Wavy and curly hair are beautiful, unique textures that require a little extra TLC. Understanding the specific needs of your hair is key to keeping it healthy and vibrant, no matter where it falls on the wave-to-curl spectrum.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wavy vs curly hair, including how to identify your hair type, how to care for it properly, and how to style it to bring out its natural beauty.
Whether you’re dealing with frizz, dryness, breakage, or all of the above, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how to unlock your hair’s full potential.
Understanding Your Hair: Wavy vs. Curly
If you’re trying to figure out whether you have wavy or curly hair, it helps to know the defining characteristics of each.
What is Wavy Hair?
Wavy hair is that lovely in-between texture that’s not quite straight but not quite curly. It’s defined by loose “S” shaped waves that give your hair movement and body without the tight coils of curly hair.
Typically, wavy hair has softer waves that lie closer to your head. It’s usually easier to straighten than curly hair, and it tends to be smoother and retain moisture a little better.
Wavy hair is often classified into types 2A, 2B, and 2C, with each subtype having a slightly different degree of wave definition. The higher the number, the more defined the wave.
What is Curly Hair?
Curly hair is characterized by defined ringlets, coils, or spirals. Think of springy, bouncy curls that have a mind of their own!
Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness than wavy hair and requires a good deal of moisture to look its best. The curl patterns are also much more defined and noticeable.
Curly hair is categorized into types 3A, 3B, and 3C, based on the size and tightness of the curls. As with wavy hair, a higher number means a tighter, more defined curl.
Wavy vs. Curly Hair: The Key Differences
So, what are the key differences between wavy and curly hair? Let’s break it down.
Curl Pattern
The most obvious difference is the curl pattern. Wavy hair tends to form a looser “S” shape, almost like a gentle bend in the hair shaft. Curly hair, on the other hand, forms more defined curls or coils. Think of the difference between a soft wave at the beach and a tight ringlet.
Hair Texture
Texture also plays a role. Wavy hair tends to be finer and smoother than curly hair. Curly hair can range from fine to coarse, and the texture influences how well your hair absorbs products and how easy it is to style. Coarser hair, for example, may need richer, heavier products to stay moisturized and defined, while finer hair can easily be weighed down.
Hair Density & Curl Tightness
Hair density refers to how many strands of hair you have per square inch on your scalp. Curl tightness describes the circumference of your curls – how wide or narrow they are. Both density and tightness affect the overall look and how you’ll need to style your hair. Someone with high-density curly hair will likely have a very full, voluminous look, while someone with low-density wavy hair may need to focus on adding volume with styling products and techniques.
Hair Care Routine for Curly and Wavy Hair
Wavy and curly hair types need slightly different approaches to washing, conditioning, and styling. Here’s how to care for each.
Washing and Conditioning
- Wavy hair: If you have wavy hair, look for lightweight shampoos and conditioners that won’t weigh your waves down. You want hydration, but not so much that your hair looks limp.
- Curly hair: With curly hair, moisture is your friend. You’ll likely want to shop for moisturizing shampoos and deep conditioners to fight dryness and give your curls some bounce. Co-washing, or washing with conditioner alone, can be a great technique for curly hair.
Styling Wavy and Curly Hair
The key to styling both wavy and curly hair is to respect the natural curl pattern.
- Wavy hair: If you have wavy hair, use light-hold styling products like mousses or gels to encourage your waves without making your hair stiff or crunchy.
- Curly hair: If you have curly hair, you might try finger coiling or scrunching to define your curls. Handle your hair gently to avoid frizz and breakage.
Essential Styling Tools
These tools are helpful for both wavy and curly hair:
- Wide-tooth comb: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair without disrupting your natural wave or curl pattern.
- Microfiber towel: Microfiber towels are much gentler than regular towels. Use one to dry your hair gently and reduce frizz.
- Diffuser: A diffuser is a great attachment for your hair dryer because it dries your curls without blasting them out of shape.
The Curly Girl Method
The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a hair care routine designed to minimize damage and maximize moisture for wavy and curly hair types. It usually involves cutting out sulfates, silicones, and heat styling.
