The CurlsBot Curl Type System
The new CurlsBot Curl Type System is based on how your hair acts, not just how it looks. No trying to compare it to a chart. Learn more in our blog post
The key to our system is the coil shape, and how it can elongate and shrink. Waves, curls, and coils aren't completely separate types, they are variations of the same coil shape.
- Shrinkage is when the hair in its dry resting state is longer than it is when stretched out.
- Elongation is the process of the curl pattern stretching out due to gravity.
Shrinkage and elongation determine which products, routines, and techniques will actually work for your hair.
Take our quick quiz (only 1-5 questions!) to discover your pattern, or browse the types below to learn more.
The Six Pattern Types
Tight Curls/Coils
Tightly Coiled
Tight coils and sometimes zig-zag patterns with very high shrinkage and minimal elongation.
- Shrinkage: 75%+
- Elongation: Little to none
- Other Systems: 4B-4C
Basic InfoGuide
Coily
Tight coils and sometimes zig-zag patterns with high shrinkage that elongate slightly when wet.
- Shrinkage: 50–75%
- Elongation: A little when wet
- Other Systems: 4A
Basic InfoGuide
Tight Curls
Springy, well-defined curls with noticeable shrinkage when dry.
- Shrinkage: 25–50%
- Elongation: Some when wet
- Other Systems: 3B-3C
Basic InfoGuide
Loose Curls/Waves
Loose Curls
Loose curls that elongate easily and may stretch into waves.
- Shrinkage: Little–25%
- Elongation: Medium
- Other Systems: 2C-3A
Basic InfoGuide
Wavy
A mix of waves and occasional curls that elongate easily.
- Shrinkage: Little
- Elongation: High
- Other Systems: 2A–3A
Basic InfoGuide
Swavy
Loose waves that easily elongate into straighter sections.
- Shrinkage: Little to none
- Elongation: Very high
- Other Systems: 1B-2A
Basic InfoGuide
Straight
Hair that dries perfectly straight without any bends or curves. While not part of our pattern-based system, straight hair has its own unique care needs.
No shrinkage
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from other hair typing systems?
The most popular hair typing system is based on the system created by Andre Walker in the 1990s. It's the original system of types like "3a." Over time this system changed due to internet communities and social media, adding new types like "4a" and occasionally pushing some wavy hair into type 1. We refer to this as the "Common System".
What if my hair is between types?
Our hair typing system accounts for the fact that hair typing is more of a spectrum than a strict classification. So most hair types include a range of patterns.
How did you create this system?
I researched the history and science of hair typing and consulted with experts of all hair types from content creators to hair stylists. We have a blog post if you're interested in the details.
Can my hair change types over time?
It's possible for your hair to change types over time, but likely it will change to a type next to your current type, not one completely different. Like swavy hair might change to become waves due to changes in hair care, length, hormones, etc.
System Comparison
| Our System | Walker System | Common System |
|---|---|---|
| Tightly Coiled | 4B–4C | 4B–4C |
| Coily | 4A | 4A |
| Tight Curls | 3B | 3C |
| Loose Curls | 3A | 3A |
| Wavy | 2A–3A | 2A–3A |
| Swavy | 2A–2C | 1B–2A |