Curls come in all different shapes and sizes and therefore require different kinds of care. That's why it's become so popular to categorize curls by their size and texture!
But if you're just starting your curl journey, it can be intimidating to try and figure it what kind of curls you have. Team LUS (Love Ur Self) is here to help!
How The Curl Typing System Works
In the curl typing system developed by Andre Walker and popularized by NaturallyCurly.com, the number refers to the family of curls: 1 typically representing straight hair, 2 for waves, 3 for curls, and 4 for kinks and coils.
The letters refer to tightness or diameter of the curl pattern: A being large and loose, C being the smallest and tightest, and B falling somewhere in the middle.
Understanding Curly Hair Types
WAVY
This hair type has super flexible and bendable strands with an S-shape pattern, either loose or defined.
CURLY
Curly hair can range from loose and bouncy ringlets to tight and springy spirals.
KINKY-COILY
These strands form extremely small coils or zig-zags that are packed very tightly together, making them prone to shrinkage.
How does knowing my curl type help me?
Knowing your curl type can give you tons of insight into caring for your hair. There are lots of resources, blogs, and YouTube tutorials you can search based on hair type. It also gives you a better understanding of which products to use in your hair. Here at LUS (Love Ur Self), we designed our products to work based on each hair type, creating unique 3-Step systems for wavy, curly, and kinky-coily hair.
LUS (Love Ur Self) 3-STEP SYSTEM
Cleanse, condition, and style.
Choose from Wavy, Curly, and Kinky-Coily.
Is the curl typing system accurate?
The curl-typing system isn’t perfect. You may notice several different types of textures on your own head which is actually quite normal. This system is meant to be a starting point to help guide you in the right direction. In fact, two people with the same curl type may experience different results in their hair. This is because there are other factors that also impact your overall texture such as porosity, thickness and density, and sometimes damage. But overall, researching methods that work well on other people with your same hair type can help you find the best products, techniques, and styles for you! To help you get started, we've got tons of great styling videos for all curl types over on the Big LUS (Love Ur Self) Info Page, check them out here!
5 comments
Nancy Sullivan
Thanks, this is very helpful. I always thought I had wavy hair – I went from shoulder length to short 45 years ago, and kept it short to prevent it from being too wayward. In December 2018 at the encouragement of my stylist (I think she was bored) we started growing it out, heading for a curly bob! I said I would try if it could be as simple as my wash, condition, towel dry, mousse, scrunch and air dry routine. I asked if she thought it was curly enough to actually do that, yep, many months of awkward hair, but eventually it was starting to act like a curly bob, but the products that worked on my short waves didn’t work. It was stiff and/or sticky.
Last fall I found LUS!! I love the shampoo and really am amazed by the conditioner (so is my stylist). At first I used the WAVY all in one and it did a great job, but it didn’t last through sleep and I could never find a refresh process that worked without drenching my head and starting over. I switched to CURLY and now it lasts 2 days and gives better definition to my large, loose curls (I’m thinking I may be a combo of 2c and 3a). Still pretty easy, wash, condition, CURLY all in one, scrunch, plop (some days) and air dry (or if I’m in a rush in cold weather diffuse). Still trying new things to try to extend the cycle. But I definitely LOVE MY CURLS (that I didn’t know I even had)!! And everyone seems to love my new look!
Thanks, this is very helpful. I always thought I had wavy hair – I went from shoulder length to short 45 years ago, and kept it short to prevent it from being too wayward. In December 2018 at the encouragement of my stylist (I think she was bored) we started growing it out, heading for a curly bob! I said I would try if it could be as simple as my wash, condition, towel dry, mousse, scrunch and air dry routine. I asked if she thought it was curly enough to actually do that, yep, many months of awkward hair, but eventually it was starting to act like a curly bob, but the products that worked on my short waves didn’t work. It was stiff and/or sticky.
Last fall I found LUS!! I love the shampoo and really am amazed by the conditioner (so is my stylist). At first I used the WAVY all in one and it did a great job, but it didn’t last through sleep and I could never find a refresh process that worked without drenching my head and starting over. I switched to CURLY and now it lasts 2 days and gives better definition to my large, loose curls (I’m thinking I may be a combo of 2c and 3a). Still pretty easy, wash, condition, CURLY all in one, scrunch, plop (some days) and air dry (or if I’m in a rush in cold weather diffuse). Still trying new things to try to extend the cycle. But I definitely LOVE MY CURLS (that I didn’t know I even had)!! And everyone seems to love my new look!
Kim Hillman
Hello Curly Angels Thank you for this email as I have been wondering how to determine my curl classification. This has helped very much. The only question I have is that I seem to range from a 2c to a 3b with some random kinks which really makes my hair prone to frizz. The slightest touch can set it off lol. I have dealt with my hair for over 50 years and I used to straighten it a lot. It’s taken some time to embrace my curls and I am still trying to figure out the best way to style and maintain my hair but I am getting there. Thank you LUS. I love your products.
Hello Curly Angels Thank you for this email as I have been wondering how to determine my curl classification. This has helped very much. The only question I have is that I seem to range from a 2c to a 3b with some random kinks which really makes my hair prone to frizz. The slightest touch can set it off lol. I have dealt with my hair for over 50 years and I used to straighten it a lot. It’s taken some time to embrace my curls and I am still trying to figure out the best way to style and maintain my hair but I am getting there. Thank you LUS. I love your products.
Debra Howe
Y’all are a life saver! Love your products and your videos and info emails. As just an aside, my first shipment contained a bottle of All-in-One Wavy which had a damaged pump button. The product had leaked into the cap. It may be that I live at 7500’ and the cap exploded. All other bottles were fine. I look forward to a long and happy relationship!
Y’all are a life saver! Love your products and your videos and info emails. As just an aside, my first shipment contained a bottle of All-in-One Wavy which had a damaged pump button. The product had leaked into the cap. It may be that I live at 7500’ and the cap exploded. All other bottles were fine. I look forward to a long and happy relationship!
Sylvia dagama
I just received this product about 2 weeks ago and the first time I tried it I felt it helped my curly hair some. However the second I used the product (I only wash the hair once a week) it appeared less dry. so far so good pleased with the product.
I just received this product about 2 weeks ago and the first time I tried it I felt it helped my curly hair some. However the second I used the product (I only wash the hair once a week) it appeared less dry. so far so good pleased with the product.
Aimee Pollak-burko
I bought all 3- shampoo , conditioner , and the styling gel. I am someone that used to put at least 5 products in my hair before styling. I wasn’t sure about this, but I thought I’d give it a try.
I am soooo glad I did! I save so much time, plus my hair is soft and bouncy and has great curl! I don’t really like my curly hair, but using these products have helped me learn to “ love my curls”!!
Thank you so much for putting it out there. It’s the best kept secret ever, and now we can all enjoy it! Give it a try, I know you will love it! 😍
I bought all 3- shampoo , conditioner , and the styling gel. I am someone that used to put at least 5 products in my hair before styling. I wasn’t sure about this, but I thought I’d give it a try.
I am soooo glad I did! I save so much time, plus my hair is soft and bouncy and has great curl! I don’t really like my curly hair, but using these products have helped me learn to “ love my curls”!!
Thank you so much for putting it out there. It’s the best kept secret ever, and now we can all enjoy it! Give it a try, I know you will love it! 😍