Sulfates, often found in shampoos, can strip your hair of its natural oils. Silicones, common in conditioners and styling products, create a coating that can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. Heat styling can cause damage and dryness.
The CGM focuses on gentle, sulfate-free shampoos (or co-washing, which means washing with conditioner only), silicone-free conditioners and styling aids, and air-drying or using a diffuser on a low heat setting.
Many people who follow the CGM report less frizz, increased moisture, and more defined curls. Some products that fit the CGM guidelines include DevaCurl No-Poo, SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Conditioner, and Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Gel.
Keep in mind that the Curly Girl Method isn’t one-size-fits-all. You may need to modify it to suit your specific hair type, porosity, and preferences. But it’s a great place to start if you want to enhance your natural waves or curls.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Wavy and curly hair both come with their own set of challenges, but don’t worry, there are solutions for each!
Tackling Frizz
Frizz is a common concern for people with textured hair. It’s caused by dryness, humidity, and even how you handle your hair. Luckily, there are things you can do!
Try using anti-frizz serums or oils to smooth the hair shaft. Deep conditioning treatments can also help hydrate your hair and reduce frizz. And try to touch your hair as little as possible, since that can disrupt the curl pattern and lead to frizz.
Dealing with Dryness
Wavy and curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils produced by your scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft.
The fix? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Use hydrating hair masks regularly. Leave-in conditioners can also help keep your hair moisturized. And don’t be afraid to use natural oils like coconut or argan oil to seal in moisture.
Avoiding Breakage and Damage
Heat styling, harsh chemicals (like those found in some hair dyes or relaxers), and even improper detangling can all lead to breakage and damage.
Try to minimize heat styling as much as possible. When you do use heat, always use a heat protectant spray. When your hair is wet, handle it gently, using a wide-tooth comb to detangle. And get regular trims to remove split ends and keep your hair healthy.
Managing Hair Density and Volume
Fine, low-density hair can sometimes look flat and limp. To add volume, try using volumizing products like mousses or sprays. You can also try techniques like root lifting or backcombing to create lift.
If you have thick, high-density hair, you might struggle with too much volume or frizz. In that case, try using controlling products like creams or gels to define your curls and keep them in place.
Seasonal Hair Care Tips
The weather outside can really do a number on your waves and curls, so it’s important to adjust your hair care routine as the seasons change.
Summer Care
In summer, it’s all about protecting your hair from UV damage and preventing dryness from the sun and chlorine. Use UV protection sprays, wear hats when you’re out in the sun, and treat your hair to deep conditioning treatments. Protective styles can also help shield your strands.
Winter Protection and Moisturizing
Winter brings its own challenges, like dryness from indoor heating, static, and breakage. Combat these issues by using moisturizing products, hair masks, and a humidifier. Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf to prevent static and breakage, and try to avoid over-washing.
Transitioning Between Seasons
As the seasons change, pay attention to how your hair is reacting and adjust your product usage accordingly. Lighter products are usually best in the summer, while heavier products can provide more moisture in the winter. You may also want to adapt your styling techniques, opting for protective styles in the winter and air-drying in the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is curly or wavy hair dominant?
The genetics of hair texture are complex and not fully understood, but it’s generally understood that curly hair is dominant over straight hair. Wavy hair is often considered an intermediate expression, where neither the curly nor straight hair genes are fully expressed. This means that if one parent has curly hair and the other has straight hair, the child is more likely to have wavy hair. However, this isn’t always the case, as multiple genes influence hair texture, and variations can occur.
Key Takeaways
Wavy hair and curly hair may look similar, but they’re actually quite different. Wavy hair is somewhere between straight and curly, with soft, loose waves. Curly hair is defined by springy ringlets, coils, and a range of curl patterns.
Because of these differences, wavy and curly hair need different kinds of care. Wavy hair tends to do best with lightweight conditioners, while curly hair often thrives on deep conditioning treatments.
The best way to make the most of your hair is to experiment with different products and styling techniques to find out what works best for you. Ultimately, the goal is to embrace your natural texture and celebrate the unique beauty of your wavy or curly hair.