Ever wondered what 3c Hair type is and you can do to care for 3c curly hair types?
3C hair type is the kind of curly hair that is made up of tight curls with volume and a lot of strands that are packed together, this creates a texture that is called 3c.
This hair type is characterized by its S shaped curls, it is very curly hair that holds on to its S shape even after being stretched out and it still retains its defined curl pattern. It has a fuller volume; it is prone to frizz and can be affected by changes in weather and climate.
This type of hair is more prone to dryness than other types of hair like 3a and 3b because the sebum from the scalp doesn’t get to travel down to the ends very well due to obstruction by the ringlets, hence special care is need to your hair.
How to care for 3c curls
The main focus when taking care of 3c curls is to moisturize your hair to the core, this will make all your curls to fall into place perfectly.
Since 3c curls have a tendency to dry out if not taken care of properly you can moisturize your hair using shampoos as well as conditioners specifically designed to hydrate your hair.
You can also try spritzing your hair with water every day for extra hydration and to retain moisture. You can also use a moisturizing cream on your ends daily.
You can also add deep conditioning to your haircare routine to transform your curls, this gives your hair a boost and help to prevent moisture from the hair quickly. Using a conditioner with hydrolyzed protein gives an even bigger boost to your hair.
Washing the hair is another way to care for 3c hair. One of the things to remember when washing and deep conditioning 3c hair is that sulfates are not good for the hair.
Most shampoos contain sulphate which is a very powerful detergent. 3c hair needs its natural oils to remain soft and moisturized. When your is washed using a shampoo that contains sulfate, the shampoo strips your hair of all its natural oils which is not good for the hair.
To make your hair retain it’s natural oils and for it to stay soft and healthy after washing it, you can dilute your shampoo with water to weaken its potency or go with a co-wash which is a regular conditioner to clean your scalp and hair. A co-wash is much gentler on the hair and it is cost-effective.
Another thing to consider when caring for 3c hair is how to style your hair. Styling greatly affects the health of hair.
For this type of hair, it is important to consider a hairstyle that protects your ends than a hairstyle that will pull your edges or let your curls tangle into each other.
Also consider hairstyles that do not pull your hairline, weaken your strands, cause breakage and hair loss. It is recommended to try styles using your own hair for example updos, twists and buns.
Avoid using heat on your hair, you should avoid using flat irons and blow driers as these will strip the moisture out of your hair, leaving it dry and prone to damage, it may take a while for your natural hair oils to remoisturize your hair.
Step by step guide to 3c haircare routine
Step 1: Pre shampoo
Also known as pree-poo, this involves applying a protective treatment to your hair before in preparation for the washing process or shampooing which may be harsh on your hair.
Pre shampoo products typically oils such as castor oil, olive oil, extra virgin oil, coconut oil etc are applied to dry hair the day before washing or actual shampooing of the hair. The point of this is to lock in moisture before your strands get parched.
Coconut oil
penetrates the hair more effectively than any other oils. To pre shampoo using coconut oil first pour the coconut oil into an applicator bottle. Then divide your dry hair into sections and detangle with a tooth wide comb.
After that take a section and then apply a generous amount of the coconut oil to your hair until it is saturated. Then twist or braid the saturated section, continue to the next section repeating the process. Finally, after covering all sections cover your hair with a plastic cap. You can leave this in for 30 minutes or even overnight.
Castor oil
To pre shampoo using castor oil first pour the castor oil into an applicator bottle. Then divide your dry hair into sections and detangle with a tooth wide comb.
After that take a section and then apply a generous amount of the coconut oil to your hair until it is saturated.
Then twist or braid the saturated section, continue to the next section repeating the process. Finally, after covering all sections cover your hair with a plastic cap. You can leave this in for 30 minutes or even overnight.
Step 2: Shampoo your scalp and Hair
The second step is to thoroughly wash your hair `and scalp.
