1. Introduction
Wavy or curly? It’s a question many people ask when trying to define their hair type. The distinction between the two can be tricky, especially since waves can sometimes look like loose curls, and curls can relax into waves. But knowing your true hair type matters more than you think—it helps you choose the right styling techniques, products, and care routine to keep your hair looking its best.
Hair types generally fall into four main categories: straight, wavy, curly, and coily, with each having its own unique characteristics. Wavy hair (Type 2) sits between straight and curly, forming gentle S-shaped patterns that don’t coil tightly. Curly hair (Type 3), on the other hand, has more defined loops, spirals, or ringlets that spring back when stretched. Understanding these differences can prevent common hair mistakes, like using too much product on waves or not providing enough moisture for curls.
In this article, we’ll break down simple tests to determine whether your hair is truly wavy or curly. We’ll also explore the key characteristics of each hair type, along with tailored care tips to keep them healthy and frizz-free. Whether you’re embracing your natural texture or looking for ways to enhance it, getting clarity on your hair type is the first step to effortless, gorgeous locks!
2. Understanding the Hair Type Spectrum
Hair isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation—it exists on a spectrum, with textures ranging from sleek and straight to tight coils. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System categorizes hair into four main types: Type 1 (Straight), Type 2 (Wavy), Type 3 (Curly), and Type 4 (Coily). Each type is further divided into A, B, and C subcategories based on the tightness of the wave, curl, or coil.
Type 1 (Straight): Lacks a natural wave or curl.
Type 2 (Wavy): Forms gentle S-shaped waves but doesn’t coil.
· 2A: Loose, barely-there waves.
· 2B: More defined waves with slight frizz.
· 2C: Deep waves, almost curls, with noticeable volume.
Type 3 (Curly): Clearly defined ringlets or spirals that bounce when stretched.
· 3A: Loose, big curls.
· 3B: Springy, medium-sized curls.
· 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls with more density.
Type 4 (Coily/Kinky): Tight, compact curls or zigzag coils that shrink significantly.
· 4A: Defined, small coils.
· 4B: Tighter, less defined zigzags.
· 4C: The tightest coils, often appearing dense and fluffy.
How to Identify Your Hair Type
A quick way to determine your type is to let your hair air-dry after washing—no heat, no products. If your strands bend slightly in an S-shape, you likely have wavy hair. If they form loops or ringlets, you’re in curly territory. Tight zigzags or coils? Welcome to the coily club!
FAQ: Can Hair Be a Mix of Two Types?
Absolutely! Many people have a combination of hair types, especially if their hair is layered or textured differently in certain areas. You might have 2C waves near your crown but 3A curls underneath. That’s why it’s important to customize your hair routine to cater to the different textures on your head!
3. The Wet Test: How Your Hair Reacts to Water
Ever stepped out of the shower and noticed your hair behaving completely differently than when it’s dry? That’s because water weight affects hair texture, temporarily stretching out waves and curls before they settle into their natural pattern. The wet test is a simple way to determine whether your hair is truly wavy or curly—and it’s as easy as observing what happens when your hair is soaking wet.
How to Do the Wet Test
Next time you wash your hair, skip the combing, towel-drying, or scrunching. Instead, let your strands hang naturally while they’re completely wet. Take note of how your hair reacts:
· Does it stay mostly straight with no visible curl pattern? → You likely have straight hair.
· Does it form soft bends or an S-shape, but lacks defined curls? → Welcome to the wavy category.
· Do you see clear ringlets or spirals forming, even while wet? → You have naturally curly hair.
How Water Weight Affects Different Hair Types
Water temporarily weighs down hair, stretching out curls and waves. That’s why some people with wavy hair notice their hair looks straighter when wet but returns to a loose S-shape as it dries. On the other hand, curly hair maintains its spiral pattern, even when drenched. Coily or kinky hair (Type 4) may appear elongated and looser when wet but shrinks significantly as it dries.
What Your Wet Hair Says About Your Natural Texture
· If your hair dries into looser waves with minimal bounce, you're likely wavy (Type 2).
· If it dries into well-defined curls that keep their shape, you belong to the curly (Type 3) family.
· If it shrinks dramatically into tight coils, your hair is coily or kinky (Type 4).
