WRITTEN BY: Zenani Sizane
When it comes to caring for your hair type, it is crucial to understand your own hair type, as this will help you figure out what your hair needs to thrive. Once you have figured out your hair type, you will gain a better understanding of its porosity and density, which will ultimately determine how you should effectively and effortlessly take care of your hair. In this article, we will focus on type 3c hair, which falls under curly hair on the hair typing system. We will discuss how to identify your type 3c hair and give you an ultimate guide on building the optimal haircare routine.
What is Type 3C Hair
Identifying your hair type is one of the best things you can do to take your haircare journey to the next level. Each subtype on the hair typing is different, and what that means for you is that type 3 has a range of curl patterns, and your type 3c has more of a tight corkscrew structure. Type 3c hair has a definitive curl that can range from loose curls to springy corkscrews. A key characteristic of type 3c is its unique curl pattern. Type 3c hair consists of tight coils with volume and lots of hair strands bucketed together to create texture.
This curl type is also identified by its spring factor, which is dictated by how far your curl stretches when pulled. If your hair has a s-spring factor of three to six inches, chances are you have type 3c hair. Type 3c hair has a defined curl that holds a tight, S-shaped pattern and is dense. Most people who have type 3c hair have curly and coily strand blended into their hair pattern. This combination contributes to the hair type’s thickness and texture.
Type 3c hair is delicate and susceptible to frizz and there are some lifestyle choices you would have to incorporate to maintain a successful haircare routine and to overcome the challenges that plaques your type 3c hair. Understanding the ins and outs of 3c curls is crucial for making this type of hair to work for you.
How To Identify Type 3C Hair?
Type 3c hair has a definitive curl that can range from loose to curls to springy corkscrews. A characteristic of type 3c is its unique curl pattern. 3c hair is a curly hair type consisting of light coils with volume and lots of strands packed together to create texture. Another way to identify this curl type is by its spring factor, which is dictated by how far your curl stretches when pulled. If your hair has a spring factor of three to six inches, chances are you have type 3 hair.
Type 3c hair has a defined curl that holds a tight, s-shaped pattern. 3c hair is dense, and most people who have this type have curly and coiled strands blended into their hair pattern. The combination of curls and coils can contribute to this hair type’s thickness and texture. 3c hair is also delicate and susceptible to frizz.
Here’s How to Pinpoint Type 3C Hair:
About the circumference of a pencil or straw
S- or Z-shaped, even when stretched
Very curly and dense
Corkscrew or spiral shape, but not coily and tight textured
The Challenges Faced with Type 3C Hair
Due to the more extreme curves and bends in 3c hair, this curl type experiences the most shrinkage. Natural oil (sebum) finds it difficult to travel the twisting trajectory of your hair shafts. That’s why type 3c hair is one of the most vulnerable to dryness and frizz amongst the curly types.
Aside from these common issues, these natural hair types have a bad case of fairy knots, because your curls coil around themselves, it is easy for your strands to form knots doing the hair shafts.
How To Care for Type 3C Hair
There’s a variety of practices that can help ensure optimum 3c hair health. Before building a routine, 3c hair types may want to understand how porosity levels can influence your optimal care method. High and low porosity describes how your hair is able to attract and absorb moisture and should avoid oils and heavy butters as they just sit on top the hair and create build up.
Focus on moisture
Any 3c hair routine should focus on adding moisture, as its key to maintaining strong, healthy strands for any hair type, especially curls. Using masks on a weekly basis to attract and retain moisture.
Wash your hair regularly
The first thing to consider in your wash days is to make sure that your shampoo and conditioners do not contain sulfates and parabens. Sulfate-free shampoos are a gentler option, especially for those who wash hair frequently or have treated strands. Co-washing is not recommended for type 3c because it can have long-term effects on the health of your scalp and the condition of your hair strand. Co-washing is not recommended for type 3c, and low porosity hair as low porosity hair has to be clarified on a weekly basis in order for curls to be fresh, bouncy and defined. However, 3c high porosity hair should be washed in cool or cold water to encourage the pores of the hair to close.
