The 9 Types of Curls That You Can Create & How It’ll Make You Look Different Depending on the Occasion

Do you know there are 9 specific types of curls?

It was popularized by Andre Walker, a celebrity stylist who developed this hair type system.

The system categorizes hair into four main types (straight, wavy, curly, and kinky).

It further divides curly hair into subcategories based on curl pattern and texture.

Knowing these 9 types of curls lets you create beautiful hairstyles for various occasions.

In this blog, we gathered the 9 types of curls and tips on creating beautiful ones.

The nine curly hair types are as follows:

1. Type 2: Wavy Hair

​ ​2A: Loose waves that are fine and can be easily straightened.

​ 2B: Medium waves with more body and a visible curl pattern.

​ 2C: Waves that tend to frizz and have a more defined S-shaped curl pattern.

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2. Type 3: Curly Hair

​ ​3A: Well-defined, loose curls with a circumference similar to sidewalk chalk.
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3B: Springy curls with a circumference closer to that of a marker.
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3C: Tight curls or coils that have a circumference similar to a pencil or straw.

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3. Type 4: Kinky Hair

​ ​4A: Tight, well-defined curls with an “S” pattern.
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4B: Z-shaped curls or coils that are less defined and have a cotton-like texture.
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4C: Extremely tight curls or coils with a minimal, if any, defined curl pattern.
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These classifications can help you choose appropriate hair care products.

It also lets you pick the styling techniques tailored to your specific curl type.

Styling Tips for Beautiful Curls

You can use various curling techniques to achieve different types of curls.

Here are some popular methods and styling tips for each:

1. Classic Curling Wand Curls

1.1. Technique

Take small sections of hair.

Wrap each section around the wand, holding the end with your fingers.
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Hold for a few seconds and release.

1.2. Style

For a natural look, curl sections in different directions.
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Finger-comb the curls for a more relaxed appearance.
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Set with hairspray for hold.

2. Beach Waves

2.1. Technique

Take random sections of hair.

Twist the hair as you glide the flat iron down.
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Leave the ends straight for a beachy vibe.

​ 2.2. Style

After curling, tousle your hair with your fingers.
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Use a texturizing spray for a laid-back, beach-inspired finish.

3. Pin Curl Retro Style

3.1. Technique

Take small sections of hair.
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Twist each section into a flat coil and secure it with a bobby pin.
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Set with heat and leave to cool.

​ 3.2. Style

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Remove pins for vintage-inspired curls.
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Brush lightly for a glamorous finish.

Understanding your hair type can be beneficial in finding the most effective ways to care for and style your unique curls.

Choose the Best-Selling Hair Iron from Korea for the Perfect Hair Style Finish

Now that you’re more aware of the different types of curls, you can have more variations for your hairstyles.

To create beautiful hairstyles with all the curling techniques you want to try, choose a quality hair iron.

A top choice in Korea is the best-selling hair iron, Glampalm.

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More than 5,000 Korean professional hairstylists and salon owners recommend Glampalm.

Glampalm is available now in the Singapore market so it’s your chance to see the difference for yourself.