Easy solutions for styling and caring for type 3C hair.
If you have type 3C hair, you already know it can be your crowning glory and your challenge simultaneously. Caring for it requires a thoughtful approach to styling and hair care to retain its impressive volume and maintain the strategic level of hydration. Here’s how, according to hair experts.
How To Recognize Type 3C Hair
Densely packed, tight, and well-defined best describes 3C curls. According to hairstylist Jelena Vuković, “This hair type naturally has a lot of volume and fullness.” If your hair forms springy corkscrew curls about the size of a pencil, you likely have type 3C hair.
“The texture can vary from fine to coarse, but overall, it tends to feel thick,” explains hairstylist Kiyotaka Tsutsumi. He also notes that this hair type is prone to dryness as it’s hard for the natural oils to move down the hair shaft.
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How To Distinguish It From Other Curl Types
Curly hair is classified as type 3 in the hair type system, with subtypes 3A, 3B, and 3C. “3A hair is a lot looser and forms big curls,” clarifies hairstylist Isabel Brito. Renowned for its body and volume, type 3B hair resembles ringlets. “3C is a super tight and extremely defined curl,” she adds.See AlsoThe Best Hair Styling Products for Men to Nail Whatever Look You're Going ForHair loss: Diagnosis and treatmentHow to Style Men's Hair: A Guide to Men's Styling ProductsCurly Hair Men: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Styling
These curl types also differ in root volume. Type 3A curls typically tend to lie flatter against your head, 3B curls have more body and root volume, and 3C curls are the most voluminous ones.
It’s important to understand, though, that no head of hair is identical. Most people with 3C hair type also sport looser 3B curls or tighter 4A coils in different measures. Fun, isn’t it?
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The Best Haircuts for 3C Hair
Getting the right haircut for your curl type ensures everything else falls into place smoothly. Your first impulse might be to get rid of the bulk but it might not work to your hair’s advantage. “Based on my experience, it’s essential that type 3C hair is not thinned out during cutting,” says Vuković.
She speaks in favor of geometrically precise haircuts that are modified according to your preferences. Rounded puffy cuts for small faces, diamond-shaped cuts for those who want to widen a slender face, or triangle cuts to balance a narrow chin – the dense, tightly curled hair will excellently hold each shape. Once the foundation is laid, you can play around with additional details like bangs or sideburns.
Tsutsumi suggests going for a dry cut. A hairstylist will cut your hair when it’s dry following the natural curl pattern. “This technique ensures that the curls fall naturally, making it visually clear for both the client and the stylist,” he explains.
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Styling and Care Tips
All hair types need some TLC, but gentle handling is extremely essential for 3C textures. Vuković advises against aggressive brushing or towel drying. Avoid twisting, rubbing, or tugging at your hair as it is more fragile and prone to breakage than other curl types.
She recommends choosing a shampoo by the scalp type and pairing it with a conditioner or mask designed to define curls. Want a little insider trick? Leave the mask on for as long as possible instead of the recommended 3-5 minutes. This prolonged exposure allows the hair shaft to better absorb the nutrients.
Air drying works best for this type of curl. “If not possible, I suggest using a diffuser on the lowest heat and airflow settings, with minimal touching or fluffing during the process,” says Vuković.
She also shares her go-to homemade flaxseed gel recipe – a natural protein-packed product for shiny, hydrated curls. All you have to do is mix flaxseeds and water in a 1:1 ratio and leave the mixture overnight until it thickens. In the morning, strain the gel and apply it to clean, damp hair as a leave-in conditioner. Store in a fridge for up to four days.
To keep your curls intact while you sleep, “pineapple” them for the night by loosely tying your hair at the crown. Silk or satin scarves and bonnets will minimize friction and breakage. Use them on their own or combine them with the pineapple method to optimize your protective hairstyles for sleeping.
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Tips for Men With 3C Curls
Men with 3C curls have loads of awesome ways to style their curls! Vuković favors an even, rounded shape. “From there, variations like fades, low fades, or square shapes can be created, depending on the client’s head shape and preferences,” she remarks, stressing the importance of finding a barber who knows how to balance fades with geometric cutting.
Tsutsumi believes that haircuts with faded or tapered sides keep the haircut neat and manageable and give prominence to the natural volume on top. He advises finger-raking the curls or using a wide-tooth comb for detangling.
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Understanding your hair’s needs is the first step to the right care. With a great haircut, styling, and care tips up your sleeve, your curls will always look and feel their best. For more inspiration, check out our articles on 60 Styles and Cuts for Naturally Curly Hair and 30 Hair Colors for Curly Hair to Bring Out the Beauty of Your Curls.