Of all the type 3 curls, 3c hair is the curliest. It’s a highly sought-after style that can be styled in numerous ways, with natural and protective styles both looking great.
But as you will learn in this guide, 3c hair is delicate and needs to be treated with care. You need to maintain its moisture content to prevent it from drying out and when you style your hair, you must use the right tools and products.
So, if you have the 3c hair type, read on to learn how to maintain and style your curly hair to turn heads for all the right reasons.
What is 3c hair?
Different from 1c straight hair and 2c wavy hair, 3c curly hair is voluminous and bouncy, with stunningly defined curls that are often the envy of all. It’s the curliest of all type 3 hair types, though it’s not as coily as type 4 hairstyles, characterized by much smaller, tighter coils resembling corkscrews.
Is curly hair dominant? One of the best things about 3c hair is that it’s usually super dense, and it lends itself brilliantly to hairstyles that achieve volume and texture. In most cases, 3c curls are close together and can become matted if you don’t care for them properly.
3a vs 3b vs 3c hair: Small nuances introduced
3c hair is very similar to 3b hair, but there are some notable differences, as illustrated in the helpful hair comparison table below:
| Hair type | Defining characteristics |
| 3a | S-shaped curls that are loose, large, and bouncy. |
| 3b | Spiralled curls that resemble bouncy ringlets, with smaller S-shapes than 3a hair. |
| 3c | Tightly sprung curls that are packed together, delivering volume and density. |
3c curly hair maintenance tips
As attractive as the 3c hair type is, it requires lots of love and attention to prevent it from drying out. Because of the natural density and bounce of 3c hair, it requires lots of moisture to maintain its shape and style. Here are some handy tips that will help you style it:
Pick your shampoo carefully
One of the most important 3c hair products is shampoo, but you need to choose carefully. Sulfate-based shampoos are bad for your curls, causing them to dry out and break. Therefore, we recommend a chemical-free natural shampoo that is nourishing and replenishing. Look for products that contain oils like tea-tree and coconut to hydrate your curls.
Deep treatments can help
Using a deep conditioner once every couple of weeks can yield impressive results for your 3c hair. Deep conditioner keeps the moisture content of your hair balanced, adding nourishment to the follicles in the process. You don’t need to opt for a deep treatment every time you wash your hair, but it’s certainly helpful once in a while.
Don’t overwash your curls
One of the biggest mistakes that people with 3c hair make is overwashing it. You need to be careful with your delicate curls, so washing them more than once every 10-14 days can cause them to dry out as the washing process can remove their natural oils.
Protect your curls as you sleep
Friction on your pillow is a big problem for 3c curls. Thankfully, there’s a super simple solution. Wrap your curls in a satin or silk scarf before sleeping or switch to silk pillows. The result will be impressive and will prevent your hair from breaking as you rest.
Use the right heat styling products
An ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special is ideal for drying 4c hair. The ionic technology practically eliminates frizz, enabling you to blow dry your 4c hair without worrying about it looking unruly. Moreover, you can dry your hair on the dryer’s low or medium setting to prevent it from drying out.
Though curl-defining tools like curling irons can help, use them sparingly. Excessively using a curling iron can cause your curls to break, so look into non-heat-based styling methods as a viable alternative.
Detangle knots when you notice them
3c hair can become matted and tangled through no fault of your own. If you notice big knots in your hair, wet it and gently remove them by hand. The longer you leave knots in your hair, the harder they are to remove.
Styling 3c curly hair
There are numerous ways to style 3c curly hair and you have different options to choose from. Protective hairstyles are a brilliant option if you have this hair type. Options like twist outs, Dutch braids, and bantu knots can work well and they offer protection from the elements.
If you prefer natural styling, leaving your curls to flow down to shoulder length is a stunning look, provided you keep them moist. We also love top-knot styles among people with 3c hair, which is a super low-maintenance option to go for.
When styling your 3c hair, don’t overuse hair products and avoid super dense oils, as they can add weight to your curls that will limit their bounce and volume.
Wrapping up
3c curly hair looks great, and if you look after it by maintaining its moisture content, you can style it in numerous ways. If you take only one thing away from this article, it should be that moisture is key to your 3c curls. If you don’t keep your hair hydrated, your curls will become dry, which can cause them to break.
Using the right shampoo and drying your hair with the Laifen Swift Special are two super simple steps that can prevent your 3c hair from drying out, so alter your hair care routine today to maximize your style.