Use a curl cream
Curl creams are great reducing frizz, adding shine and enhancing your curls. I would recommend using products that contain humectants to define the curl pattern. The consistency allows for moisturizing without drying the hair.
Deep condition your hair
Deep conditioning 3c curls regularly is a great way to infuse moisture into the strands. Normally deep conditioning is a 15-30 min process, which incorporates heat or steam with a conditioning product.
Handle your curls with care
3c hair is more fragile than other type 3 curls, so try not to rip through it. Avoid twisting and pulling the strands because this can cause breakage, but don’t be afraid to run your fingers through your curls. Depending on your experience, 3c hair types may find it easier to detangle when hair is wet.
What Are the Best Hairstyles and Cuts for Type 3C Hair
Big, bouncy curls
Maximum volume is the name of the game. To obtain the look, apply hair serum on dry hair to add shine, definition and moisture for styling. Use an afro pick to give your roots a bit lifts then give your hair a shake, allowing your 3 hair curls to fall in place.
Space buns
When styling your 3c hair curl type, keep in mind that your curl pattern helps create the overall look. For a hairstyle like space buns, steer away from packing your curls in and smoothing out your strands for a neat bun. Wrap your curls into a loose bun and pull-out pieces of hair add more texture to the look.
Layered with bangs
Opting for a haircut with layers and bangs helps add a lot of movement to your hair. Having layers throughout your hair will help avoid any bottom-heavy or triangle shaped looks. The fringe is a playful addition that further shows off your coils.
The pineapple hairstyle
Normally this hairstyle is recommended for bedtime in order to protect your hair from frizz and friction, but you can definitely wear it in the daytime and absolutely rock it. This cute pineapple hairstyle is proof. After hydrating your curls with a lightweight cream, gather your hair at the top of your head and leave out a few pieces in the front for faux bangs look.
Low bun and loose strands
Another cute and super simple hairstyle, you just have to slick back your hair into a low bun and then leave out a few loose face-framing curls in front. A middle part is definitely a must for this look.
Low pigtails
Pigtails are normally a kindergarten look but fear not, low pigtails can scream professional, modern grown woman when done right. All you need to do is to slick your 3c hair right down the middle, lay your baby hairs with an edge tool and secure two long and curly ponytails just below your ears.
Mini knots
Mini knots are cool and a way to level up your favorite 3c hairstyle. You can add fun elements to this hairstyle like laid edges, cute cuffs and even elevate the look with fun color make-up. It is a relatively easy hairstyle, and suitable for any occasion.
The hair clip style
The prettiest hairstyle for type 3 hair that looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Gather your favorite glitzy hair pins, load up on a curl-defining cream and slide your clips on either side of your part for a no-fail look.
Double braids
This hairstyle is a simple hairstyle that you can do, whenever you want to tuck your hair away and go for a cute look. Part your 3c hair down the middle and create two sleek braids for this stunning style.
Best Products for Type 3C Hair
Sulfate-free shampoo
Curly hair is naturally drier than the other hair types, so it is crucial to use a sulfate-free shampoo in between your co-wash days. Sulfates can strip your 3c curls of its natural oils and thereby increase frizzy hair.
Conditioner
The main function of a conditioner is to hydrate and reintroduce moisture into your hair after shampooing. It is important to choose a curly-friendly conditioner that is not going to weigh your hair down, but instead leave your curls nourished, smoother and bouncy.
Hair Mask
Hair masks are great for curly hair types, not only are they crucial for the overall look and feel of your hair, but they are also essential for the health of your scalp. It is important to choose hair masks that are formulated with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients that will leave your hair shinier and hydrated.
Leave-in conditioner
Hair products like hair milks and leave-in conditioners are great for type 3c hair. They will help define and moisturize your curls without making them feel oily. When you are done applying a leave-in conditioner on your hair it will leave your hair feeling moisturized and taken care off.
Curl defining cream
Curl defining creams can support the work of the leave-in conditioner by offering intense hydration and supporting the shape and definition of your curls. Some curling creams can work as heat protectants as well, which helps with protecting your hair from heat tools like curling irons.
