Haircare Hacks for Type 3 Hair

Type 3 hair is temperamental, requiring a considerable amount of care on a regular basis. Whether you’re struggling to keep up with curl maintenance or need some help perfecting your hair care routine, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll fill you in on some helpful haircare hacks specifically for type 3 hair. 

What is Type 3 Hair?

Type 3 hair is classified as curly. The curls range from large and loose to small and tight. Type 3 hair is divided into three subtypes: 

• Type 3A - Large, spiral curls roughly the size of sidewalk chalk. 3A curls may be difficult to define due to their loose curl pattern. 

• Type 3B - Medium-sized ringlets with more volume than 3A curls. 3B curls typically have the circumference of a Sharpie marker. These curls are also a bit drier than 3A curls.

• Type 3C - The curliest of all type 3 curls. These small corkscrew curls are the driest of all type 3 curl subtypes.

Type 3 Haircare Hacks

With the above information understood, let’s move on to the hacks! Here are the top haircare hacks that every girl with type 3 curls should know about:

Always Use a Detangler

With type 3 curls, you can’t afford to go without a detangler. Whether you go with a spray detangler or a cream detangler is up to you. But make sure you use one that makes your curls feel slippery. 

Use the Right Detangling Tools

You should never use a fine-toothed comb or a hard-bristled brush when detangling. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. These are much gentler on your strands, which means less breakage and pain for you. 

Reach for Lightweight Products

Type 3A curls (and sometimes 3B and 3C curls) may be difficult to volumize from time to time. This is more likely to happen if you use products that are too heavy for your curls. If your curls get weighed down easily, use only lightweight, water-based products. 

Air-Dry Your Curls

The way you dry your hair can drastically affect your hair’s health. Blow drying your curls can dry them out in a hurry, especially if you use a heated setting. The better option is to let your hair air-dry in the open air without manipulation. After switching to air-drying, you’ll notice a marked difference in the smoothness and definition of your curls.  

Always Use a Leave-in

Chances are you already use a rinse-out conditioner and a moisturizer to keep your curls hydrated. That isn’t enough to keep curls moisturized in most cases. If you’re struggling to keep your curls’ moisture levels up, you need to incorporate a leave-in conditioner into your hair care regimen. Choose a leave-in that’s infused with natural oils, humectants, and hydrating alcohols for the best results.

With the hair hacks presented in this article, you’ve got what you need to make some significant changes to your hair care routine. We know that these tips will help reveal the best in your hair. Good luck! 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.