Why This Test Matters
Understanding how your hair reacts to water can help you choose the right styling techniques. Wavy hair benefits from lightweight products that enhance movement, while curly and coily hair needs more moisture and hold to maintain definition. So, the next time you wash your hair, pay close attention—your wet strands hold the key to your true hair type!
4. The Product-Free Test: Letting Your Natural Texture Shine
If you’ve ever wondered whether your hair is truly wavy or curly, the best way to find out is by letting it do its thing—without any interference. Hair products like creams, gels, and mousses can manipulate texture, so the product-free test is all about observing your hair in its most natural state.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Product-Free Test
1. Wash Your Hair – Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove any buildup. Avoid heavy conditioners or leave-ins that might weigh your hair down.
2. Skip Styling Products – No mousse, gels, creams, or even oils—just let your hair dry naturally.
3. Air Dry Completely – Avoid touching or brushing your hair while it dries to prevent disrupting its natural pattern.
4. Observe the Final Result – Once dry, take a close look at your hair’s shape and movement.
What Your Results Mean
Mostly straight with a few bends? → Likely Type 1 (Straight) or very subtle waves (Type 2A).
Soft S-shapes forming throughout? → You have wavy hair (Type 2B or 2C).
Defined curls or ringlets without frizz? → You’re in the curly category (Type 3A-3C).
Tightly coiled or zigzag patterns? → Your hair is coily/kinky (Type 4A-4C).
How Climate Affects Your Natural Texture
Humidity and weather can change how your hair behaves—if you live in a humid area, your waves may expand into curls, while dry climates can make curls appear looser or frizzier. If your hair texture shifts dramatically with the seasons, you might have a combination of wave and curl patterns.
Celebrity Inspiration: Wavy vs. Curly Hair
Wavy Hair: Think of Blake Lively and Gigi Hadid—their hair naturally falls into soft, beachy waves.
Curly Hair: Celebrities like Zendaya and Sarah Hyland rock defined curls, even when air-dried.
Mixed Texture: Shakira is a perfect example of waves that can lean curly, depending on styling and climate.
The product-free test is the best way to truly understand your hair’s natural pattern. Whether you have gentle waves or bouncy curls, embracing your real texture can help you find the best care routine for your locks!
5. The Curl Formation Test: Identifying Your Pattern
If you’re unsure whether your hair is wavy, curly, or something in between, the curl formation test is a simple way to analyze your natural pattern. By observing how your hair dries and forms its shape, you can determine where you fall on the curl spectrum—from loose S-waves to tight ringlets.
Understanding Curl Patterns
Hair is typically categorized using the Type 1-4 system, with subcategories (A, B, C) based on curl tightness. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Type 2 (Wavy): Loose, flowing S-shaped waves.
Type 3 (Curly): More defined curls, ranging from spirals to corkscrews.
Type 4 (Coily): Tight coils or zigzag patterns.
How to Perform the Curl Formation Test
1. Wash and Air-Dry Hair – Skip styling products and let your hair dry naturally.
2. Look Closely at Individual Strands – Observe if they form gentle S-waves, tighter curls, or bouncy coils.
3. Compare to Hair Charts – Match your strands to a curl pattern chart to find your type.
4. Check for Mixed Textures – Many people have a combination of wave and curl patterns throughout their hair.
What If Your Hair Has Different Curl Patterns?
It’s completely normal to have multiple textures—for example:
Wavy at the crown, curlier underneath.
Tighter curls near the roots, looser toward the ends.
A mix of ringlets and waves throughout.
If this sounds like your hair, treat each section accordingly—lighter products for wavier areas and more definition for curlier sections.
FAQ: Can Hair Texture Change Over Time?
Yes! Several factors can alter your natural curl pattern:
· Hormonal Changes – Pregnancy, puberty, and aging can make hair curlier or straighter.
· Heat Damage – Frequent heat styling may loosen curls over time.
· Haircuts & Length – Shorter hair can appear curlier, while longer hair may weigh curls down.
· Climate & Humidity – Moisture in the air can enhance curls, while dry air can stretch them out.
The curl formation test helps you understand your unique texture and how to care for it. Whether you have soft waves or tight coils, embracing your natural pattern is key to choosing the best products and styling techniques for your hair!
