Sometimes, when you wash your hair, you may notice a change in your curl patterns.

This can confuse you, and you may wonder, “Is your hair really curly or just wavy?”.

And this confusion continues, as wavy vs curly hair is a never-ending contemplation.

But don’t worry; we have got you covered. Today we will tell you about the difference between wavy and curly hair.

Various factors are crucial in defining your hair type, like porosity, curl pattern, thickness, etc.

Read on to know what is your hair type, curly or wavy.

An overview: curly vs wavy hair

AspectWavy hairCurly hair
Curl pattern S-shaped or beachy wavesTight coils, spirals, or ringlets
Hair type Type 2 Type 3
Porosity Less porous More porous
Thickness Usually vary from fine to thickUsually range from fine to coarse
Volume Natural volume and bodyHigh volume and density
FrizzLess prone to frizzMore prone to frizz
Styling EaseRelatively easy to styleRequires more effort for definition
MaintenanceLow maintenanceRequires more moisture and upkeep
Common IssuesMay lack defined curls or appear flatDryness, frizz, and shrinkage

Curl pattern

The curl pattern is a significant differentiator that sets curly and wavy hair apart.

Wavy hair displays a looser curl pattern, typically in the form of gentle, S-shaped waves. 

These waves can range from subtle bends to defined waves. Wavy hair often has a more relaxed and flowing appearance.

On the other hand, curly hair has a tighter curl pattern. 

The curls vary in size and shape, from corkscrew curls and spirals to tight ringlets. 

Curly hair tends to have a more defined and structured texture, with each curl forming a distinct pattern.

Fact:
The difference in the pattern of the hair depends upon the shape of the hair follicle (a pore that surrounds the root of the hair).

Hair type

Different hair types
Different hair types

There are several categories of hair types. Mainly there are four hair types.

Wavy hair falls in the hair type 2 category, while curly hair is classified in type 3.

They are further divided into sub-categories.

Hair type 2 (wavy hair)

This type of hair is divided into three sub-categories:

  • 2A: Loose and gentle waves
  • 2B: More defined waves that form a distinct “S” shape
  • 2C: More pronounced and closer to the curly spectrum

Hair type 3 (curly hair)

This hair type has been further divided into three categories:

  • 3A: Loose and springy curls
  • 3B: Tighter and bouncy ringlets
  • 3C: Tightly coiled curls
Recommended Article:
Read Enhance Your Curls Naturally: Learn How to Use Aloe Vera for Curly Hair to learn the cost-effective method for enhancing your curls.

Porosity

Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. 

There can be various porosity levels, including low, normal, and high.

According to the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists, individuals with textured hair, like wavy or curly, is more porous than straight hair.

However, hair with high porosity struggles to retain moisture. Thus, curly hair is drier than other hair types, such as wavy hair.

How to check hair porosity?

You can check your hair porosity level with this simple misting test:

Step 1

Start with clean, dry hair. Ensure that your hair is free from any styling products or oils.

Step 2

Take a small section of hair from the back of your neck.

Step 3

Mist the section of hair with water using a spray bottle until it is lightly dampened. The water should form tiny droplets on the hair but not be wholly absorbed or runoff.

Step 4

Observe how the hair reacts to the water.

  • If the water droplets remain on the hair’s surface without being absorbed for an extended period, it indicates low porosity hair
  • If the water is quickly absorbed and the hair feels moisturized, it suggests normal porosity hair
  • If the water is rapidly absorbed, and the hair feels dry again shortly afterward, it suggests high porosity hair

Volume and thickness

Wavy hair tends to have a natural volume somewhere between straight and curly. 

The waves create an illusion of thickness, making wavy hair appear fuller and bouncier. 

However, the actual thickness of wavy hair can vary from fine to thick, depending on the individual.

Curly hair, on the other hand, often has a high volume and density. 

The tight coil or spiral-shaped curls contribute to a fuller appearance, making curly hair appear thicker compared to wavy hair. 

Curly hair strands also tend to be more densely packed on the scalp, adding to the overall volume.

Maintenance

Hair maintenance and caring
Maintaining curly hair

Wavy hair vs curly hair can even be differentiated in terms of maintenance and styling.

Wavy hair typically requires less maintenance compared to curly hair. 

Since people with wavy hair tend to have an oilier scalp,  regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo helps maintain freshness. 

They may also benefit from lightweight, moisturizing products to enhance the natural wave pattern. 

Curly hair, on the other hand, tends to be more prone to dryness and frizz, so moisture is crucial. 

Co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo) or using hydrating shampoos helps retain moisture. 

Curly hair benefits from leave-in conditioners, deep conditioning treatments, and styling products that enhance curl definition and combat frizz. 

Caution:
Don’t use sulfate-containing shampoos if you have curly hair, as they may strip away even more moisture.

Takeaway

Wavy vs curly hair is a debate that has been continuing for decades.

Understanding the differences between wavy and curly hair can help you better understand and care for your unique hair type. 

The curl pattern is the primary distinction between wavy and curly hair. You have a flowy beachy hair pattern in wavy hair, but you have tight spirals in curly hair.

Curly hair is usually voluminous and thicker than wavy hair. This type of hair is also more prone to dryness.

Wavy hair is easier to maintain in comparison to curly hair, as you need to give curls a definitive shape and lock in moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have wavy or curly hair?

From the curl pattern to porosity, volume, and maintenance needs, wavy and curly hair have distinct characteristics. You can determine your hair type primarily by looking at the curl pattern. You will have flowy or beachy waves in wavy hair and tight curls in curly hair.

How do you know if you have curly hair?

You may have curly hair if your hair forms tight coils, spirals, or ringlets instead of straight or wavy patterns. You can also notice that your hair is densely thick and voluminous. Moreover, you can also do the misting test to check your hair porosity. If you have high porosity, you likely have curly hair.

Can wavy hair look curly?

Wavy hair is considered type 2 hair. It is usually characterized as flowy and beachy waves patterned hair. However, if you have hair type 2C, your hair may resemble curly hair, which has more definitive curls than usual wavy hair.

How do you know if you have wavy hair?

You likely have wavy hair if your hair has a natural pattern of gentle, flowing S-shaped waves rather than being straight or tightly curled. The waves can range from subtle to more defined, and their thickness usually varies from fine to thick.

What determines if a person has straight, wavy, or curly hair?

The shape of the hair follicle is the prime factor determining whether a person has straight, wavy, or curly hair. Straight hair has round follicles, wavy hair has slightly oval-shaped follicles, and curly hair has more irregularly shaped follicles.

Citations:
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