What’s my hair type?

Understanding your hair type can be a game-changer in how you care for and style your hair. Types 3b and 3c belong to the curly hair category, characterized by springy curls and a lot of volume. From my experience, distinguishing between these two can sometimes be tricky but rewarding, as it guides you toward the best hair care routine. Type 3b curls are typically tighter, with a circumference about the width of a Sharpie marker, and tend to be denser, while 3c curls have a corkscrew shape and are even tighter, resembling the circumference of a pencil or straw. Identifying these subtle differences helped me choose products with the right moisture balance to prevent frizz and support curl definition. A key tip I found valuable is to observe your hair when it's wet and without product. Letting it air-dry naturally reveals the true shape of your curls. Also, using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle keeps the curls intact and reduces breakage. Moreover, embracing the unique needs of 3b/3c hair means incorporating hydrating shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and occasional deep conditioning treatments into your hair care regimen. Protective styling and limited heat usage can also preserve your curl pattern and promote hair health. Learning your hair type, like I did with the help of communities and challenges such as Lemon8, not only enhances your hair care routine but also boosts confidence in rocking your natural curls every day.