Curly 3B hair can be one of the trickiest hair types to identify: It can boast loops, spirals, ringlets, and corkscrews—all on one gorgeous head of hair. Here, we’re tackling all things 3B hair with the help of Geoffrey Britt, a L’Oréal Professionnel artist and texture expert. Read on to get the 411 on decoding a 3B hair type, top care advice, and why curly bangs should definitely be on your radar. Let’s get into it.
What Is a 3B Hair Type?
Before zeroing in on what 3B hair is, it may be helpful to first understand how hair types are classified. Hair is grouped into four main categories based on the shape of its curls (or, if you have straight hair, the lack thereof). Here’s an overview:
Once your hair is assigned a type, it’s further broken down into a subtype of A, B, or C based on your hair’s density and how tight or loose your curl pattern is. Combining your group (a number) with your subtype (a letter) describes your hair’s leading characteristics. For example, type 1A hair is straight and fine, while type 4C hair is extremely coiled and coarse. This brings us to type 3B hair, which Britt describes as having a tighter, more defined spiral ringlet curl. “This hair formation has big, bouncy, full-of-life energy, giving us curl-sistency from roots to ends.” The stylist also reveals that type 3B hair is voluminous, bouncy, and less prone to shrinkage than other curl patterns.
Much like any hair type, though, there are pros and cons—and 3B hair can have a few pitfalls that make it harder to manage and style.
“[This hair type is] easily susceptible to frizz and curl separation when not using proper styling products,” explains Britt. However, stocking your haircare routine with the right formulas can make all the difference in the look and feel of your curls. (Hint: We have some suggestions below).
Good hair day by @divinecurlz.
What is the difference between 3B and 3A curls?
3A curls are loose and wide, with a circumference similar to a thick piece of sidewalk chalk. 3B curls, on the other hand, are more compact and tend to resemble the size of a permanent marker.
Good hair day by @silviahgmez.
What is the difference between 3B and 3C hair?
“3C hair is more of an S-shaped curl, spanning from left to right,” notes Britt. He says 3C hair can almost look like corkscrews and may sometimes look similar to 4A hair.
Good hair day by @fris.ee.
How Do You Care for 3B Hair?
If you’ve gotten this far, you’ve likely established that you have type 3B hair and are looking for advice on making it look and feel its best. Ahead are Britt’s top ways to get your ringlets into tip-top shape.
Reduce your wash days
“I’d recommend shampoo and conditioning once a week, no more than twice, depending on physical activities like working out, swimming, or hot yoga,” he says. The more you wash, “the less amount of volume you will be able to achieve from your curls.”
To combat flatness, reach for a curl-refreshing spray for a quick pick-me-up. We’re partial to the L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Curls Reviver, which instantly revives curls and coils for six times* more definition and 48 hours of frizz-free protection. Spray it liberally through your hair (preferably in the morning after pillow friction) and scrunch it into your curls to revitalize your locks.
*vs. non-conditioning shampooClarifying is key
Washing your hair less frequently can make it susceptible to curl-flattening buildup, but swapping in a clarifying shampoo can help restore bounce to your mane. Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Gentle Radiance Clarifying Shampoo is a deep cleansing shampoo suitable for all hair types, from straight to coily. It works to remove residue from the hair for a shiny look and lightweight feel. Another great option from the L’Oréal professional portfolio of brands is Mizani’s Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo. The formula, which was made specifically with curls and coils in mind, helps purify textured hair while restoring much-needed moisture.
Tailor your styling products
In the past, those with curly hair often doused their hair in gel and hoped for the best. Unsurprisingly, those were also the days of super crunchy strands. Thankfully, styling has come a long way over the past few decades, and there are now plenty of dedicated formulas available to define your curls without making them feel stiff. Below, discover three of Britt’s holy grail products for 3B curlies.
- For volume: Look to mousses and foam wraps to give your spirals lightweight body. Try Mizani Styling Foam Wrap and L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression 10-in-1 Mousse.
- For hold: Pick up a (crunch-free) gel. One like Matrix A Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel is infused with moisturizing manuka honey for definition and touchable hold.
- For control: Opt for a cream such as Kérastase Curl Manifesto Gelée Curl Contour Gel-Cream. Its gel-cream formula enhances, softens, and conditions hair without weighing it down and helps fend off frizz.
It’s worth noting that the needs of your hair may fluctuate based on factors like weather, sweating, and how much time you can dedicate to styling. We recommend checking out our guide on curl cocktailing to learn how to combine various products, including the ones above, for your ultimate customized routine.