Ingredients to Look for and Ingredients to Avoid
Ingredients to look for:
Mango Butter
Mango Butter is a cold-pressed plant butter from the seeds of the mango fruit. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E. Mango butter is packed with emollient properties, which helps to lock in moisture. Mango butter prevents dryness and frizz, and also keeps your curls shiny and smooth, as it provides deep hydration for your hair.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant for the hair that helps to draw in moisture into your hair. This will help prevent future moisture loos and is especially good for curls that need a lot of hydrations. Honey can help keep your scalp in good condition, which can lead to healthier hair follicles. Honey also contains a small amount of keratin protein, which can help restore damaged hair cuticles.
Flaxseed extract
Flaxseeds are rich in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E for hair. Flaxseeds help to balance scalp pH and oil production. It soothes the sebaceous glands and ensures that these glands produce the right amount of sebum for healthy hair growth. Flaxseeds penetrate your strands and leave them thoroughly nourished, making them manageable.
Argan oil
Argan oil is one of the best oils recommended for curly hair. It is rich in moisturizing properties because it contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids as well as vitamins like vitamin E and A. Argan oil can easily penetrate deep into the cortex of the hair and effectively moisturizes the hair.
Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt is good for your scalp health as it helps loosen and dissolve product build-up and dandruff. Himalayan salt absorbs any excess oil and moisture and prevents any dandruff in the future.
Ingredients to avoid
Alcohols
When it comes to alcohols, it is important to know that there are two types of alcohols, which are drying alcohols and fatty alcohols. Drying alcohols like propanediol are the kind of alcohols to stay away from. They cause your curly hair to be dry and brittle, which may lead to breakage, frizz and damage.
Polyethylene glycol (PEGs)
PEGs are used in many hair care products such as emulsifiers and softeners-those with curly hair are very prone to dryness, and PEGs are said to dehydrate the hair and also cause a plethora of other scalp issues. It is best to find products that contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients that will keep your hair healthy.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent with antibacterial properties, it is used as a preservative in hair care products. Triclosan can easily dry out your hair and also cause some allergic reactions. It is best to avoid this ingredient to keep your hair nourished and hydrated.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is an ingredient that can create a heavy barrier on the hair, which blocks moisture and leads to build up that can weigh your curls down. it is important to opt for more natural oils like argan, sweet almond and jojoba oils, that are able to nourish and moisturize your hair and scalp.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is often used in shampoos as a preservative. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (a carcinogen is a substance or agent that has been proven to increase the risk of cancer). This ingredient is also known to cause a lot of scalp irritation and hair loss.
Mistakes To Avoid with Your Type 3C Hair
Over washing
How frequent you wash your hair is to your own discretion as an individual, as we all have different needs for our hair. It is important to know when your hair needs a wash based on several factors, such as your scalp's moisture level and sebum production. Over washing your hair can cause a series of problems such as sebum production, breakage, frizz as well as dry and brittle hair. So, remember to keep your wash days at a bare minimum.
Overloading styling products
Knowing what your hair needs is essential when it comes to avoiding using too much or too little styling products. Using too much product on your hair can weigh it down and cause it to be too greasy. Whereas, using too little can dehydrate your hair and cause it to look dull and dry.
Skipping Conditioner
Conditioning your hair after cleansing is a very crucial part of wash day and it is very important to not to skip this particular step. Conditioning is important for hydrating, protecting and nourishing. This is also why it is essential to look for a conditioner enriched with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, aloe and nourishing oils like jojoba and olive oil.
Excessive heat styling
Heat styling can be the most damaging part of your hair routine. excessive heat styling damages your curls, which can result in a permanent change to your natural curl pattern. It is always best to reduce heat styling by letting your hair to air dry or using a diffuser and applying a heat protectant whenever you use heat on your hair. This will help keep your hair healthy and less prone to frizz and damage.
Brushing when its dry
Brushing your curly hair while it is dry can be disastrous for you as it can lead to breakage and frizz. Rather detangle your hair while its wet and use a wide tooth comb to prevent dryness and breakage.
