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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.
How to wash curly hair without frizz?
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.
Best hairstyles for 3c hair type
The right hairstyle brings out that energy while giving shape and balance. Ready to fall in love with your curls all over again? Let’s get inspired.
1. Sculpted layers
If your curls feel heavy or crowded, layers are your secret weapon.
A sculpted layered cut gives each curl its own space, boosting definition and movement.
Lighter, bouncier curls that frame your face beautifully and make styling feel effortless instead of overwhelming.
2. Curly shag
A curly shag brings volume and a touch of edge to 3C hair.
Choppy layers create a lived-in look that feels modern and expressive.
It’s the kind of haircut that looks even better as it grows out.
3. Curly bob
Shorter doesn’t mean less powerful.
A curly bob gives 3C hair shape and structure while keeping curls defined and springy.
It highlights your features, feels fresh and proves that bold curls and clean lines can exist beautifully together.
4. High ponytail
Sometimes, the best style is lifting your curls up and letting them shine.
A high ponytail puts volume front and center, creating a dramatic look.
Wear it for busy days, workouts, or moments when you want your curls to take the spotlight.
5. Wash-and-go moment
There’s something empowering about wearing your curls exactly as they are.
A well-defined wash-and-go celebrates the natural pattern of 3C hair, letting tight curls coil freely.
With the right moisture and technique, this style feels so carefree.
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.
FAQs
What defines 3C hair compared to other curly types?
3C hair is known for tight, corkscrew-shaped curls with lots of volume and density. The curls are smaller and more defined than 3B curls.
Why does 3C hair shrink so much when it dries?
Shrinkage is completely natural for 3C hair. Tight curls coil upward as they dry, which can make hair look shorter than it actually is. This is a sign of healthy elasticity, not damage.
Is 3C hair more prone to dryness?
Yes. Because the curls are tight, natural scalp oils have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. That’s why 3C hair benefits from rich moisture and sealing products to lock hydration in.
Can 3C hair grow long, or does it break easily?
3C hair can absolutely grow long. The key is moisture retention and minimizing friction. When cared for properly, 3C curls are strong and capable of impressive length.
How often should I wash 3C hair?
Most people with 3C hair do best washing once or twice a week. Over-washing can strip moisture, while spacing washes helps curls stay hydrated and healthy.
Does 3C hair need styling products every day?
Not always. While styling products help define curls, many people refresh their hair with water or a light leave-in between wash days. Listening to your curls’ needs is key.
What’s the biggest mistake people make with 3C hair?
Treating it like straight or wavy hair. 3C curls thrive on moisture and patience. When embraced properly, they become one of the most expressive and striking hair types.
