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Let’s be honest—understanding your curl pattern can feel like cracking a code. One day your hair is forming perfect spirals; the next, it’s a frizzy puzzle of matted strands. It can be extremely frustrating. But here’s the thing: the key to consistently good curl days isn’t a magical new product—it’s knowing what your natural texture is trying to tell you and responding with the right routine.
From wavy Type 2s to coily Type 4s, every curl type has its own personality—and its own demands. The products that work for your 3B curls might weigh down your friend’s 2A waves. And no, these are not complex mathematical equations (keep reading to find out more). Knowing your curl pattern allows you to give your hair the TLC it truly deserves.
To break it all down, we turned to celebrity hairstylist and one of Tira’s Expert Panellists, Aanchal Morwani. Below, she shares everything from product layering tips to the exact tools and ingredients you should keep in your curl kit. Are you ready to end the love-hate relationship you have with your curls and start embracing them for good?
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Understanding your curl pattern starts with observation—not overthinking. How can you tell your curl pattern?
“By taking a small section of your hair and observing its shape, you can get a good idea,” says Morwani. “A looser ‘S’ shape indicates a wavy pattern, while a tighter ‘S’ shape points to a curl pattern.”
It’s also crucial to know that the curl classification system is divided into four hair types:
Each type includes subcategories (A, B, C) that describe the intensity and definition of your wave or curl. Type 2A, for example, is soft and beachy with barely-there texture, while 2C features more defined bends and occasional ringlets. Type 3A to 3C ranges from loose spirals to tighter corkscrews, and Type 4A to 4C moves from soft coils to densely packed zigzags.
Figuring out where you fall helps determine not just what products to use—but also how to use them.
No two curl patterns are the same, and your hair’s needs can shift depending on its density, porosity, and the climate. Still, there are a few fundamentals Morwani swears by.
Wavy textures tend to be finer and get weighed down easily, so lightweight hydration is key. Leave-in creams or light mousses add definition without compromising volume. You want just enough hold to encourage your wave pattern—not flatten it out.
These textures crave both moisture and definition.
“Curl creams, hair butters, and gels help with moisture and definition,” says Morwani. Since tighter curls and coils tend to be drier, layering products becomes essential—starting with hydration and sealing it all in.
If you’ve been slapping on a single product and hoping for the best, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Product layering is a game-changer—and how you apply products matters just as much as what you use. “Understanding your hair type is crucial because it helps in selecting the right products,” says Morwani.
Her go-to combo? “A curl cream and gel is a great combo. The cream hydrates and defines the curls, while the gel controls frizz by forming a cast, which keeps the curls intact for the next day. To break the cast, once your hair is 100% dry, take a serum and scrunch it into your hair.” This layering method keeps curls juicy, frizz-free, and protected between wash days. If your hair tends to fall flat, a lightweight foam can add volume without compromising definition.
But even the best routine won’t work if your products are packed with the wrong ingredients. The first thing to do when trying something new? Flip the bottle and scan the label. “Avoid sulfates, silicones, parabens, drying alcohols, and phthalates,” says Morwani. “These strip moisture, cause buildup, and lead to frizz and breakage.”
Instead, look for nourishing hydrators like shea butter, aloe vera, glycerin, coconut oil, or botanical extracts. These help curls stay moisturised, bouncy, and defined—without being weighed down or stripped.
Just as important as what you apply is how you apply it—and that’s where styling tools come in. The wrong brush or drying technique can undo all your hard work, leading to stretched-out curls, frizz, or breakage. Morwani shares her must-haves:
You don’t need a 10-step routine to have great curl days. Here’s a simple, effective method that Morwani recommends for curls and coils. Wavy textures can follow the same routine with lighter products and smaller quantities:
Use your fingers to rake a leave-in conditioner or curl cream through dripping wet hair. This ensures even distribution and encourages natural curl clumps. Water is key—it acts like a carrier, helping the product absorb properly. If your hair starts drying midway, re-wet it with a spray bottle.
“Apply gel if needed using the scrunching technique or the praying hands method,” says Morwani. This locks in curl shape and protects against frizz as your hair dries. Don’t worry if it feels crunchy.
Use a diffuser on medium speed and full heat, or let your hair air dry. Diffusing enhances volume and definition, while air-drying is ideal for curls prone to frizz. Once completely dry, scrunch in a serum to break the gel cast and add shine. This final step transforms stiff curls into soft, touchable ones.
Understanding your curl pattern starts with observation—not overthinking. How can you tell your curl pattern?
“By taking a small section of your hair and observing its shape, you can get a good idea,” says Morwani. “A looser ‘S’ shape indicates a wavy pattern, while a tighter ‘S’ shape points to a curl pattern.”
It’s also crucial to know that the curl classification system is divided into four hair types:
Each type includes subcategories (A, B, C) that describe the intensity and definition of your wave or curl. Type 2A, for example, is soft and beachy with barely-there texture, while 2C features more defined bends and occasional ringlets. Type 3A to 3C ranges from loose spirals to tighter corkscrews, and Type 4A to 4C moves from soft coils to densely packed zigzags.
