3A hair can sometimes be mistaken for 2B hair due to its looser curl pattern. However, 3A curls are more defined and springier than the gentle waves of 2B hair. Knowing the difference is key to appropriate care - 3A hair often requires more hydration and specific styling techniques to maintain its defined curls.

If you have some of these defining characteristics, you probably have Type 3A hair. 

1. Loose, Defined Ringlets: Type 3A hair features soft, well-defined curls that form loose ringlets.
2. Curl Size: The curls are similar in size to a piece of large chalk or a small banana, making them larger and looser than tighter curl patterns.
3. Springy and Bouncy: These curls have a natural springiness, giving them a bouncy and lively appearance.
4. Fine to Medium Texture: Type 3A hair generally has a fine to medium texture, which can be prone to frizz and being weighed down by heavy products.
5. Moderate Volume: This hair type has a good amount of volume due to its curl pattern but isn’t as voluminous as tighter curl types.
6. Moisture Needs: Type 3A hair requires regular hydration to maintain curl definition and prevent frizz.

Versatility in Styling: These curls can be easily manipulated into different styles but need protection from heat and harsh styling techniques to maintain their health and definition.

3A Hair Texture

Type 3A hair can range from fine to medium in texture. The individual strands may vary in thickness, affecting how the hair responds to products and styling:

• Fine Texture: Fine 3A hair is lightweight and can get weighed down by heavy creams or oils. It needs lighter products that provide definition without reducing volume. Cruise Control Curl Cream is an easy primer for 3A curls, followed by Chutzpah Volumising Foam to finish styling. 
• Medium Texture: Medium-textured 3A hair strikes a balance between strength and flexibility. It can handle a wider range of products and tends to hold styles well, but still needs protection from heat and over-manipulation to maintain its health and curl pattern. We recommend using a combination of Chutzpah + Oomph Styling Gel for extra hold. 

Balancing Porosity and Texture Needs

Caring for Type 3A hair involves finding the right balance in your hair care routine to address both porosity and texture:

• For low porosity hair, use a microfiber towel or cap to seal in moisture during deep conditioning treatments. This helps to open up the cuticles. Lightweight, water-based products are best for avoiding buildup.
• High porosity hair benefits from regular deep conditioning treatments, protein treatments (to help fill in the gaps in the cuticle), and heavier creams that help seal in moisture. The Drench & Quench Moisture Mask is our selection for deep conditioning treatments. 
• With medium porosity hair, a balanced routine with regular hydration and occasional protein treatments usually works well.

Understanding your Type 3A hair's unique combination of porosity and texture is key to tailoring your hair care and styling routine, ensuring your curls stay healthy, defined, and beautiful.

Low Porosity Hair:

• If the strand floats on the surface and doesn't sink, this indicates low porosity. This means your hair cuticles are tightly closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate but also preventing moisture from escaping. Low porosity hair typically takes longer to get fully wet and dry, and is prone to product buildup.

Medium Porosity Hair:

• If the strand sinks slowly and steadily, settling somewhere in the middle of the bowl, you have medium porosity hair. This is often considered ideal because it signifies a healthy balance; your hair is effectively absorbing and retaining the right amount of moisture.

High Porosity Hair:

• If the strand immediately sinks to the bottom, your hair is highly porous. This indicates that the cuticles are raised or even damaged, allowing for easy moisture absorption but also leading to rapid moisture loss. High porosity hair often becomes easily saturated with water and tends to suffer from dryness, frizz, and tangles.

Understanding your hair's porosity can guide you in choosing the right hair care products and treatments. This is key to tailoring your hair care routine to your specific needs, ensuring your hair stays healthy and vibrant.

Step 5: Applying Nourish & Flourish Conditioner

• Squeeze out excess water from your hair. Then apply Nourish & Flourish Conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. These areas need the most moisture.
• Use your Flexi Bruch, fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly. This also helps with detangling.

Step 6: Let the Conditioner Sit

• Allow the conditioner to sit on your hair for a few minutes. This gives your hair time to absorb the moisture and nutrients from the conditioner.

Step 7: Final Rinse

• Rinse your hair with cool water. The cool temperature helps to close the cuticles, sealing in moisture, enhancing shine, and reducing frizz.

Step 8: Drying Your Hair

• After washing, gently squeeze out the water from your hair. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel as this can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot and absorb excess water.

Pro-tip: Squeezing your hair while tipping from side-to-side will help create curl clumps. 

Step 9: Styling

• Apply Cruise Control Curl Cream and your preferred styling products to your damp hair. Then style as usual, whether air-drying or using a diffuser on a low heat setting.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Type 3A hair is cleansed and conditioned effectively, leaving your curls hydrated, defined, and healthy. Remember, the key to great curls is being gentle and taking the time to properly nourish your hair.

Using Oil on Type 3A Hair

• Oils are fantastic for sealing in moisture and adding extra shine to 3A curls. Products like LOHY's Hush Nourishing Oil are formulated to complement curly hair without being too heavy.
• To apply, rub a small amount of oil between your palms and gently smooth it over the ends of your hair. This helps to seal the cuticles and prevent moisture loss.
• You can also use oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply it an hour before washing your hair to protect your curls from getting stripped of their natural oils during the shampooing process.
• Remember, a little goes a long way. Overusing oil can lead to build-up and weigh down your curls.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Type 3A hair remains well-moisturised, healthy, and full of life. Each of these practices plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between providing enough moisture to your curls and avoiding excessive heaviness that can pull them down.

4. Dry Gently

• Air Drying: Air drying is the gentlest way to dry your curls. It prevents heat damage and helps maintain the natural curl pattern. Simply let your hair dry naturally. Once your hair is 90% dry you can occasionally scrunch your hair with your hands to encourage curl formation.
• Using a Diffuser: If you're in a hurry, use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. Set it to a low heat setting to minimise damage. The diffuser distributes the airflow to dry your hair gently and evenly. Move the diffuser around your head in a circular motion. This technique is called ‘cup diffusing’ and helps to lift the curls and add volume without disrupting the curl pattern.

Pro Tips 

• Scrunch Out the Crunch: If your hair feels crunchy after drying, gently scrunch your curls with your hands. This softens the hair and gives a more natural look.

Refresh Curls: On non-wash days, refresh your curls by spritzing a little water or a curl-refreshing spray and then reapplying a small amount of styling product.

Shag Cut

The shag haircut with its multiple layers can add volume and texture to your curls.

Asymmetrical Cut

This edgy cut, where one side is longer than the other, can really highlight the beauty of 3A curls.

Bangs

Curly bangs are a trendy way to frame your face and add a unique touch to your hairstyle.

Pineapple Updo

Great for showing off your curls while keeping your hair out of your face. This style is both practical and stylish.

Half-Up, Half-Down

This style allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – it keeps hair out of your face while still showcasing your lovely curls.

Each of these styles can be tailored to suit your personal preferences and the unique characteristics of your 3A curls. A skilled stylist who understands curly hair can help you choose the best option for your hair's texture and length.