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  1. Learn About Dove
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  4. As easy as 2a, 3b, 4c (hair): your curls, explained
As easy as 2a, 3b, 4c (hair): your curls, explained

As easy as 2a, 3b, 4c (hair): your curls, explained

All curly hair is beautiful, but not all curly hair is the same. In fact, there are so many types that collecting them all under one term just doesn’t do your hair justice. Besides that, each curl type reacts to different care. So sort the waves from the ringlets, and the kinks from the curls: this guide is here to help you straighten everything out (except your hair, obviously).

Of course, it’s pretty hard to get the differences between each type from just an explanation – so we asked some of you to help us out. Just click on the images below to start exploring.

06 December '23
Dove Anti Frizz Oil

"The 2a hair type is typically light with slightly wavy curls in a loose 'S' pattern. They're somewhere in between straight and curly, and pretty prone to frizz - like all of the '2' hair types. Quick tip: Frizz? Use Dove Anti Frizz Oil Therapy to lessen it. Image by @ashbrockinton"

Dove Anti Frizz Oil
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"The 2a hair type is typically light with slightly wavy curls in a loose 'S' pattern. They're somewhere in between straight and curly, and pretty prone to frizz - like all of the '2' hair types. Quick tip: Frizz? Use Dove Anti Frizz Oil Therapy to lessen it. Image by @ashbrockinton"

Dove @mandie.cg.journey

"2b hair is slightly straighter at the roots before falling into tighter waves just after eye-level - but they need a little help when it comes to definition. Quick tip: Dove Radiant Shine Conditioner will help prevent your hair ends from becoming dry. Image by @mandie.cg.journey"

Dove @mandie.cg.journey
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"2b hair is slightly straighter at the roots before falling into tighter waves just after eye-level - but they need a little help when it comes to definition. Quick tip: Dove Radiant Shine Conditioner will help prevent your hair ends from becoming dry. Image by @mandie.cg.journey"

Image by @rosiechuong

"2c hair features tight 'S' shaped waves that start at the roots and mix with actual ringlet curls . The 2c hair type can be a little hard to style and loses definition easily, but more nourishment will help. Quick tip: Use a more nourishing conditioner, like Dove Absolute Curls Conditioner, to keep hair looking its best. Image by @rosiechuong"

Image by @rosiechuong
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"2c hair features tight 'S' shaped waves that start at the roots and mix with actual ringlet curls . The 2c hair type can be a little hard to style and loses definition easily, but more nourishment will help. Quick tip: Use a more nourishing conditioner, like Dove Absolute Curls Conditioner, to keep hair looking its best. Image by @rosiechuong"

 Image by @curlstothemax

"3a hair is really defined with a loopy 'S' shape that forms beautifully springy curls. If you're a 3a hair type, your curl circumference is wider than 3b or 3c hair and it'll be easier to re-texturize or straighten your hair if you want to. Quick tip: To keep your hair looking healthy, use Dove Quench Absolute Detangler - it strengthens and moisturizes hair for tug-free detangling and cared for curls. Image by @curlstothemax"

 Image by @curlstothemax
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"3a hair is really defined with a loopy 'S' shape that forms beautifully springy curls. If you're a 3a hair type, your curl circumference is wider than 3b or 3c hair and it'll be easier to re-texturize or straighten your hair if you want to. Quick tip: To keep your hair looking healthy, use Dove Quench Absolute Detangler - it strengthens and moisturizes hair for tug-free detangling and cared for curls. Image by @curlstothemax"

Image by @curlyn3ss

"The 3b hair type features curls that are smaller in circumference than 3a hair. Since they're more coiled, they don't reflect light as well so aren't as shiny as 3b curls - but they are much more voluminous, so your hair has that beautiful bounce. Quick tip: Keep hair hydrated and curls defined with our Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute Crème Serum. Image by @curlyn3ss"

Image by @curlyn3ss
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"The 3b hair type features curls that are smaller in circumference than 3a hair. Since they're more coiled, they don't reflect light as well so aren't as shiny as 3b curls - but they are much more voluminous, so your hair has that beautiful bounce. Quick tip: Keep hair hydrated and curls defined with our Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute Crème Serum. Image by @curlyn3ss"

 Image by @hispaneek

"The 3c hair type is where your curls get more definition, forming tight corkscrew shapes that have a lot of volume. They're a little finer in texture, so tend to need some care to retain elasticity and moisture. Quick tip: Add a weekly deep conditioning treatment to your routine, such as Dove Anti Frizz Oil Therapy Mask. Image by @hispaneek"

 Image by @hispaneek
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"The 3c hair type is where your curls get more definition, forming tight corkscrew shapes that have a lot of volume. They're a little finer in texture, so tend to need some care to retain elasticity and moisture. Quick tip: Add a weekly deep conditioning treatment to your routine, such as Dove Anti Frizz Oil Therapy Mask. Image by @hispaneek"

Image by @eulauraluz

"The 4a hair type features tightly coiled hair - because it's not as porous, it holds a lot more moisture than 4b hair, but is usually fairly fragile. It has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types, so less natural protection against damage. Quick tip: Damage protection is key, so use serum created to soften curls and increase shine and manageability, like Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Crème Serum. Image by @eulauraluz"

Image by @eulauraluz
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"The 4a hair type features tightly coiled hair - because it's not as porous, it holds a lot more moisture than 4b hair, but is usually fairly fragile. It has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types, so less natural protection against damage. Quick tip: Damage protection is key, so use serum created to soften curls and increase shine and manageability, like Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Crème Serum. Image by @eulauraluz"

Image by @mynaturalapril

"The 4b hair type is made up of tightly coiled curls, which form more of a 'Z' shape than an 'S' shape, bending in at sharp angles. If you have 4b hair, your curls are more prone to shrinkage, too. Quick tip: Comb your hair through with a wide-toothed comb to help prevent damage and keep the curls defined. Image by @mynaturalapril"

Image by @mynaturalapril
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"The 4b hair type is made up of tightly coiled curls, which form more of a 'Z' shape than an 'S' shape, bending in at sharp angles. If you have 4b hair, your curls are more prone to shrinkage, too. Quick tip: Comb your hair through with a wide-toothed comb to help prevent damage and keep the curls defined. Image by @mynaturalapril"

Image by @igl.riaa. Youtube: iGloriaaa

"Type 4c hair is a lot like 4b, but your coiled curls are even more tightly kinked with less overall definition, which often means spending a little more time styling. This hair type is particularly prone to damage so sleeping on a silk pillowcase or wearing a silk cap will help keep your curls healthy. Quick tip: After washing, apply a styling product before letting your hair dry naturally for more defined curls. Image by @igl.riaa. Youtube: iGloriaaa"

Image by @igl.riaa. Youtube: iGloriaaa
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"Type 4c hair is a lot like 4b, but your coiled curls are even more tightly kinked with less overall definition, which often means spending a little more time styling. This hair type is particularly prone to damage so sleeping on a silk pillowcase or wearing a silk cap will help keep your curls healthy. Quick tip: After washing, apply a styling product before letting your hair dry naturally for more defined curls. Image by @igl.riaa. Youtube: iGloriaaa"


TAGS:

  • curly hair
  • defined curls
  • hair care
  • hair types
  • standard article

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