Figuring out where you fall helps determine not just what products to use—but also how to use them.
No two curl patterns are the same, and your hair’s needs can shift depending on its density, porosity, and the climate. Still, there are a few fundamentals Morwani swears by.
Wavy textures tend to be finer and get weighed down easily, so lightweight hydration is key. Leave-in creams or light mousses add definition without compromising volume. You want just enough hold to encourage your wave pattern—not flatten it out.
These textures crave both moisture and definition.
“Curl creams, hair butters, and gels help with moisture and definition,” says Morwani. Since tighter curls and coils tend to be drier, layering products becomes essential—starting with hydration and sealing it all in.
If you’ve been slapping on a single product and hoping for the best, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Product layering is a game-changer—and how you apply products matters just as much as what you use. “Understanding your hair type is crucial because it helps in selecting the right products,” says Morwani.
Her go-to combo? “A curl cream and gel is a great combo. The cream hydrates and defines the curls, while the gel controls frizz by forming a cast, which keeps the curls intact for the next day. To break the cast, once your hair is 100% dry, take a serum and scrunch it into your hair.” This layering method keeps curls juicy, frizz-free, and protected between wash days. If your hair tends to fall flat, a lightweight foam can add volume without compromising definition.
But even the best routine won’t work if your products are packed with the wrong ingredients. The first thing to do when trying something new? Flip the bottle and scan the label. “Avoid sulfates, silicones, parabens, drying alcohols, and phthalates,” says Morwani. “These strip moisture, cause buildup, and lead to frizz and breakage.”
Instead, look for nourishing hydrators like shea butter, aloe vera, glycerin, coconut oil, or botanical extracts. These help curls stay moisturised, bouncy, and defined—without being weighed down or stripped.
Just as important as what you apply is how you apply it—and that’s where styling tools come in. The wrong brush or drying technique can undo all your hard work, leading to stretched-out curls, frizz, or breakage. Morwani shares her must-haves:
You don’t need a 10-step routine to have great curl days. Here’s a simple, effective method that Morwani recommends for curls and coils. Wavy textures can follow the same routine with lighter products and smaller quantities:
Use your fingers to rake a leave-in conditioner or curl cream through dripping wet hair. This ensures even distribution and encourages natural curl clumps. Water is key—it acts like a carrier, helping the product absorb properly. If your hair starts drying midway, re-wet it with a spray bottle.
“Apply gel if needed using the scrunching technique or the praying hands method,” says Morwani. This locks in curl shape and protects against frizz as your hair dries. Don’t worry if it feels crunchy.
Use a diffuser on medium speed and full heat, or let your hair air dry. Diffusing enhances volume and definition, while air-drying is ideal for curls prone to frizz. Once completely dry, scrunch in a serum to break the gel cast and add shine. This final step transforms stiff curls into soft, touchable ones.
Understanding your curl pattern starts with observation—not overthinking. How can you tell your curl pattern?
“By taking a small section of your hair and observing its shape, you can get a good idea,” says Morwani. “A looser ‘S’ shape indicates a wavy pattern, while a tighter ‘S’ shape points to a curl pattern.”
It’s also crucial to know that the curl classification system is divided into four hair types:
Each type includes subcategories (A, B, C) that describe the intensity and definition of your wave or curl. Type 2A, for example, is soft and beachy with barely-there texture, while 2C features more defined bends and occasional ringlets. Type 3A to 3C ranges from loose spirals to tighter corkscrews, and Type 4A to 4C moves from soft coils to densely packed zigzags.
Figuring out where you fall helps determine not just what products to use—but also how to use them.
No two curl patterns are the same, and your hair’s needs can shift depending on its density, porosity, and the climate. Still, there are a few fundamentals Morwani swears by.
Wavy textures tend to be finer and get weighed down easily, so lightweight hydration is key. Leave-in creams or light mousses add definition without compromising volume. You want just enough hold to encourage your wave pattern—not flatten it out.
These textures crave both moisture and definition.
“Curl creams, hair butters, and gels help with moisture and definition,” says Morwani. Since tighter curls and coils tend to be drier, layering products becomes essential—starting with hydration and sealing it all in.
If you’ve been slapping on a single product and hoping for the best, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Product layering is a game-changer—and how you apply products matters just as much as what you use. “Understanding your hair type is crucial because it helps in selecting the right products,” says Morwani.
Her go-to combo? “A curl cream and gel is a great combo. The cream hydrates and defines the curls, while the gel controls frizz by forming a cast, which keeps the curls intact for the next day. To break the cast, once your hair is 100% dry, take a serum and scrunch it into your hair.” This layering method keeps curls juicy, frizz-free, and protected between wash days. If your hair tends to fall flat, a lightweight foam can add volume without compromising definition.