Ward off frizz
As mentioned earlier, frizz is sometimes an unwelcome guest to the 3B hair party. Frizz is typically a result of dehydrated strands seeking moisture from their surrounding environment. As such, you’ll want to arm yourself with hydrating products designed to smooth your hair and make it more resistant to poofiness. Redken’s All Soft Heavy Cream Mask doubles as an anti-frizz treatment and dramatically transforms unruly hair by replenishing its moisture. For more pro-quality suggestions, check out our roundup of our best hair masks for curly hair.
After rinsing out your mask and towel-drying your hair, it’s best to complete your routine with a frizz-fighting leave-in. The Hydrating Curl Cream from Redken helps reduce frizz by 81%* and provides up to 72 hours of curl-defining moisture.
*vs. non-conditioning shampooSwap out your pillowcase
Another unsuspecting contributor to frizzy hair is your pillowcase. Certain materials like cotton can rough up your hair cuticle while you sleep, disrupting your curl pattern and making your tresses look like a ball of fuzz come morning. Many experts advise switching to a silk pillowcase, which allows your curls to roam friction-free across your pillow while you dream.
Visit a pro
As nice as it would be to box curls neatly into one category, the truth is that curly hair can display a combination of patterns. When in doubt about your hair type, Britt urges you to consult a licensed hairstylist.
“Find a resource or a stylist trained and knowledgeable in the art of curls and coils for proper diagnosis.” From there, he says you can devise a more tailored approach to your haircare regimen. “Book a consultation, and then you can dive deeper into your hair’s texture, porosity, and all the nitty gritty details.” Use our salon locator to find a pro in your area.
Good hair day by @rosibelhair.
Is There a Specific Cut 3B Hair Should Ask For?
“Absolutely…not!” Britt says. “3B hair sits right in the center of most curl typing charts, giving us the utmost flexibility in how to cut and wear these curls.”
Keep scrolling to take a peek at some of our favorite 3B hair ideas.
The Best Cuts and Styles for 3B Hair
Good hair day by @mo__beautii and @rezosalon.
Curly Bangs
“Everyone must try them at least a few times,” says Britt. “I guarantee, when you find the right hairdresser to serve hot curl bangs realness, you just might not go back.”
Use a dry shampoo to refresh your curly fringe and keep oils from transferring onto your forehead. Redken’s Deep Clean Dry Shampoo is a salon and fan-favorite, offering maximum oil absorption for up to fourth (!) day hair. Alternatively, you can pick up Redken Invisible Dry Shampoo if you have dark hair. It features an invisible formula that absorbs excess oil from the hair and eliminates the risk of product residue.
Good hair day by @cutlerbrooklyn and @ajhhair.
Long and Soft
“For those with finer densities, think mermaid cut,” Britt says. This can be done by “keeping the overall length long with minimal to no layering and adding in some soft face-framing.”
Good hair day by @messy_tresses.
Curly Shag
“[One] of my favorite cuts is the notorious and ever-evolving shag,” says Britt. “The voluminous rounded layer cut serves the most regal bounce.”
The wolf cut is a popular iteration of the shag and looks especially dazzling on curly hair.
Good hair day by @sarahayseplail.
Half-Up, Half-Down
Regardless of how much you love your 3B hair, you may sometimes want a style that’ll keep it out of your face. The classic half-up, half-down ponytail is a tried-and-true look for curls, and it takes mere seconds to pull off. Here, we recommend using a scrunchie instead of a traditional hair elastic to help prevent breakage.
Good hair day by @sarahayseplail.
Topped With a Headband
A puffy headband is another chic idea to sweep your strands out of your eyes. It’s also a genius accessory to disguise greasy or unwashed hair (your secret is safe with us). Learn how to find the best headband for your face shape.
Good hair day by @petermazilu and @sirenitysuttles.
Messy, Wispy Bun
Many people shell out big bucks to rock a curly updo like this one. Lucky for you, all you have to do is throw your locks up in a loose oversized bun—no effort required.
Good hair day by @rebeccataylorhair.
Rainbow Curls
Curls lend themselves beautifully to fantasy hues like rainbow highlights. On straight strands, partial coloring can sometimes look dramatic and uneven. But the twists and turns in your curls help create a more blended look, so go ahead and unleash your creativity.
Next Up: Curly Bangs: How To Style Plus 15 Easy Looks To Try
Looking for more personalized hair advice? Use our salon locator to consult a pro near you.
Header image credits (left to right): @silviahgmez and @divinecurlz
