Wavy VS Curly Hair: What’s the Difference

“Is my hair curly or wavy?” As a frequently question we are asked for, it’s needed to write a blog to help our customers to answer this question.

In appearance, wavy and curly hair look similar, but actually, they have different textures, patterns, and also require different care. Wavy hairs form soft and loose bends, while curly hairs produce more defined and tighter coils.

Both have special styling requirements, and accepting your own natural pattern makes it all easier. Knowing the texture of your hair makes care and styling more efficient.

This tutorial explores wavy and curly hair differences and allows you to determine your hair type, and gives styling advice for both.

What Is Wavy Hair?

The wavy hair, also known as type 2 hair, strikes a perfect balance between straight and curly textures. Wavy hair's versatility makes it easy to style and allows you to straighten your wavy hairs easily.

However, using multiple products makes it weighed down, which can leave it looking greasy. The one disadvantage you face is that it often lacks volume at the roots while becoming curlier at the ends, and it easily gets frizzy, especially towards the tips.

Styling Tips for Wavy Hair

● Always use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle hair and distribute products expertly on wet hair.

● You can also dry your hair with plop method or use a diffuser on low heat to minimise frizz.

● While drying, it's best to brush gently because bad bruising can disrupt your wave pattern.

● Use thinner, water-soluble formulas Light products that add moisture and volume without weighing hair down, such as mousses and creams.

● Style your hair when it’s damp, not wet.

● Always GENTLE scrunch your hair to enhance the waves

Hair Products for wavy hair

Wide-tooth comb: detangle your hair

Hair mousse: add volume

Gel: Define your waves and hold the shape longer

Microfiber towel: to scrunch out excess water and plop your hair

Diffuse with attachment: dry your hair with low heat

What Is Curly Hair?

Curly hair, commonly known as type 3 hair, has curls that tend to be well-defined and typically begin at the root. It has its own set of characteristics and problems:

● Harder to style: Curly hair is not always easy to straighten because of its texture, and even minimal humidity will restore those curls.

● Needs extra product: Curly hair loves rich products that condition and define the curls. Moisturizing creams and curl enhancers are usually necessary.

● Full of volume: Due to its texture, curly hair already has a lot of volume from root to end. So with curly hair, you don't need to stress about flat, limp hair!

● Prone to dryness and frizz: since natural oils remain longer, this hair type tends to be drier and more prone to frizz than wavy hair. If you want to maintain curly hair, then you have to use high-quality products to control hydration and frizz.

With proper care and routine, you can easily maintain your curly hair in a stunning state and you can shine it to shine your beautiful spirals.

Is Wavy Hair Curly?

We can not answer if the wavy hair is exactly curly, though it falls between the straight and curly textures on the hair spectrum. As we know, curly hairs form tight and more defined curls, and wavy hair produces beautiful, soft, and loose S-shaped patterns.

Wavy hairs produce less volume compared to curly hair. At the same time, wavy hair can naturally represent loose curls and make its own unique category. The one thing is that they both require different care and styling techniques to produce the best results.

Sometimes, you wavy hair can become curly, like when your wavy hair get damaged from frequently heat styling and chemicial treated.

How To Tell If Your Hair Is Wavy Or Curly?

If your hair is easily weighted down or becomes greasy with flat roots, and hair tends to become straighter after you apply hydration products, you have wavy hair.

Wavy vs. Curly Hair: Unraveling the Distinct Differences

Synthesizing information from both science and popular hair typing systems, wavy hair may be described as a less dense version of curls, one more liable to stretching(being stretched out) than shrinkage (being shorter when dry than wet). As much as the two types of hair share their own singularities, realizing their differences can help customize care treatments and styling techniques efficiently.

1. Pattern Strength

Wavy hair has softer, less defined turns, and curly hair has sharply defined twists. Curly hair's more robust structure is why it needs to be kept clean, whereas wavy hair can be weighed down more easily by product buildup or the environment.

2. Shrinkage vs. Stretch

Usually, curly hairs shrink easily and offer a shorter look due to their tightly coiled nature. On the other hand, wavy hair leans towards stretching, especially when they are long.