But even the best routine won’t work if your products are packed with the wrong ingredients. The first thing to do when trying something new? Flip the bottle and scan the label. “Avoid sulfates, silicones, parabens, drying alcohols, and phthalates,” says Morwani. “These strip moisture, cause buildup, and lead to frizz and breakage.”
Instead, look for nourishing hydrators like shea butter, aloe vera, glycerin, coconut oil, or botanical extracts. These help curls stay moisturised, bouncy, and defined—without being weighed down or stripped.
Just as important as what you apply is how you apply it—and that’s where styling tools come in. The wrong brush or drying technique can undo all your hard work, leading to stretched-out curls, frizz, or breakage. Morwani shares her must-haves:
You don’t need a 10-step routine to have great curl days. Here’s a simple, effective method that Morwani recommends for curls and coils. Wavy textures can follow the same routine with lighter products and smaller quantities:
Use your fingers to rake a leave-in conditioner or curl cream through dripping wet hair. This ensures even distribution and encourages natural curl clumps. Water is key—it acts like a carrier, helping the product absorb properly. If your hair starts drying midway, re-wet it with a spray bottle.
“Apply gel if needed using the scrunching technique or the praying hands method,” says Morwani. This locks in curl shape and protects against frizz as your hair dries. Don’t worry if it feels crunchy.
Use a diffuser on medium speed and full heat, or let your hair air dry. Diffusing enhances volume and definition, while air-drying is ideal for curls prone to frizz. Once completely dry, scrunch in a serum to break the gel cast and add shine. This final step transforms stiff curls into soft, touchable ones.
Understanding your curl pattern starts with observation—not overthinking. How can you tell your curl pattern?
“By taking a small section of your hair and observing its shape, you can get a good idea,” says Morwani. “A looser ‘S’ shape indicates a wavy pattern, while a tighter ‘S’ shape points to a curl pattern.”
It’s also crucial to know that the curl classification system is divided into four hair types:
Each type includes subcategories (A, B, C) that describe the intensity and definition of your wave or curl. Type 2A, for example, is soft and beachy with barely-there texture, while 2C features more defined bends and occasional ringlets. Type 3A to 3C ranges from loose spirals to tighter corkscrews, and Type 4A to 4C moves from soft coils to densely packed zigzags.
Figuring out where you fall helps determine not just what products to use—but also how to use them.
No two curl patterns are the same, and your hair’s needs can shift depending on its density, porosity, and the climate. Still, there are a few fundamentals Morwani swears by.
Wavy textures tend to be finer and get weighed down easily, so lightweight hydration is key. Leave-in creams or light mousses add definition without compromising volume. You want just enough hold to encourage your wave pattern—not flatten it out.
These textures crave both moisture and definition.
“Curl creams, hair butters, and gels help with moisture and definition,” says Morwani. Since tighter curls and coils tend to be drier, layering products becomes essential—starting with hydration and sealing it all in.
If you’ve been slapping on a single product and hoping for the best, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Product layering is a game-changer—and how you apply products matters just as much as what you use. “Understanding your hair type is crucial because it helps in selecting the right products,” says Morwani.
Her go-to combo? “A curl cream and gel is a great combo. The cream hydrates and defines the curls, while the gel controls frizz by forming a cast, which keeps the curls intact for the next day. To break the cast, once your hair is 100% dry, take a serum and scrunch it into your hair.” This layering method keeps curls juicy, frizz-free, and protected between wash days. If your hair tends to fall flat, a lightweight foam can add volume without compromising definition.
But even the best routine won’t work if your products are packed with the wrong ingredients. The first thing to do when trying something new? Flip the bottle and scan the label. “Avoid sulfates, silicones, parabens, drying alcohols, and phthalates,” says Morwani. “These strip moisture, cause buildup, and lead to frizz and breakage.”
Instead, look for nourishing hydrators like shea butter, aloe vera, glycerin, coconut oil, or botanical extracts. These help curls stay moisturised, bouncy, and defined—without being weighed down or stripped.
Just as important as what you apply is how you apply it—and that’s where styling tools come in. The wrong brush or drying technique can undo all your hard work, leading to stretched-out curls, frizz, or breakage. Morwani shares her must-haves:
You don’t need a 10-step routine to have great curl days. Here’s a simple, effective method that Morwani recommends for curls and coils. Wavy textures can follow the same routine with lighter products and smaller quantities:
Use your fingers to rake a leave-in conditioner or curl cream through dripping wet hair. This ensures even distribution and encourages natural curl clumps. Water is key—it acts like a carrier, helping the product absorb properly. If your hair starts drying midway, re-wet it with a spray bottle.
“Apply gel if needed using the scrunching technique or the praying hands method,” says Morwani. This locks in curl shape and protects against frizz as your hair dries. Don’t worry if it feels crunchy.
Use a diffuser on medium speed and full heat, or let your hair air dry. Diffusing enhances volume and definition, while air-drying is ideal for curls prone to frizz. Once completely dry, scrunch in a serum to break the gel cast and add shine. This final step transforms stiff curls into soft, touchable ones.
