Curly Hair Type | Expert Advice

What's My Curly Hair Type?

Understanding your curly hair type is the starting point for knowing how to look after curly hair. It’s vital to understanding how to add moisture to your hair so that your curls have definition and shape. 

Jill
Best of all the products I use – really helps to bring out natural curls
Ruth
Really lovely products. Make my hair shiny and bouncy. Can’t fault the speedy delivery either. Really pleased with the whole deal. Thanks.
Ellen
A wonderful product. My hair is bouncy and glossy.
Thick Curly Hair Blonde

Curly Hair | What's my Curl Type?

Curl type is also vital for cutting hair. I encourage you to think about curl type when talking to your stylist. It’s an excellent way to open up the discussion so that you can get the best cut for your hair. Getting the right shape and cut for your curly hair type is the difference between hair that looks ordinary and hair that looks wow!

I think of the curl type as your hair’s personality. Letting that personality shine through is what a good haircut is all about.

To keep it simple, I’ve split the curly hair types into three.

Your hair may not fit the exact description of a curl type. It may have a variety of curl patterns and types in different areas of your head. That’s something your stylist will consider when working with your hair. 

1. Loose Wavy Curls

Fine Curly Hair Shape

Hair is flatter near the scalp with movement and waves at the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Waves tend to be looser and have an ‘S’ shape.

2. Curly with Corkscrew Shapes

Natural Hair Short

Hair may have more ringlets and corkscrew shapes, but not necessarily all the way through the hair. Curls may give hair the appearance of a thick texture, even if the hair is fine.

3. Coils and Afro Textured Hair

Thick Curly Hair | Short Style, Long on Top

Hair has tight, small corkscrew curls from the scalp to the ends of the hair. That mainly describes Afro-textured hair. Whilst the curls tend to be smaller, the hair is much denser.

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Restore and Shine Hair Masque | Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair

When it comes to adding moisture to curly hair, I find it helpful to think of the curl types as a sliding scale. Tighter curls generally need more moisture than looser curls.

The shape of curly hair is a series of dips and lifts. The upside of those dips and lifts is that they give you all that fabulous body and texture.

However, the downside is that they leave curly hair more prone to breakage than other hair types. Tighter curls are more fragile than looser curls.

The tighter the curl, the more moisture your will need. Weekly deep conditioning is an essential part of any curly hair routine. The difference in curl type will determine how much product you need to use. 

Recommended Reading

If you are looking for more information on how to look after your curls, I’ve written a series of blogs on how to care for curly hair.

I’ve covered curly hair topics from fine curly to thick curly hair and natural hair.

Plus you can find out why curly hair porosity and curly hair density matter when hydrating curls.

Fine Curly Hair | Red Long Hair

Curly Hair Care | Expert Advice

My mantra when it comes to curly hair is to keep it simple. You don’t need multiple curly hair products. I believe in taking a simple approach for maximum impact. What curly hair needs at the most fundamental level is moisture. Moisture is the foundation for any curly hair care routine.

Read More »
Natural Hair Care

How to Care for Natural Black Hair | Expert Tips

Discover tips to soften, add moisture and keep your natural black hair healthy with my exclusive natural hair treatment. Afro-textured hair is the driest of hair types, and with my exclusive natural hair mask, you can add moisture to your natural hair to improve your hair health and texture.

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Dry, Brittle Hair Treatment | Natural Hair

Curly Hair Porosity | Expert Advice

Knowing your hair’s porosity is key to unlocking your curly hair potential. Knowledge is power and porosity is essential knowledge about your hair’s ability to absorb moisture. Once you know what your hair needs you can give your curly hair what it needs.

Read More »
Thick Curly Hair

Thick Curly Hair | Expert Advice

If you have thick, curly hair, you may well be the envy of your fine-haired friends. You have volume naturally. Learn how to tackle dryness, frizzy curls, tangles and lack of shine. Embrace your thick curly hair.

Read More »
Fine Curly Hair | Long Blonde Fine Curls

Fine Curly Hair | Expert Advice

Curls give texture and volume to fine hair. Getting the right haircut or style will add movement and volume to fine curly hair. I share tips and tricks for the best fine-curly hairstyles. Take charge of your fine-curly hair routine.

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Curly Hair | Shop the Blog

Restore and Shine Hair Masque

Deep Conditioner Treatment for Curly Hair

Curly Hair | About the Author

Picture of Norris Ogario

Norris Ogario

Norris Ogario is founder and Creative Director of Ogario London. Developed in his London salon, the Ogario London haircare products reflect his belief that hydration is the key to fixing most hair problems. Hydrated hair can be styled with ease. Plus, hydration leaves hair shiny and healthy. Norris has over 35 years of hair know-how. With expertise in all hair types; from dry hair to fine or grey hair, from frizzy to damaged or bleached hair, curly hair and afro hair, Norris offers his expert advice.

About Us

Ogario London is a salon developed range of natural hair care products. Because we are passionate about our products, delivering the best results is at the heart of what we do. Do you have questions about our products? Or, would you like advice on the best products for your hair type? Maybe have another question about how to look after your hair? If you do, please get in touch at info@ogariolondon.com.

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Beauty Bible Recommends Ogario London Hair Masque Hair Treatment

Restore and Shine Hair Masque was awarded best hair mask in the Ultimate Natural Beauty Bible Awards. As an independent hair care brand, we are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside some of the industry’s biggest haircare brands. Because I spend time ensuring that our products deliver the best results, I couldn’t be happier to get this review and win this prestigious award.

Ogario London

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