3C Hair Comprehensive Care Guide

3c hair is my personal hair type, and when I started my hair transition (moving away from straighteners, relaxers, etc.), I noticed that my hair was severely damaged and even looked more like 3b. over time, I’ve found a great hair care routine that transformed my hair back to health. 

3c hair is the curliest of type 3 with ringlet-shaped, voluminous curls. It can be dry, frizzy, and damaged and require a lot of hydration. 3c hair also needs quality, lightweight, nourishing products and appropriate accessories and tools that won’t cause friction and breakage. 

In this comprehensive hair care guide, we discuss the characteristics of 3c hair and helpful routines and products to give you the best natural results. Whether you’re just starting your haircare journey or want to improve your current practice, read on for helpful advice and information. 

What is 3C Hair Type?

3c hair is a subtype for the hair type chart created by Andre Walker. The subtype comes from type 3 hair, classified under curly patterns. From subtypes a, b, and c, 3c is the curliest type 3 hair. The curls are tight ringlets with a diameter of a pencil. 

This hair type is dense, voluminous, and has substantial shrinkage. Once dried, 3c hair is almost half in length. These curls are prone to breakage and frizz. The hair texture is typically coarse and dry because the sebum struggles to pass down as it does with less curly hair types.

Identifying 3c Hair 

Here is how to determine whether you have 3c hair. 

• Wash your hair gently but thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo and leave it to air dry. During the period after washing and allowing it to dry, take note of how your hair behaves and naturally sits. 
• Your curls are tight and look coily with your strands packed together, creating a lot of texture. 
• Your hair is super springy and holds the s-shaped pattern even after pulling it down. 
• The texture is delicate, frizzy, and coarse and can be dry. 

Do I Have Hair 3C or 4A?

Many people confuse 3c hair with 4a because they are closely similar. Type 4 hair falls under the coily/kinky category, and 3c often looks significantly coily with its dense, tight curls. So how do you determine the difference? 

• 3c curls can sometimes be loose, or some loops in the hair will be softer than others. the curl shape can be compared to a corkscrew with the circumference of a straw. 
• 4c hair looks like tight springs with a circumference of a crochet needle. and the entire head of hair will look that way. it may even look wiry. 

• 3c, although the course is softer in texture, whereas 4c hair feels drier and requires much more treatment to keep it moisturized. 
• 4c hair experiences shrinkage, but not as much as other types, whereas 3c hair shrinks to almost 50%. 

How to Care for 3C Curls

The reality with all hair types is that hair chemistry, porosity, and texture vary between people, even those with the same subtypes. Each hair type requires special care, including 3c curls. 

There is no one-size-fits-all when following a hair care routine. Different products and styles work better for some than others. You can always find what works for you by experimenting and keeping what suits your hair while letting go of what doesn’t.  

Below are some tips to help you care for your 3c curls: 

Moisture Is Essential 

Moisture through water is your curly hair’s best friend. It helps keep your hair hydrated and makes styling easier. Promotes healthy hair growth and reduces bad hair days. Proper hair moisturization helps to keep your curls looking their best.  

Focus on products that help to boost hydration, such as humectants. These ingredients draw moisture to the hair and help it stay hydrated for longer. 

Learn Your Hair’s Porosity

There are three main categories of porosity: low, normal (medium), and high. Understanding your hair’s porosity will help you choose the right products that work best for you. Porosity determines how easily your hair can retain moisture.  

Hair with high porosity has many raised or lifted cuticles, quickly absorbing water and losing moisture just as rapidly. Low-porosity hair is challenging to moisturize and style. The tightly packed cuticles do not allow moisture to penetrate your strands easily. 

Medium porosity typically means your hair cuticles are aligned, resulting in less of an issue with moisture retention. Additionally, don’t assume that your hair’s porosity is the same as someone else’s just because you have a similar curl pattern. 

3C Curly Hairstyle Ideas

There are several fun hairstyles for 3c hair. Some of them include: 

• Pineapple Hair 
• High Bun 
• Half-Up Top Knot 
• Natural 
• Hair Claw 

Below are a couple of helpful youtube tutorials to get you started. You can use these hairstyles on type 3 and 4 hair: 

Product Suggestions for Type 3C Hair

Many 3c hair products today will help you achieve those healthy and hydrated curls. The following product suggestions are not comprehensive, but they are a great starting point if you don’t know where to begin. 

When trying out new products, always test them on a section of your hair first. This will help you determine if they suit your 3c hair type.  

Here are some 3c curly hair favorites: 

Final Thoughts 

3c hair is beautiful and looks stylish without much effort. If you care for your 3c hair correctly, it will look even better and bouncier, and your luscious locks will be perfectly defined. Don’t forget to experiment with products and routines that suit your hair needs. and enjoy your curls!