Embracing your natural curls can be a game-changer, helping you fall in love with your hair all over again. But how do you discover your natural curl pattern? It's easier than you might think, and with the right care, your curls can thrive.
How can I reveal my natural curls?
Start with a clean slate. Product build up and dryness can disrupt the curl pattern. Use our Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub for a deep cleanse without stripping your hair of its natural moisture. Follow up with our Hydrating Shampoo and Moisturizing Deep Conditioner. After cleansing, try styling minimally or skipping stylers altogether the first time. Allow your hair to air dry so you can see how your curls naturally lay, fall, and clump before introducing additional products
How do you check if your hair is naturally curly?
Pay attention to your hair's behavior after washing. If it forms waves, curls, or coils without much manipulation, you have a natural curl pattern. Additionally, you can try the "scrunch test": try applying our Moisture Sealing Lotion to damp hair, scrunch sections of your hair upward and see if curls begin to take shape. This lotion helps lock in moisture and define your curls, making your natural pattern more apparent. If curls start to pop up, you’ve got natural curls!
Can Curl Patterns Change Over Time?
Yes, curl patterns aren’t always static. Over time, factors like heat styling, chemical treatments, dryness, or even hormonal changes can alter how hair curl patterns show up. Frequent heat use or color processing can loosen curls, while dehydration can make curls appear undefined or uneven.
With consistent moisture, reduced heat exposure, and restorative treatments, many people notice their natural curl pattern becoming more defined again. Supporting curl health allows curly hair patterns to bounce back and better reflect their natural shape. For a deeper look at what influences these changes, read 4 Reasons Why Your Curl Pattern Might Be Changing.
Does everyone have a natural curl pattern?
No, not everyone has a curl pattern. A curl pattern refers to the shape that your hair strands naturally form and this can vary from straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Straight hair has no significant bends or curves and lies flat from the roots to the ends. Wavy hair forms gentle, loose curves. Curly hair forms more distinct loops or spirals, and coily hair has tight, springy curls or zigzag patterns. Your genetics play a big part in this. Even if your hair seems straight, you might find hidden waves or curls with the right care.
Understanding Hair Curl Patterns: A Quick Breakdown
Hair curl patterns are typically grouped into four main categories: straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Each category includes subtypes that describe curl size, shape, and tightness. Identifying where your natural curl pattern falls on this chart can help you better understand how your hair behaves and why certain routines or products work better than others. For a deeper breakdown of how hair types are categorized, explore How Cécred Organizes Hair Types—And How to Determine Yours.
Here’s a breakdown of the different curl patterns according to the current hair chart:
- 1A, 1B, 1C (Straight Hair): Straight hair has no significant bends or curves and lies flat from the roots to the ends.
1A:
1B:
1C:
- 2A, 2B, 2C (Wavy Hair): Wavy hair forms gentle, loose curves. Type 2A is the loosest wave, while 2C has more defined waves with some frizz.
2A:
2B:
2C:
- 3A, 3B, 3C (Curly Hair): Curly hair forms distinct loops or spirals. Type 3A curls are loose, 3B curls are tighter and springier, and 3C curls are dense and corkscrew-like.
3A:
3B:
3C:
- 4A, 4B, 4C (Coily Hair): Coily hair has tight, springy curls or zigzag patterns. Type 4A has a defined curl pattern, 4B has more of a zigzag shape, and 4C curls are the tightest, forming a very tight zigzag with less definition.
4A:
4B:
4C:
To really bring out your natural curl pattern, stick to a good hair care routine. Use Cecred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub and Hydrating Shampoo regularly to keep your hair clean & hydrated. Deep condition with our Moisturizing Deep Conditioner and use with heat for deep penetration to keep your curls hydrated and bouncy. If your strands have lost shape and definition because of heat styling or color treatments, incorporate Cécred’s Reconstructing Treatment Mask into your regimen to strengthen the hair and revive your natural curls. Our Bioactive Keratin Ferment replenishes depleted proteins, which enhances the curl in the hair by restoring its strength, elasticity, and structure.
Understanding and embracing your natural curl pattern can help you choose the right products and styling techniques, leading to healthier and more beautiful hair. Remember, your natural curls are unique to you—celebrate them with the proper care and products formulated so you can always show up how you choose!