- first choose a moisturizing shampoo that removes oils and grease without stripping the hair of its natural oils or crucial nourishment.
- Apply the moisturizing shampoo gently to the hair without scrunching or rubbing the hair together and make sure the shampoo reaches your scalp.
- Rinse thoroughly so that the water runs straight down the hair.
Step 3: The conditioning stage
- Choose the right conditioner for your hair type and the one that is specifically for your needs, whether you have curly hair, frizzy hair, dry hair and damaged hair.
- Wash your hair
- Rinse your shampoo
- Apply conditioner, pour some into the palm of your hand, the amount you need depends on length of your hair. Run the conditioner through the ends of your hair and to every strand that you are able to. Putting your conditioner near your scalp or roots can clog your follicles and slow hair growth or increase oil production
Step 4: Deep condition your hair
3c hair is prone to dryness and parched curls, a deep conditioning treatment will help in lock moisture in your 3c hair, this will also give your hair a boost and help to prevent moisture from the hair quickly.
Using a conditioner with hydrolyzed protein gives an even bigger boost to your hair as the protein helps to fill the gam in your hair and does not let moisture escape easily giving you great and healthy hair.
- Cleanse your hair with a shampoo to prep hair and scalp for deep conditioning
- Eliminate dry hair and scalp using a chosen conditioner. Apply the conditioner to your hair starting with the ends first.
- Or extra added moisture adds essential healing all treatment to your conditioner. Put a plastic cap and leave I for 30min under heat, and rinse, the style as desired.
LOC Method
Leave in conditioning
You can use a leave in conditioner that is typically applied after you shampoo your hair and condition, usually on a dried towel before styling. These help to provide moisture which makes styling easy. They can benefit each hair type.
How to use a leave-in conditioner
- Wash your hair
- Apply leave in conditioner
- Comb your hair
- Style your hair as you wish
Top 3 leave in conditioner brands include SheaMoisture Curl and Style Milk, Curl Junkie Curl Assurance lotion and Curls Curl milkshake.
Oil conditioning
The next step is in LOC method is to apply a thin layer of oil to help lock in moisture. The oil applied depends on the porosity of your hair. Top 3 recommended natural hair oil brands are castor oil, olive oil and coconut oil.
Cream conditioning
The final step is to apply a butter-based cream to moisturize your hair to seal that moisture in. the cream can also help to provide curls with definition and hold. Top 3 recommended natural hair oil brands are MYHoneyChild Honey hair creme, in whipped pudding and olive heavy crème.
Best Tips To Help Lock-in Moisture In 3c Natural Hair
- Deep condition regularly, this is one of the most important ways to lock in moisture in your natural hair. Natural deep conditioners sit in your hair long enough to penetrate the hair strands hence packing your hair with moisture and the nutrients it needs to grow healthily and thrive.
- You cannot moisturize your hair without water so always use a moisturizer that has water as its first or second ingredient. If a moisturizer contains much of the other ingredients than water then it is not moisturizing your hair.
- You can also Seal in moisture in your hair using thick, natural oil like Shea butter, castor oil or avocado oil to seal-in moisture from a water-based moisturizer.
- Trim your hair regularly, this helps to get rid of split ends, brittle ends and single strand knots. This will help your hair grow healthily and retain moisture.
- Avoid using heat on your hair, you should avoid using flat irons and blow driers as these will strip the moisture out of your hair, leaving it dry and prone to damage, it may take a while for your natural hair oils to remoisturize your hair.
- Sleep with a satin bonnet or silk pillow, you should cover your hair with a satin bonnet or scarf to help your hair retain its moisture while you sleep. These will also prevent moisture loss overnight and split ends from friction.
So 3C hair type is the kind of curly hair that is made up of tight coils with volume and a lot of strands that are packed together, this creates a texture that is called 3c.
This hair type is characterized by its S-shaped curls, it is very curly hair that holds on to its S shape even after being stretched out and it still retains its defined curl pattern.
