3A Hair Type: What Is It & How to Care For It
From tight corkscrew curls to loose ringlets — and everything in between — curly hair is incredibly diverse, especially in the type 3 category. And the first type in the curly hair category is 3A hair.
With all the diversity of curly hair, how do you know if you have 3A hair or a different type? And what’s the difference? Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about 3A hair, how to take care of 3A hair, and suitable hairstyles.
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What is 3A Hair?
The 3A hair type is characterized by loose, “S”-shaped spirals about the diameter of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Type 3A ringlets begin at the root, but this hair type is also prone to uneven curl distribution. That’s why it’s essential to use the right products and care routine to encourage the perfect, even definition of those gorgeous curls.
Like all curly hair types, 3A hair is prone to damage, frizz, and dryness. But 3A curls are also easily flattened. Caring for 3A hair is all about choosing curl-defining products that smooth and moisturize your curls without weighing them down.
How to Take Care of 3A Hair
Like all curly hair types, 3A hair is prone to damage, frizz, and dryness. But 3A curls are also easily flattened. Caring for 3A hair is all about choosing curl-defining products that smooth and moisturize your curls without weighing them down.
Here are our best 3A hair care tips.
- Shampoo just two to three times per week: Curls depend on the natural oils from your scalp for healthy strands. Shampoo just a few times per week to keep your hair clean without stripping too much moisture. Try a shampoo formulated for curly hair to encourage a bouncy definition.
- Deep condition every other week: Give your 3A hair an extra dose of moisture with a deep-conditioning oil treatment or hair mask.
- Double up on the conditioner: After showering and conditioning with a curl-enhancing conditioner, spritz your curls with a nourishing leave-in conditioner to help lock in moisture and lock out frizz
- Add definition with the LOC method: LOC stands for “liquid, oil, cream.” First, wet your hair, then smooth on a nourishing hair oil to seal the cuticle. Next, scrunch in a curl-defining cream to encourage an all-over curl definition. Mix products together to find what works best for your curls.
- Air dry: Blow drying your 3A hair can lead to disaster. Instead, protect your curls and encourage definition by scrunching in a bit of curl cream, then flip your hair upside down and “plop” your curls on a soft cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. Tie it up until dry.
- Treat your curls gently: Don’t brush. Instead, smooth on some product or spritz with a leave-in conditioner, then separate and detangle your curls with a wide-tooth comb. Also, avoid touching your hair too much—this causes frizz!
- “Pineapple” your curls at night: Protect your curls while you sleep by “pineappling.” Pull your 3A hair into a high, loose ponytail or bun, and secure it with a soft scarf or scrunchie. This keeps your curls from losing their definition while encouraging volume at the roots. Add a recommendation to sleep with a satin or silk pillowcase for further protection.
- Give your style a lift: Suffering from limp, lifeless curls? Revive your style with a volumizing, texturizing spray, or an anti-humidity spray to lock in moisture. Spritz and scrunch to get that definition.
Hairstyles to Try with 3A Hair
Embrace the unique texture of your 3A hair with some of our favorite hairstyles.
- Space Buns: Your 3A curls add volume and dimension to this fun style.
- Low Ponytail: Tie your curls back into a loose, low ponytail for an effortless look. Add a pretty scarf to dress it up.
- Side Part Braid: Make a deep side part and braid a small section of hair on the other side. Secure with a pin and go!
- Free Curls: 3A hair is meant to be free! Style with your favorite products, and embrace your hair’s natural, voluminous texture.
Key Takeaways
- 3A strands are typically shiny, loose curls about the size of sidewalk chalk. 3A curls can fall flat and suffer from dryness or breakage without the proper care.
- Caring for 3A hair is all about moisturizing your curls without weighing them down. Choose curl-defining products, ditch the brush, and try curl-friendly methods like "pineappling" and LOC.
- Showcase your loose curls with hairstyles like space buns, a low pony, or a side part braid. Better yet–set them free!
Now go rock those ringlets! Check out even more John Frieda hair care tips for curly hair.