3. Versatility in Styling

The one advantage you can get with wavy hair is that it is more adaptable to heat styling, which makes it super easy to style. Wavy loose structures naturally enhance their flexibility with many types of hairstyles.

4. Volume & Detangling

Usually, wavy hairs produce less volume in the root, and that's why they are less prone to tangling, making it easy to style and detangle. However, curly hairs generate more uniform volume but require little extra effort to manage the knots.

Types of Wavy Hair

There are three types of wavy hair, each with its own styling requirements and features.

Type 2A

Type 2A is characterized by loose, soft "S" waves. Due to its fine texture, it's very easy to style, and usually works very well with lightweight hair products to keep it from being weighed down and losing its natural bounce.

Type 2B

Type 2B contains thicker waves that tend to be frizzy. This type is usually firm in shape and needs to use frizz-control products if not cared for properly.

Type 2C

Type 2C features thick strands with well-defined wave patterns that can generate curvy patterns in the hair edge. Type 2C needs hair moisturizing creams to control hair frizz and produce unique hair definition.

Adapting your hair care routine to your specific wave type is always the best way to highlight your hair's natural beauty everywhere.

Types of Curly Hair

Type 3A

Loose, big curls that are frequently shiny, bouncy, defined, but also frizzy-prone. To maintain your Type 3A hair shape, it's best to use a regular moisturizing cream and incorporate lightweight styling products into your haircare routine. Additionally, consider visiting a professional once a month.

Type 3B

Usually, type 3B are denser and more stretchable than type 3A; these medium-sized curly hairs require more care to prevent dryness. If you want to maintain their shape, then you will need a proper hydrating routine.

Type 3C

Type 3C With the smallest and tightest curls, this type possesses lots of volume and texture. It's usually more prone to breakage and requires special attention. Deep conditioning can provide a boost to both health and shine.

Wavy And Curly Hair Care Routine

As we know, wavy and curly hair are not identical, but hydration is the one key that they both share. If not cared for properly, both types tend to go on the drier side and produce moisture.

If you have curly hair, then you will need to use products that provide intense hydration in your hair and care for your hair strands to keep them in a healthy condition.

1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo

While a hair shampoo's work is to cleanse your scalp thoroughly, many formulas in the market can also remove the hair's moisture. These types of shampoos are premium and don't contain any harsh materials. Sulfate-free shampoo gently cleanses your hair and improves your natural hair health.

2. Leave-In Conditioner

Curly hairs require extra care to define those ringlets. If you use leave-in conditioner after washing or going out, then it will make your curls defined, shiny, and frizz-free. You can also use your fingers or any hair detangling brush to scrunch your hair upwards. After applying the conditioner, let it dry in natural air to generate an effortless look.

3. Weekly Masking

Both curly and wavy hair require lots of moisture to avoid breakage and damage. Use Oil Curl Care Hair Mask twice a week instead of your regular conditioner. It is formulated with fermented Rice Water protein that stops frizz up to 48 hours, giving curls definition, health, and shine.

4. Sulfate-Free Conditioner

Sulfate-Free Conditioners are paired with 100% organic Coconut Oil and fermented Rice Water. Ideal for wavy and curly hair, they provide balanced moisture and protein for your locks, resulting in well-defined waves and curls.

Cynosure HAIR: Unlock Your Perfect wavy & Curly Waves

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So schedule your time and discover our vast collection of high quality wigs. Our wigs are made of high quality human hair. Visit Cynosure Hair today and unlock a look you never imagined.

In a Nutshell

Understanding the fundamental differences between wavy and curly hair is the foundation to showcase your natural textures anywhere. In their structure, styling versatility, and care needs, both wavy and curly types are unique - yet they also have one requirement -  consistent hydration.

If you clearly identify your hair type and adopt the right hair care routine, then you will easily manage your hair frizz, maintain definition and will be able to highlight your hair's natural beauty.

If it doesn't matter whether you have soft, flowing waves or bouncy curls, the primary key lies in choosing the right products, avoiding hair damage, and keeping your strands properly cared for. With the right approach and guidance, your natural hair can grow healthy and make you feel proud everywhere.