Are you wondering how to tell if you have curly hair? You’re in the right place! Identifying your hair type can be challenging but worthwhile. Whether your locks aren’t naturally straight or don’t seem kinky or tightly coiled, you might find yourself asking, “Is my hair actually curly?” This uncertainty often sparks curiosity and a desire to understand your unique hair type.
How to Tell if You have Curly Hair? The Answer
Discovering Your Curls
As you scroll through this guide, you’ll uncover clues that shout, “Hey honey, you’re a curly babe!” We’ll explore various techniques for enhancing and maintaining those stunning curls. From the Curly Girl Method which transformed my once huge, frizzy mop into beautiful curls, to simple daily routines that help you better understand and care for your curly strands.
If you’ve always assumed your hair was just unruly and wild, or you’re struggling with styling, you might just be a curly girl, too.
How You will Identify, You have Curly Hair?
Take a Close Look at Your Hair Naturally
To figure out your hair type, start by observing how it dries naturally after washing without using any hair products. This simple observation will give you a clearer idea of your hair’s natural pattern and texture, revealing whether it’s wavy, curly, or straight.
Consider Your Hair Texture
When exploring curly hair, notice the curl patterns and their distinct characteristics. Loose curls feature gentle waves and are often more relaxed. Meanwhile, classic curls showcase a well-defined ‘S’ shape. Tight curls tend to have a smaller diameter and display a more prominent ‘S’ or ‘Z’ pattern.
Coily curls, also known as kinky curls, possess a tight, springy pattern with less defined curls. To better understand your hair, learn about the different curl formations and identify whether you have type 2, type 3, or type 4 hair.
Watch Out for Dryness
Curly hair often reveals its personality by being on the dry side compared to straight hair. This dryness results from its unique structure, where natural oils from the scalp struggle to travel the full length of the curls. Since curly strands are more porous, they’re more prone to moisture loss.
To manage this, incorporate more hydration and specialized hair care to keep your curls looking their best.
Perform Strand Test
To determine if you have curly hair, try the strand test: take a small strand of your hair and wrap it around your finger. This method is also known as finger curls. If the hair holds the pattern or forms a ringlet, then it’s likely you have curly hair. Using this strand test you will further identify about your specific curly hair type i.e 3A, 3B or 3C.
Being Frizzy in Humid Weather
Curly hair is notorious for frizz, especially under humid conditions. If you often notice your hair becoming frizzy when it’s humid, this is a strong indication of a natural curl pattern.
Curly and wavy textured hair are more susceptible to moisture absorption, causing the cuticle to lift and create even more frizz. Battling this frizz can be difficult, but adopting a twisty hair routine could make a significant difference.
Try the Scrunch Method
To discover if you have curly hair, wet your hair by washing or spraying it with water. After it’s thoroughly wetted, grab the ends and bring them towards your roots, then squeeze out the excess water. Slowly lower your hand and release the section of hair.
If you see curls or waves, this is a good indicator that you have naturally curly hair. For best results, don’t brush it out, let it air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to enhance the curl pattern.
Hair Have Bigger Volume
If your hair naturally exhibits bigger and poofier volume with minimal effort, it’s a strong indication you might have curly hair. Unlike straight hair, which often struggles to maintain volume and tends to lay neatly and easily, curly hair patterns have a unique ability to create more volume.
This is especially noticeable when brushing curly hair when it’s dry, which instead of becoming smooth and sleek, becomes even more frizzy and messy.
Heat Unable to Make Your Hair Totally Straight
If blow drying and straightening your hair only works for a little while, and frizz and kinks soon reappear, especially when there’s moisture in the air, this is a strong definite sign that your hair WANTS to be curly.
Despite your best efforts, if you step out in the rain and find your style quickly becomes undone, or stubborn kinks in your hair refuse to straighten, it suggests a different styling routine might be needed for your naturally wavy or curly hair. Even using a wand or curling iron, while your curls may last for days, straightening may only keep it straight for less than a day in humid weather.
Thirsty Strands
Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, making adding moisture essential. If your hair feels dry and unmanageable, it could be a sign that your waves or curls are just waiting to be properly embraced.
Using products, that are specifically designed to be moisturizing and nourishing for waves and curls, can help. These products are also lightweight, ensuring they won’t feel heavy or sticky on your hair.
Variation in Hair Length
If you notice your hair is longer when it’s wet but appears shorter when dry, this is a strong signal that you have natural curls. Curls often cause shrinkage, making you lose inches of length as your hair dries and becomes more curly. If you’ve also seen that your hair is longer when it’s straightened, this is another sign of those hidden natural curls.
Give the Curly Hair Method A Try!
If you suspect you have curly or wavy hair, it’s time to give the Curly Girl Method a try. This super popular hair care routine is specifically tailored for these hair types and focuses on avoiding harsh chemicals like sulfates and silicones—the arch-nemesis of your curls.
Instead of relying on heat styling, this method encourages embracing techniques that enhance hydration and curl retention. By saying no to sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate, and silicones that can strip your hair of its natural oils, you can help prevent dryness and maintain the natural beauty of your curls.
The Curly Girl Method also promotes using products that are gentle and nourishing, like a sulfate-free shampoo or a botanical conditioner. These alternatives won’t leave your hair feeling heavy or dull. Many curly girls have found that following this simple method helps them avoid damage and keep their hair hydrated and gorgeous.
If you’re looking to fully understand this method, I recommend reading “Curly Girl: The Handbook” by Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender, where you can learn directly from the creator of the Curly Girl Method herself or you can read this ”Curly Girl Method” too.
Make Your Curly Hair Dreams a Reality
If you’ve just identified that you have curly hair and are feeling out of depth in taking care of it, don’t worry! We advise consulting a professional stylist who specializes in curly hair for valuable guidance.
At our hair salon, our skilled curly hair specialists will give you a custom haircut that enhances your unique curls and brings out your natural beauty. Book your appointment now and let us help you adore your curls with all the love and attention they deserve.
FAQs
How Do I Tell If My Hair Is Naturally Curly?
When trying to figure out if your hair is naturally curly, a simple method involves taking a small section of your hair and wrapping it around your finger. If you notice that it forms a spiral or coil, it’s very likely you have naturally curly hair.
Is My Hair Curly or Just Frizzy?
It can be tricky to determine if your hair is curly or just frizzy, but the best way is by looking at the shape of your hair near the scalp. If your hair has a defined curl pattern closer to the roots, that’s a clear sign of natural curls.
Is It Possible to Have Curly Hair and Not Know It?
Yes, it’s entirely possible for an individual to figure out they have curly hair much later in life, especially if their immediate family members have stick straight hair. Sometimes, curl patterns emerge over time, making it harder to recognize early on.
How Do I Bring Out My Natural Curls?
To enhance your natural curls, twist your wet hair gently with a towel instead of rubbing it. Use a wide-toothed comb instead of a hairbrush to prevent breakage, and ask your hairdressers for a feathered cut. Swap your hair serum for a curl creme, and use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. Finally, avoid anti-frizz products as they can weigh down your curls.
Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.