hair (That Actually Work)

Best Curl Defining Products for 4c Hair (That Actually Work)

It’s simple, really: the best curl defining products for 4c hair are ones that are moisture-rich (aka water-based!), hella conditioning, provide ample slip and lock in all that glorious moisture. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not hard to pop and define 4c coils. But it’s important to manage expectations around the inherent and unique beauty of...

read more
The Top 5 Best Conditioners for Dry Natural Hair in 2022

The Top 5 Best Conditioners for Dry Natural Hair in 2022

If you’re deep conditioning, using lots of water, protective styling – and you still experience dry natural hair, it may be time to take a look at your conditioner. Simply put, the best conditioner for dry natural hair is one that is rich and slippery, makes your hair incredibly pliable and lubricated, and reduces friction in your strands. A good...

read more
8 Quality Leave in Conditioners To Moisturize 4c Hair

8 Quality Leave in Conditioners To Moisturize 4c Hair

Using a leave-in conditioner for 4c hair can, in many cases, make or break your entire natural hair regimen. Think about it: leave-in conditioners are the first leave-in stylers you apply to your hair after wash day. When choosing a leave-in conditioner for your beautiful 4c hair, you must understand your specific hair needs. This is especially...

read more

What's Your Curl Type?

Take The Quiz!

Learning your curl type is an important step in learning how to take care of your natural hair. It can help you understand what products will work best for you, how often to shampoo, how to style your natural hair, and other key information.

This quiz will give you the lowdown on exactly what your curl type is, so you'll never have to wonder again ♥

Get Social With Us

Pin It on Pinterest