Learn what Type 3 curls are, the difference between 3A, 3B, and 3C, and how to care for spiral curls so they stay defined without frizz.
Type 3 curls arespiral-shaped curls that form a full loop from root to tip, sitting betweenloose waves (Type 2) and tight coils (Type 4). They range from wide, loosespirals (3A) to dense corkscrews (3C) and need moisture-based products to staydefined without frizz. Most men's hairstyles described as "curly"fall within the Type 3 range.
Type 3 curls are one of the mostcommon curl patterns in men's hair, but they're often mistaken for waves orcoils. This guide explains what Type 3 curls are, the three subtypes, how toidentify yours, and how to care for them so curls stay defined instead offrizzy.
What Are Type 3 Curls?
Type 3 curls are hair strandsthat form a clear spiral or "S" shape from root to tip. They sit inthe middle of the curl type chart: tighter than Type 2 waves, looser than Type4 coils. Type 3 hair has a springy, elastic texture and noticeable shrinkagewhen it dries.
The Three Type 3 Subtypes
Curl pattern comes from theshape of the hair follicle. An oval or asymmetrical follicle pushes hair out ina curved path, and how curved that path is decides the subtype.
• 3A: loose, wide spirals, roughly the width of apiece of sidewalk chalk. Shiny and well-defined, but prone to frizz in humidair.
• 3B: springy ringlets closer to the width of amarker pen. Coarser texture with more volume and more shrinkage than 3A.
• 3C: tight, densely packed corkscrew curls, closeto the width of a pencil. High volume, but the most prone to dryness andshrinkage.
Knowing your subtype changeswhich products and cuts work best. A 3A curl needs lighter products and lessfrequent washing than a 3C curl, which needs richer moisture and gentlerhandling.
How to Identify Your Curl Type
1. Start with clean, product-free hair: Wash yourhair with no styling product, then let it air-dry completely without touchingit.
2. Check the shape when dry: Look at the shape onceit's fully dry. Wet hair always looks looser than its true curl pattern.
3. Compare curl width: Compare the curl width to areference object. Sidewalk chalk width points to 3A, a marker pen to 3B, apencil to 3C.
4. Note the shrinkage: Curls that shrink noticeablywhen dry, compared to their stretched-out wet length, usually sit toward thetighter end of Type 3.
Best Practices for Type 3 Curls
• Use a sulfate-free shampoo: protects naturaloils that keep spiral curls defined.
• Style on soaking wet hair: curl cream or gelapplied to soaking wet hair defines curls better than applying to towel-driedhair.
• Scrunch, don't rub: scrunching curls upwardbuilds shape; rubbing with a towel breaks the pattern and causes frizz.
• Dry with care: a diffuser on low heat, or fullair-drying, keeps curls springy without loosening the pattern.
• Avoid brushing dry curls: brushing dry curlsseparates the strands and creates frizz. Detangle only when hair is wet andconditioned.
• Get regular trims: trims every 8 to 10 weeksstop split ends from weighing curls down or looking uneven.
Best Haircuts for Type 3 Curls
Type 3 curls hold shape well incuts that let the spiral pattern show, rather than cuts that rely on straightlines. Curly fades, curly crops, and layered curly cuts all work well with thiscurl type. For a full breakdown of styles by length and face shape, see ourguide to the best curly hairstyles for men.
FAQs
Is Type 3 hair curly or wavy?
Type 3 is curly. It forms a full loop from root to tip, unlike Type 2 hair,which only forms a loose S-bend.
Can Type 3 curls change intoType 2 or Type 4?
Curl pattern is largely genetic and doesn't change type.Heat, chemical treatments, or damage can temporarily loosen the curl, but thenatural pattern returns once hair grows out and recovers.
What's the real differencebetween 3A, 3B, and 3C?
The main difference is curl diameter and density.3A curls are wide and loose, 3B are medium ringlets, and 3C are tight, denselypacked corkscrews.
Do Type 3 curls need adiffuser?
A diffuser isn't required, but it reduces frizz and adds volumecompared to air-drying alone, especially for 3B and 3C curls.
How often should men withType 3 curls wash their hair?
Two to three times a week is enough. Washingdaily strips the oils that keep spiral curls defined.
What products work best forType 3 curls?
Lightweight curl creams, gels, and leave-in conditioners workbest. Heavy butters and oils are usually better suited to Type 4 coils and canweigh Type 3 curls down.
Written by: Alden Sipes, Senior Men's Grooming & Hair Care Content Specialist
Experience: Over 8 yearsadvising barbershops and grooming brands on curl type identification and careroutines.
Last updated: July 14,2026
Editorial note: Thisguide is reviewed against current curl-typing standards and barberingpractices, and updated as product recommendations change.
