Basics of Hair Type 3A
CurlsBot thinks you may have Loose curls
You have loose curls, which can be prone to being weighed down by heavy products. It may be one of several subtypes based on hair diameter, density, and porosity.
Want help mastering your curls or waves?
Get our free Curly Techniques Dictionary with 60+ methods to define curls, boost volume, and fight frizz—sorted by difficulty and curl-friendliness.
3A in the Andre Walker system
Our quiz is loosely based on the original Andre Walker system created in the 1990s. It has a lot of flaws but it is still the most popular hair typing system. It is based on characteristics of hair. The Walker system defines 3A as Loose curls.
3a in the Common system
The common hair typing system is one you might see on social media. It involves comparing your hair's appearance to a chart. We'd don't use this system because people usually have multiple curl patterns. However, 3a is one of the hair types where the Common type is generally the same as the Walker type
Pattern Strength
Your pattern strength is moderate, and stays pretty consistent but may loosen out a little.
Shrinkage
Your hair is about 30-49% longer wet vs. dry.
Strand Thickness
Your hair type is not associated with a strand thickness, you may have fine, medium, or thick strands
Curvature
Your curls are loose and large
Volume
Your hair has some volume, especially towards the ends. Volume can be enhanced with root clipping, pixie diffusing, and avoiding heavy products
Shapes
Your hair has waves and/or curls
Tangling
Your hair tangles easily
Similar Hair Types
Hair typing isn't an exact science. Your hair might share characteristics with these types:
Help Us Improve
Does this match your hair type?
Routine Generator
Based on your hair type we recommend these lightweight, curl-defining products that won’t weigh your hair down
Loading recommendations...