6. Common Signs You Have Curly Hair
If you’ve ever struggled to define your hair type, you might be wondering—do I actually have curly hair, or is it just frizzy and wavy? Many people with natural curls don’t realize it until they start using the right techniques and products. Here are some telltale signs that you have curly, rather than wavy, hair.
1. Frizz and Volume: Why Curly Hair Tends to Get Bigger
One of the biggest giveaways of curly hair is frizz. Unlike straight or wavy hair, curly strands don’t lie flat, making them more prone to poofing up—especially in humid conditions. If your hair seems to expand as the day goes on or looks bigger after drying, you likely have curls that need proper hydration and definition.
2. How Your Hair Reacts to Humidity and Moisture
Curly hair is like a sponge—it absorbs moisture from the air, which can enhance curl definition or cause a frizzy mess. If your hair suddenly gets curlier, frizzier, or more voluminous in humid weather, that’s a strong indicator of natural curls. Conversely, in dry climates, curls might appear limp and undefined, requiring extra moisture to maintain bounce.
3. The Need for Curl-Specific Products
Have you ever used a regular shampoo and conditioner, only to be left with dry, undefined, or tangled hair? Curly hair thrives on moisturizing, sulfate-free products that prevent it from becoming brittle. Signs that your hair needs curl-specific care include:
Regular conditioners feel too light or don’t tame frizz.
Mousses, gels, or creams help define your texture instead of making hair greasy.
You see a major difference when using curl-enhancing products (e.g., your hair suddenly forms ringlets).
4. Shrinkage and Bounce: Curls vs. Waves
One of the clearest signs of curly hair is shrinkage—when your hair appears much shorter than it actually is due to tight curl formation. Here’s how to tell if your waves might actually be curls:
Pull a strand down and let go—does it bounce back up? If so, you likely have curls rather than loose waves.
Your hair looks longer when wet but coils up as it dries.
Some sections have tighter spirals, even if the overall pattern seems loose.
If your hair expands in humidity, thrives with curl products, and has bounce or shrinkage, you likely have curly hair! Learning how to properly hydrate and style it will help enhance your natural texture, making your curls pop like never before.
7. Common Signs You Have Wavy Hair
Wavy hair sits somewhere between straight and curly, often leading to confusion about how to classify it. If your hair isn’t quite straight but doesn’t form tight ringlets, you might have naturally wavy hair. Here are some of the key signs that your strands fall into the Type 2 (wavy) category.
1. Hair Dries with a Slight Bend Instead of Forming Ringlets
One of the most defining characteristics of wavy hair is its S-shaped pattern. Unlike curly hair, which coils or springs into ringlets, waves form soft bends that don’t always have a uniform shape. Some sections may appear straighter, while others develop loose, beachy waves.
2. Can Be Straightened Easily but Holds Waves Well
Wavy hair is more flexible than curly hair, meaning you can straighten it with minimal effort. At the same time, it tends to hold waves well when curled with a heat tool or braided overnight. If your hair doesn’t stay perfectly straight for long but also doesn’t spring into tight curls, it’s likely wavy.
3. Usually Less Prone to Shrinkage Than Curly Hair
Curly hair has significant shrinkage, meaning it looks much shorter when dry than when wet. Wavy hair, on the other hand, doesn’t shrink as dramatically. It might still appear a bit shorter after air-drying, but the difference won’t be as extreme as with tighter curl patterns.
4. May Lose Shape Without Styling Products
Wavy hair often needs a little encouragement to maintain its shape throughout the day. If your waves tend to fall flat without mousse, gel, or texturizing spray, you probably have wavy hair rather than curly hair. While some waves stay put naturally, many need lightweight products to prevent them from turning into undefined frizz.
If your hair forms soft bends instead of ringlets, is easy to straighten but holds waves well, has minimal shrinkage, and needs product to keep its shape, you likely have wavy hair! Embracing its natural texture with the right styling techniques and products will help bring out the best in your waves.
8. Caring for Wavy vs. Curly Hair
Wavy and curly hair have different needs when it comes to moisture, styling, and frizz control. While both hair types benefit from gentle care, the right products and techniques can make all the difference in enhancing their natural beauty.