Not protecting your hair at night
This step is often overlooked, but it's very important. Going to sleep without protecting your hair can cause friction, frizz and dryness which will ultimately lead to breakage. The best way to protect your hair at night is to invest in a good silk/satin head scarf/bonnet, pillowcases and scrunchies to maintain your curls shape and to prevent friction.
Recommended Hair Care Routine
Use the right products before you build a hair care routine that works for your hair. It is important you consider some factors for an effective routine. you have to choose products that for your hair porosity and test some products to see what your hair likes.
Pre-poo
Though seen as an extra-unnecessary step in your routine, it can make all the difference. Preparing your hair for washing by pre-conditioning can help prevent moisture loss and make it easier to detangle curls.
Ingredients to look for: Aloe vera coconut oil, honey, hempseed butter and avocado oil.
Shampoo
We know now that a shampoo that contains sulfates can dry out your curls, which will leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair and maintain a healthy scalp.
Ingredients to look for: Aloe vera, argan oil, glycerin, shea butter, magnesium sulfate, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed proteins, lecithin, fermented rice extract, coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, Coco betaine and behentrimomium chloride.
Rinse
Rinsing your hair thoroughly can clear clogged hair follicles, which can stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Hair rinses also remove any impurities and build-up caused by products over time. This helps to keep your scalp clean and promotes your hair to appear shinier and healthy.
Ingredients to look for: Apple Cider Vinegar, Rice Water, Green Tea extract, Peppermint leaf extract, Rosemary, nettle, lavender and chamomile teas, hibiscus leaf extract and Aloe Vera.
Co-wash
Co-washing is a hair cleansing method that uses gentle cleansers and moisturizes to hydrate and nourish hair. Those with curly / coily hair benefit from this step in the hair routine, because it helps to keep your hair softer, smoother and more manageable. It is recommended to co-wash every once or twice a week to reap the benefits of smoother and hydrated hair.
Conditioner
Due to the fact that shampoo can be drying to the hair, it is crucial to always condition your hair after cleansing to reintroduce moisture and hydration into the hair. Conditioners have mild cleansing qualities that are enough to cleanse to your hair without leaving it dry and frizzy.
Ingredients to look for: Glycerin, Aloe Vera, shea butter, coconut oil, hydrolyzed proteins and ceramides.
Deep Conditioner
Deep conditioning is a hair treatment that nourishes your hair more than a regular conditioner. Deep conditioners contain higher concentrations of humectants and emollients than regular conditioners and left in the hair longer. When deep conditioning your curls, your curls, you need to make sure your hair is clean, it is always best to section your hair into four or six parts to make it more manageable.
Apply the deep conditioner from the ends up to the roots and leave on for 20-30 minutes. This is an essential step for nourishing, hydrating your hair as well as restoring any damage. Consistency is key, so be sure to treat your hair at least 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair's needs.
Best Ingredients to look for: Argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, shea butter, honey, aloe vera and hydrolyzed proteins.
Moisturize
Type 3c hair is naturally prone to dryness and frizz, due to its tight curl pattern which makes it hard for sebum to travel down to the hair shaft. Moisture is an essential part of your hair routine, and the porosity of your hair determines and impact your hair's moisture level. Keeping your 3c hair hydrated should be the focus and using products like leave-in conditioners and lightweight oils after washing your hair can be very beneficial for your hair's moisture levels and maintaining hydration without weighing your hair down.
Best ingredients to look for in leave-in conditioners: botanical extracts, humectants like honey and glycerin. Coconut milk, lavender essential oil, aloe vera, argan oil and water.
Seal
Lightweight natural oils are great for your type 3c hair, as they seal in moisture in your hair and keep it hydrated. Type 3c hair is easily susceptible to dry, dull and brittleness, so keeping your hair well moisturized and nourished prevents it from breaking off and frizz. You need to use a water-based leave-in conditioner in conjunction with a nourishing and lightweight oil to seal in the moisture. Use the LCO method if you have low porosity and LOC method for high porosity hair.
