by Genevieve Tromp
If your hair is wavy when wet and has big curls when it's dry, you probably have hair type 3A. We know that understanding your hair type is the first step in proper hair care and styling. But you don't have to worry anymore, we will tell you everything you need to know about this hair type.
What is a 3A hair type?
3A hair is a type of hair that has well-defined, loose curls that resemble the shape of a loose spiral. Some even say it's similar in circumference to a piece of sidewalk chalk. These curls are not too tight but are more defined than wavy hair. 3A hair has typically medium to thick strands, giving it a natural volume and body. It can be prone to frizz, especially in humid weather.
When you have 3A hair you can enjoy a versatile range of styling options, from letting your curls bounce naturally to straightening your hair for a totally different look. It's important to use the right hair care products and techniques to maintain the health and appearance of. your 3A curls. Regular haircuts and proper hydration are the key to keeping this hair type looking its best.
What is the difference between 3A and other types of hair?
Type 3a hair in comparison to type 2C hair is the way it spirals. Type 2C is very wavy hair but the waves don't spiral like curls do. Where type 3b hair is compared with a corkscrew because of its tighter curls 3A hair is characterised by loose bouncy curls. It's also straightened quite easily compared to the other curly hair types.
How to care for type 3A hair.
When taking care of your beautiful type 3A hair it's important to know what your hair needs. You might ask yourself: "how to take care of my 3a hair?" Since all curly hair is prone to frizziness and dry-ness, avoid products with drying alcohol and don’t use a sulfate shampoo more than once a month. Our Clarifying Shampoo is perfect for this.
We advise not to over wash, to keep your hair from losing its natural oils your scalp produces. These will sit in your curly hair and make it stronger and overall healthier.
We cannot stress enough how much moisture curly hair needs, for example ingredients like aloe vera and avocado oil, coconut water and honey help with keeping your hair hydrated. Applying a hair mask regularly is essential for keeping your curls happy. Try to include this in your weekly hair care routine. We suggest our curly hair mask for hydration: the Hydro Hug.
Deep conditioning is essential to keep the hair hydrated and maintain its elasticity. To prevent frizz, it's best to air-dry or otherwise use a diffuser when blow-drying. Regular haircuts are necessary to prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of 3A hair. At last try to avoid using a regular towel, as it can cause frizz; instead, go for our curly hair towel to plot excess moisture.
How to get the prettiest curls for type 3a hair.
So how do you get the best and prettiest curly hair? We will tell you all you need to know about products and steps right here! Use the curly girl method with CGM products.
When washing your hair we suggest using our sulfate-free CGM clarifying shampoo which is cleansing not stripping of your natural oils. It contains Green tea and ginger which are healthy for your scalp. To clean your scalp use your fingertips. If the shampoo doesn't lather your hair is probably very dirty and needs another round of shampooing. You will see it will get much foamier the second time around.
Don't brush dry hair! Only detangle the hair when it’s wet, and use enough conditioner in it. This way, the tangles slide out more easily, and the hair is less likely to break off. Now it's time to use our moisture conditioner heavyor if your hair isn’t too dry use the moisture conditioner light to feed your curls and to easily detangle your hair.
After detangling leave the conditioner in your hair for 5 to 10 minutes. Now rinse out your curls with cold water (or as cold as you can handle) as it seals the hair cuticle back up and locks in the moisture from your conditioner.
Since 3A hair has looser curls we advise not to use very heavy leave in conditioner that will way your hair down. When styling your curly hair, start applying at the ends of your curly hair and work your way up. This way, you'll prevent your hair from flattening at the roots.
Separate your wet hair in two parts and add some of our Curl Styling Milk. Comb it through until the milk is evenly divided on your hair. Separate your hair in multiple small sections. Take our Curly Defining Gel, use a generous amount and divide it on your hair.
We would advise you to use a denman brush on small sections of your hair to get more definition. Use the finger coil technique on strands that are less curly. When you're finished, scrunch out the excess water with our Curly Hair Towel, this will protect your hair from getting frizzy. Since 3A hair takes a long time to dry and you don't always have time, use a diffuser on your blow-dryer. Turn your head upside down and carefully cup your curls with the blow-dryer on the lowest setting.
Embrace your curls!
Type 3A hair is beautiful in its own unique way. Embrace and celebrate your natural curls. Confidence and self-acceptance are key to loving and enjoying your 3A hair. It's all about finding the right products and techniques to enhance and maintain your curls' health and beauty. Remember that hair care is not one-size-fits-all, and what works best for your 3A hair may vary from person to person.