1. Best Products for Each Hair Type
Wavy Hair (Type 2): Opt for lightweight products that won’t weigh down waves, such as mousse, texturizing sprays, and light leave-in conditioners. Avoid heavy creams and oils that can make waves look limp.
Curly Hair (Type 3): Curls crave hydration and definition, so use richer products like curl creams, hydrating gels, and leave-in conditioners. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin to lock in moisture.
2. Enhancing Waves vs. Defining Curls
Wavy Hair: To enhance waves, scrunch in a lightweight mousse or salt spray while the hair is damp. Plopping (wrapping hair in a microfiber towel) can help encourage wave formation.
Curly Hair: To define curls, apply a curl cream or gel to damp hair and use the raking or praying hands method to distribute the product evenly. Finger coiling or using a Denman brush can enhance curl definition.
3. Proper Washing and Drying Techniques
Wavy Hair: Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain natural oils but avoid buildup. Use a lightweight conditioner, focusing on the ends. Air-drying or diffusing on a low heat setting works best.
Curly Hair: Follow the LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) method to lock in moisture. Avoid over-washing—co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo) can help keep curls hydrated. Use a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to dry hair without causing frizz.
4. Avoiding Frizz & Maintaining Natural Texture
Wavy Hair: Avoid brushing dry waves—this leads to frizz. Instead, detangle with a wide-tooth comb while hair is wet. A lightweight anti-frizz serum or spray helps keep waves smooth.
Curly Hair: Use satin or silk pillowcases to prevent moisture loss and frizz. Refresh curls between washes with a water and leave-in conditioner mix in a spray bottle.
While wavy hair thrives on light hydration and volume, curly hair needs more moisture and definition. By using the right products and styling techniques, both hair types can look their best while maintaining their natural texture.
9. Final Confirmation: Trying the Curly Girl Method
If you’re still unsure whether your hair is wavy or curly, the Curly Girl Method (CGM) can help reveal your natural texture by eliminating harsh ingredients that may be weighing your hair down. Many people discover hidden curls once they switch to gentler hair care routines.
1. Why Eliminating Sulfates & Silicones Matters
Sulfates (found in many shampoos) strip away natural oils, leaving hair dry and frizzy. Curly and wavy hair needs moisture to maintain its shape.
Silicones (in many conditioners and styling products) create a coating on the hair, preventing moisture from penetrating. This can lead to limp waves or curls that struggle to form.
By removing these ingredients, your natural texture can develop properly.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Testing the Method
1. Clarify Your Hair – Wash with a sulfate shampoo one last time to remove buildup from silicones and other heavy ingredients.
2. Switch to CGM-Approved Products – Use sulfate-free shampoo (or co-wash), silicone-free conditioner, and curl-friendly styling products like gel or mousse.
3. Apply Products to Soaking Wet Hair – After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner and styling product while hair is still dripping wet to lock in moisture.
4. Scrunch & Dry – Scrunch the hair to encourage curl formation, then air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Avoid brushing dry hair.
5. Observe Changes Over Time – Hair may feel dry at first as it adjusts, but over time, natural waves or curls will become more defined.
3. How Long to Wait Before Determining Your Hair Type
Give the method at least 3-6 weeks before assessing results.
In the first few weeks, hair may go through a transition period as old buildup is removed.
If your hair starts forming natural S-waves or ringlets without excessive frizz, you likely have wavy or curly hair rather than straight hair.
By sticking to the Curly Girl Method, you’ll discover whether your true hair texture is hidden waves or curls, allowing you to care for it properly and style it with confidence!
10. Conclusion
Understanding the difference between wavy and curly hair is essential for choosing the right care and styling methods. Wavy hair tends to form loose S-shaped bends, is more prone to falling flat, and often benefits from lightweight products. In contrast, curly hair forms spirals or ringlets, has more volume and shrinkage, and requires intense moisture to stay defined.
No matter where your hair falls on the texture spectrum, embracing your natural pattern can lead to healthier, more manageable hair. If you’re unsure of your true hair type, tests like the wet test, product-free test, and Curly Girl Method can help reveal your authentic texture.
Whether your hair is gently wavy or tightly curled, learning to work with its natural movement will make styling easier and more effortless. Instead of fighting your texture, embrace it—because healthy, well-cared-for hair always looks its best!