Best lightweight oils: Avocado oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, rice bran oil and camellia oil.
Style
We know how important it is to keep your hair neatly tucked away in a protective style so that you don't always have to comb, brush or manipulate every day. Protective hairstyles to leave your hair alone and also saves you a lot of time. Make sure you keep your hairstyles as simple and manageable as possible and that they are not too tight. It is recommended to not keep your protective styles in too long and that you make sure you keep your hair hydrated in the protective style.
Protective Hairstyles to consider for 3c hair: Mini braids/twists, cornrows, French braids and Bantu knots
Protect
Protecting your hair is very important for the overall health of your hair. Type 3c hair is prone to dryness, frizz and breakage that may cause your hair to look dull and brittle. Hydration is the number one solution for healthy and strong 3c hair. Another caution you need to consider when it comes to protecting your hair, is protecting your hair while you sleep. Invest in a good quality satin/silk pillowcase, scrunchies and hair scarves to use at night to prevent friction and breakage while you sleep.
Lifestyle Habits for Healthier Type 3C Hair
Prioritize Nutrition
Prioritizing nutrition for your hair growth is essential, as what you eat directly impacts the health of your hair. The nutrients in food provide the energy and building blocks for hair growth. A lack of nutrients can be led to hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. A healthy diet is the foundation to your hair staying healthy, shiny and strong.
Drink Water
Water makes up almost 25% of the weight of a single strand of hair. Drinking enough water every day is beneficial for the hair, as it helps your body to absorb nutrients, which are essential for healthy hair. Drinking water also helps to improve healthy scalp conditions, which can lead to stronger healthier. Dehydration often leads to dry, dull and brittle hair.
Sleep
This may seem like an unimportant component for healthy hair growth; however, scalp allows your body to repair and regenerate cells, including hair follicle cells. During restorative deep sleep phases, your body releases essential growth hormones that stimulate hair growth. Sleep can also increase the amount of collagen your body produces which can make your stronger and shinier. Poor sleep deprives hair follicles of nutrients and oxygen. This is such a thing as beauty sleep after all.
Exercise
There are several benefits to exercising for better hair growth. Exercise improves blood flow to the scalp, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Exercise can also help reduce stress levels, which contribute to hair loss. When you exercise, your body produce endorphins, which can improve your mood and quality of sleep.
Relax
Stress is one of the many causes of hair loss, it impacts your hair growth cycles with can result in various hair-related issues. Stress disturbs the delicate balance of the scalp and triggers scalp conditions such as dandruff, itchiness and inflammation. it is important that you find a positive way to de-stress and relax for your overall healthy and quality of life.
Regularly Trim
Regularly trimming is beneficial for hair health, because it prevents damage, promotes growth and improves the appearance of your hair. Trimming split ends prevents them from travelling up the hair shaft, which can minimize breakage and help your hair grow stronger. Regular trims can help you identify potential hair and scalp issues early on. Taking care of your hair with regular trims can save you time and money in the long run by preventing damage that requires more expensive treatments.
Use the right hair accessories
Do not underestimate how hair accessories impact your hair. It is important to choose the right hair right accessories because some accessories can cause damage, breakage and even disrupt your curl pattern. The right accessories can prevent tangling and frizz and help to keep your hair in place, while allowing you to maintain your beautiful hairstyle through the day.
Sun Protection
This is something some people have not realized yet, but our scalp also needs sun protection just as our skin. Your hair can experience some damage by prolonged sun exposure. The harsh UV rays can damage your hair cuticle layer and harm hair keratin levels. There are ways you can protect your hair from sun damage and that is by using a UV protection spray for your hair or wearing a sun hat. It is also important to also avoid parting your hair to minimize direct sun exposure to the scalp.
Conclusion
Although at times it can be difficult and time consuming to figure out your hair and what it needs. It is important to remember that you are blessed with a very beautiful head of curls, that just requires you to take time to learn what it needs. All you need is some patience, prayer and the right products for healthy and bouncy curls.
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