Type 3A
Big, loose, shiny spiral curls.
Type 3A has loose, large spiral curls about the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. The curls are well-defined, shiny, and bouncy.
Quick answer
Type 3A is curly hair: big, loose, shiny spiral curls. It pairs best with medium porosity. Use ingredients like Glycerin, Aloe vera, Honey, and avoid Sulfates and Drying alcohols. The top product pick is DevaCurl B'Leave-In Miracle Curl Plumper (leave-in).
The ideal routine
daily
- 1Refresh with curl mist
- 2Re-define with leave-in on dry curls
- 3Sleep in silk bonnet
weekly
- 1Shampoo 1x + co-wash 1x
- 2Deep condition weekly
- 3Style with gel using rake-and-shake
monthly
- 1Clarify monthly
- 2Protein-moisture balance
- 3Trim curl-by-curl every 8–12 weeks
Top 10 products for Type 3A
Hand-picked across shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, oils, and stylers.
Do
- Apply products to wet hair in sections
- Use a diffuser
- Plop with cotton t-shirt
Don't
- Brush dry curls
- Touch while drying
- Skip the gel cast
Love these ingredients
Skip these
Frequently asked questions
What is Type 3A hair?
Type 3A has loose, large spiral curls about the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. The curls are well-defined, shiny, and bouncy.
What porosity pairs best with Type 3A hair?
Type 3A hair typically pairs best with medium porosity. Match your routine to that absorption profile for best results.
Which ingredients should Type 3A hair use and avoid?
Reach for Glycerin, Aloe vera, Honey, Hydrolyzed proteins. Skip Sulfates, Drying alcohols, Heavy waxes — they tend to weigh down or dry out this texture.
What is the best wash-day routine for Type 3A?
Shampoo 1x + co-wash 1x Deep condition weekly Style with gel using rake-and-shake
What are the top recommended products for Type 3A hair?
DevaCurl B'Leave-In Miracle Curl Plumper (Leave-in), Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel (Gel), Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydra-Gel (Gel), among others listed above.