For those with curly, coily, or afro hair, identifying your curl type is the key to finding the right products to give you the healthy, bouncy hair you crave.
Determined by the shape of the follicle your hair grows out of, curls are classified using numbers, which refer to the curl family, and letters, which indicate how tightly coiled your curls are.
Curl type can be identified by pulling a single strand of hair and releasing it, before observing the pattern it makes. It is best to do this when the hair is in its natural state and slightly wet, as this allows the texture to become more apparent.
Understanding your curl type is important when selecting products as each has a different structure and set of requirements. For example, a finer 4A hair may prefer a lighter, liquid-based product, while denser type 4C strands may be better suited to a thicker product. To help, we’ve summarised the subcategories of type 4, the most tightly coiled curl family, and how best to care for each of them:
Type 4A: With the most visible curl pattern, this curl type features small, dense coils in an S pattern. Hair is prone to dryness and frizz as the shape of the hair shaft makes it difficult for naturally occurring oils from the scalp to travel down the lengths of the hair to deliver much-needed moisture1. It is therefore important to ensure hair remains hydrated, applying nourishing ingredients such as Shea Butter and essential oils. Increasing the time between washes and co-washing with a cleansing conditioner such as the Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Cleansing Conditioner can also be beneficial, helping to maintain moisture without stripping the hair and scalp of natural oils.
Type 4B: Displaying a zig-zag shape with sharp angles as opposed to smooth curls, type 4B hair is drier than type 4A, and therefore more vulnerable to damage and breakage. Hair should be moisturised with leave-in conditioners and masks to nourish and define curls. Thicker formulas, such as Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Leave-In Butter, are perfect for this curl type, helping to stretch out coils and hold them together for greater definition.
Type 4C: Similar to type 4B textures, type 4C curls are tightly coiled and even more fragile. With a smaller zig-zag shape, strands can easily become tangled and knotted, resulting in breakage. Hair wraps are therefore vital for protecting this curl type, helping to avoid frizz, tangling, and unnecessary strain on your follicles while you sleep. The Grow Gorgeous Overnight Hair Wrap isperfect for preserving your hairstyle and shielding hair from pillow friction.
Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Shampoo– RRP £16.00
Gently cleanse curls without stripping the hair and scalp of natural oils with this hydrating cleanser, promoting bouncy, frizz-free hair. An Oat Lipids Complex helps to reinforce the scalp’s natural protective barrier and lock in moisture, while Allantoin soothes, moisturises, and conditions hair and scalp, and Wheat Extract and Camellia Oil enhance and define natural curls by controlling volume and taming frizz. 93% of users agree it leaves their hair looking defined*.
Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Conditioner – RRP £18.00
This non-stripping conditioner has been expertly developed to help fight frizz and intensely hydrate without weighing hair down. Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter nourish, condition, and smooth for silky and soft-looking hair. Sugar Beet Extract helps to add moisture, improve conditioning and reduce frizz.
Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Cleansing Conditioner – RRP £28.00
Gentle enough for daily use, this lightweight co-wash leaves curls cleansed, hydrated, and more manageable in one simple step, with Curl technology to provide long-lasting curl definition for smooth, manageable, bouncy curls. Crambe Oil smooths, softens, and nourishes curls to improve natural shine, while an Oat Lipids Complex helps reinforce the scalp’s natural protective barrier and lock in moisture.89% of users agree it leaves their hair intensely moisturised*.
Grow Gorgeous Curl Defining Leave-In Butter– RRP £25.00
Specially formulated with Cocoa Butter, Wheat and Soy Amino Acids, and Caffeine, this defining hydrator gives excellent style hold and deeply nourishes strands for infallible curls. Hyaluronic Acid helps smooth and moisturise for a silky soft finish, while Curl Technology provides long-lasting curl definition for smooth, manageable, bouncy hair.
Grow Gorgeous Overnight Hair Wrap– RRP £30.00
A luxurious addition to your bedtime routine, this vegan-friendly satin sleep turban helps to protect hair from overnight damage and reduce the appearance of frizz, for healthy-looking hair. 88% of users agreed it helps to reduce the appearance of frizz and flyaway hair in the morning, with 87% claiming it helped to save time when restyling their hair**.
