The Beginner's Guide to 3A Hair: Types & Care

Table Of Content

• Styling Tips for Defining Your Curls and Reducing Frizz
• This Lotion Will Get Your Skin Smooth & Silky In No Time — Reviewers Agree
• How Often Should You Moisturize Your Hair to Keep Your Curls Moisturized
• Suave Air Dry Cream Heat Free Styler
• What Is 3A Hair? How To Take Care of It, Styles, and Products
• vs 3A Hair: Key Differences, Products, Regimen, and More
• How often should individuals with 3A hair deep condition their hair, and what techniques work best?

The 3A hair type tends to be a little flat without the help of volumizing products, but using too much product on a daily basis will result in a lot of buildup. You can rectify the problem with curl products that support and “hold up” your curls for a longer period of time. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough moisture without overdoing it and weighing your curls down. If you think you fit into the type 3A hair category, which means you have defined spirals, this guide is for you.

Styling Tips for Defining Your Curls and Reducing Frizz

Typically, 3A heads tend to have more shine than sheen to their hair and may have more of an S-curl than a corkscrew. If you’re styling freshly washed hair, opt for using a detangling leave-in conditioner like Suave Cream Detangler Spray. Spray the product onto your hair while it’s wet and detangle from ends to root using your fingers, a detangling brush, or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your curls. Caring for your 3A curls involves a delicate balance between maintaining moisture and avoiding product buildup.

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While it's possible to have just one hair type, the reality can be slightly more varied. As Yates points out, having a range of hair types can be common due to the genetic nature of hair. "Did you know that not every follicle is created equal?" asks Yates. "Each follicle works independently, meaning on one head you can have many different curl types ranging from type 2 and type 3 curls." she explains. It fights frizz and defines curls for all hair types while providing antioxidants that hydrate hair.

How Often Should You Moisturize Your Hair to Keep Your Curls Moisturized

Nestled right in the sweet spot between intensely wavy and spiral curls, many consider your curly hair type to be one of the most versatile and easy to care for. But there are a few more special considerations to keep in mind if you want the best results from your 3A hair. You still need curl definition and moisture from products, but you’ll want to be choosy about what you put on your fine strands to avoid weighing them down. Mousse and anti-frizz serum are the products best-suited for 3A hair. In fact, you might’ve noticed that some types of products formulated for curly hair are just too heavy on your hair and flatten, not enhance, your loose curls. Type 3A hair is the least curly of all three curly types (3A, 3B, and 3C).

Suave Air Dry Cream Heat Free Styler

Consider seasonal adjustments by protecting hair from harsh weather. In summer, refresh curls with leave-in conditioners to combat humidity. For winter, deep conditioning masks add nourishment to counter the drying effects of cold air. Achieving definition with 3A curls starts with proper conditioning to enhance elasticity and prevent breakage.

You can also switch things up and pull your curls into multiple smaller ponytails instead of one large one. No matter how well you take care of your hair, trims should be a part of regular maintenance. As the oldest part of your hair, your ends are the most prone to drying, splitting, or breaking off. There are a lot of things to love about type 3A hair, and playing to its strengths will go a long way in keeping you and your curls happy.

vs 3A Hair: Key Differences, Products, Regimen, and More

This makes your curls more manageable and better suited for wash and go styles. These are some of the best features of this hair type – and maybe some of your favorite things about rocking natural 3A curls. Experts note that deep conditioners can be essential to help repair damaged hair. "Since 3A is right in the middle, it is advised to show it some extra love, but not too much," says Rëzo. This ultra-moisturizing cream transforms kinks and coils alike, defying shrinkage and frizz without relying on damaging chemicals or heat. Instead, it boosts elasticity and volume with hydrolyzed wheat protein while keeping curls smooth and defined.

These products provide hold, definition, and moisture for your curls without weighing them down or causing frizz. To care for your 3A curls, try using the Mielle Honey & Ginger Styling Gel. This versatile product nourishes hair without causing buildup or damage thanks to its blend of honey, ginger, aloe, and babassu oil. Incorporating these products into your curl care routine can help you achieve beautiful, bouncy curls with ease. These gels are designed to fight frizz, define curls, and provide all-day hold without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or weighed down.

How often should individuals with 3A hair deep condition their hair, and what techniques work best?

Above all else, accurately identifying your hair's porosity and focusing on moisture retention will be the key to unlocking consistently good hair days. Making sure your hair is moisturized at all times is a universal hair care rule for all curly hair types because your strands are naturally drier. However, there are some other things that women with 3A hair have to also consider. “It’s about using the correct products and tools when it comes to enhancing your hair’s natural curl pattern,” says Branch.

Meanwhile, high porosity hair will want to step up the moisture level with the “deep condition” and “hydrate” goals. To promote volume and curl definition while keeping flyaways at bay, use lightweight yet hydrating products when you’re out of the shower. As if that isn’t bad enough, your natural curls also put you at high risk of breakage.

So in this section, we’ll walk you through some different hairstyles that are perfect for 3A locks. As the daughter of a long-time hair stylist and salon owner, she’s spent most of her life as a guinea pig for new color and cut techniques. Writing for respected publications like Forbes and HuffPost, she’s committed to bringing her passion for great hair to the masses. "If you need a bit of root volume, apply the I Create Lift Volumizing Foam at the roots before drying/diffusing," Yates says.

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Conditioning is an essential part of any curly hair routine as it helps to replenish moisture, reduce frizz, and promote overall hair health. With deep conditioning techniques and protein treatments at your disposal, you can optimize detangling and retain optimal moisture levels for your beautiful curls. If you've got a mix of 3a/3b hair, or your curls are extra coarse and dry, you need a curl cream that does more than just lightly hydrate.

3A texture is fine to medium, without much body or volume in your hair. It’s less likely to be as frizzy as type 3B and 3C hair, and can appear a bit flat. All curly hair types struggle with dryness, but some more than others.

From the gentle descent of cascading loose curls to the energetic bounce of tight, springy spirals, understanding your curl type is key to embracing your natural hair. Once you’ve decoded the secrets of your strands, you can create a personalized hair-care regimen that fosters optimal health and vitality. Of course, you’ll have to put in the work to keep your swirls looking their best.

You’ll get the benefits of extra curl definition and enhanced curl pattern without the heaviness or crunchiness of a gel. Compare some of the most similar hair types to see which is the best fit for your mane. "The Dyson dryer with diffuser quickly dries without negatively impacting the curl," says Yates. The Supersonic is engineered to help protect hair from extreme heat damage with fast drying and controlled styling (and has a five-star rating from Byrdie editor Ashley Rubell). To get the most out of your leave-in, customize it based on your hair’s porosity level. For example, low porosity hair may prefer the “soothe scalp” and “volumize” hair goals to tackle buildup and flatness.

Unfortunately, drying haircare ingredients like sulfates and parabens can worsen the issue. Once you've figured it out, following the right routine will make all the difference to your curls. We’re diving into the world of 3A hair, including what it is, how to style it and the best hair care tips and products for this curly hair type. Unlike type fours, 3A hair doesn't always require manipulation to create a defined curl pattern. And while frizz and dryness are a common concern (which is true of all type 3s), creating definition usually isn't an issue. However, as with all wavy, curly, and kinky-coily hair types, 3As will usually have to pay attention to moisture retention to prevent frizz and dryness.