Hairtyping question - 2s or 3s?

[Arwenlily]

My hair confuses me! Though my curls seem to naturally be 3b, after bunning my hair, or combing, my hair is instantly a lot less curly. Also, depending on which products I use, my curls might not get to 3b at all. Does this mean I am not in the 3s and more in the 2s? Here are some pics

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/Arwenlily/curlygirlday1_zps2b253598.jpg (http://s1349.photobucket.com/user/Arwenlily/media/curlygirlday1_zps2b253598.jpg.html)
http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/Arwenlily/singlecurlb_zps12f0d1f9.jpg (http://s1349.photobucket.com/user/Arwenlily/media/singlecurlb_zps12f0d1f9.jpg.html)
http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/Arwenlily/acoupleofdaysago_zps64525b68.jpg (http://s1349.photobucket.com/user/Arwenlily/media/acoupleofdaysago_zps64525b68.jpg.html)

And how it typically looks:

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/Arwenlily/Mayhairupdate_zps4c9eef9e.jpg (http://s1349.photobucket.com/user/Arwenlily/media/Mayhairupdate_zps4c9eef9e.jpg.html)

[Leeloo]

I think you're in the 3s :)

[ravenheather]

Looks like 3s to me.

[Arwenlily]

I guess the only reason why I question is because I though most 3s are able to keep their curls no matter what.

[jeanniet]

I'd say 3a/3b, just like you have it typed. If I put my hair up, some of the curl pulls out, too. Maybe it's the combination of a/b, I don't know. If you rewet your hair, though, I bet the spirals come right back.

[molljo]

I think that your hair type is what your hair does naturally, freshly washed without manipulation, not how strongly it can withstand manipulation. If I comb my hair, I can get it to 1b, easily. That doesn't take away my waviness, just like combing and bunning doesn't take away your obvious curliness.

[queenieheather]

For me I am a different type depending on the weather. Nice cool no humidity days mine is smooth and I can get it to like a 2a-2b. Summer humidity with on and off misty rain? Then maybe a 3b. I too wonder how to classify my hair sometimes. I think you're in the 3's for sure

[MINAKO]

If i bun it and then comb it out dry, i might also get to something around 2a, but i dont really think that counts for the typing in general. I would say 3a/b is fine.

[AcornMystic]

All I have to say is with ringlets like those your definitely a 3. Yes, those are ringlets. I think hair typing should be based on the curliest state of your hair even if it's not the most common. The fact that your hair can achieve it in the first place demonsteates it's type. I imagine if we all had good hair days with ideal conditions our curls would show more readily.

[Arwenlily]

Thanks girls for the help :) So it seems like I can safely say I'm in the 3s regardless of whether it stays like that. I wish I could keep the curls all day everyday. But that would involve a lot of work!

[Arwenlily]

I'd say 3a/3b, just like you have it typed. If I put my hair up, some of the curl pulls out, too. Maybe it's the combination of a/b, I don't know. If you rewet your hair, though, I bet the spirals come right back.

I do wonder if it is a 3a/3b thing ... Hmm if there were more of us maybe we could figure it out.

[jeanniet]

I used to be able to get my hair to about 2b with combing, oiling, and bunning. That was before I started curly girl, so I don't know if I could do it now since my curl pattern has gotten stronger and more persistent, but I know I could still pull at least some of the curl out using that method.

[Charybdis]

Arwenlily, you definitely look in the 3s to me. Maybe a mix of 3a and 3b? (Basically, how you've already typed it!)

[Weewah]

I think you're 3a or 3b. I judge my own texture based on how it dries right after washing. I could be considered in the 1s by the next day after bunning/combing. But I know for sure I'm not a 1something, because if I treated my hair like it was a 1x then I'd look like a lion. So yes, I'd say 3a-3b but more leaning towards 3a.:D

[Crystawni]

There are some great observations being made about hair typing in here, for example (bolding mine):


If I put my hair up, some of the curl pulls out, too. Maybe it's the combination of a/b, I don't know. If you rewet your hair, though, I bet the spirals come right back.


I think that your hair type is what your hair does naturally, freshly washed without manipulation, not how strongly it can withstand manipulation. If I comb my hair, I can get it to 1b, easily. That doesn't take away my waviness, just like combing and bunning doesn't take away your obvious curliness.


If i bun it and then comb it out dry, i might also get to something around 2a, but i dont really think that counts for the typing in general.


I think hair typing should be based on the curliest state of your hair even if it's not the most common. The fact that your hair can achieve it in the first place demonsteates it's type. I imagine if we all had good hair days with ideal conditions our curls would show more readily.


I judge my own texture based on how it dries right after washing. I could be considered in the 1s by the next day after bunning/combing. But I know for sure I'm not a 1something, because if I treated my hair like it was a 1x then I'd look like a lion.

And all of this has helped me with my own hair typing question (posted yesterday). Knowing your hair type certainly helps with how you tackle its care as well as styling. So, thank you all for your insights!

[LadyCelestina]

I also think you are solidly in the 3a/3b,in fact,you are curlier than I was at your length from what I remember/have photo evidence of and I'm pretty sure I had mostly 3a hair.
I posted a pic from when I was at around APL somewhere here a few weeks back.

Though those typing systems confuse me a bit,as those who say they are 3a often have big curls all the way down which is not my case, and those who are 3a/3b and 3b are much curlier.

[lapushka]

I'd say 2c/3a.

[Arwenlily]

There are some great observations being made about hair typing in here, for example (bolding mine):











And all of this has helped me with my own hair typing question (posted yesterday). Knowing your hair type certainly helps with how you tackle its care as well as styling. So, thank you all for your insights!

Yes, definitely. Those observations have really stuck with me and have made me feel more confident with my hair type. Also, I'm sure if I found the right routine I could keep my curls longer. I'm happy their insights helped you too!

[jeanniet]

I also think you are solidly in the 3a/3b,in fact,you are curlier than I was at your length from what I remember/have photo evidence of and I'm pretty sure I had mostly 3a hair.
I posted a pic from when I was at around APL somewhere here a few weeks back.

Though those typing systems confuse me a bit,as those who say they are 3a often have big curls all the way down which is not my case, and those who are 3a/3b and 3b are much curlier.

I think it can be confusing too, because weight of hair and length can affect how it looks. On longer, and especially thicker hair it's probably more helpful to look at how the hair is in the last 12" or so, unless it's a solid 3c or sometimes 3b. Look at Quixii's hair, for an example.