2c curls

Everything You Need To Know About 3C Hair

Your complete guide to caring for your 3C hair and how to care for this hair type.

3C hair is easily identified by its corkscrew curls (which are usually the width of a pencil!) and volume.  As with most natural hair types, 3C Hair is prone to frizz and dryness. This is because its high in density and has a structural shape that prevents oils from the scalp from distributing evenly. So, to keep this curly-coily hair type happy, you just need to make sure to amp up your moisture game.

As earlier versions of the hair typing chart didn’t initially include this curl texture, 3C was created and added when it was clear that there was a missing type between 3B and 4A. So, many women aren’t aware they fall under this category.

If you want to find out if you have this amazing hair type and learn how to take care of it, read on for the ultimate 3C hair guide.

The Ultimate 3C Hair Guide

Woman with 3C curls
Credit: Rupert Laycock

3C hair is first and foremost curly hair, so all the litanies hold true: It has a fuller volume and it’s prone to frizz and changes in weather and climate. Since sebum from the scalp doesn’t have a direct highway down the lengths due to obstruction from ringlets, oil doesn’t get distributed as evenly. Curly hair is then said to be more prone to dryness, dullness and yes, damage.

3C Hair Care Guide

Maintenance of 3C hair revolves around keeping your curls nourished and avoiding damage. Follow these expert tips to learn how to get healthy, natural curls.

Step 1: Use a Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner

Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair Shampoo

With curly or textured hair, the first day always begins with a good washing. Choose a moisturising shampoo and conditioner like the Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair Shampoo and Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair Conditioner, which will help removes oils and grease without stripping the curl of crucial nourishment.

If you’re worried about drying your curls, you can co-wash in-between wash days to maintain moisture.

Step 2: Deep Condition Your Hair

Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair 2 Minute Magic Masque

No 3C hair guide would be complete without mentioning a deep conditioning treatment. This should be done bi-weekly to keep your mane in tip-top condition.

You can give your locks and the planet some TLC with the supremely hydrating Love Beauty and Planet and Repair 2-Minute Magic Masque. This curly hair mask is infused with repairing and nourishing coconut oil.

Step 3: Moisturise With a Curl Cream

TRESemmé Botanique Air Dry Curl Cream

A styling cream that moisturizes ringlets while retaining their bounce and shape, such as TRESemmé Botanique Air Dry Curl Cream, is similar to what mousse is for straight or wavy hair. It helps keep curls shiny and defines their shape.

Step 4: Treat With Hair Oil

VO5 Invisibly Light Hair Oil

If you want your 3C hair to thrive, you’ll need to make sure to layer your hair care and add a hair oil into the mix. The VO5 Invisibly Light Hair Oil is great for smoothing, adding shine and most importantly, giving hair a hydration boost.

Not only can this be used on wet or dry hair, but if you’re planning on detangling your mane, this lightweight oil has the perfect slip.

Step 5: Preserve Your Curls at Night

VO5 Overnight Curl Cream

Want to wake up to the best curls ever? Just apply the VO5 Overnight Curl Cream to your hair before you sleep and that’s it! This anti-frizz formula is the perfect thing to add to your daily 3C curl routine.

Step 6: Wear Protective or Low Manipulation Hairstyles

Woman with her 3C hair styled into protective two strand twists
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Beyond your 3C hair care routine, you should also make sure to try protective and low manipulation hairstyles. From box braids to two-strand twists, the pineapple and more, there are lots of fun natural hairstyles you can experiment with.

black woman doing a pre-poo dry hair treatment
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