Unlocking the Secrets to Beautiful Type 3C Hair

Bouncy. Springy and voluminous! Lets face it, Type 3C hair doesn't need an introduction! 

Whether you're already experienced with curly hair care or just beginning your journey, discovering your unique hair type is an important step looking after your curls.

Identifying your hair's curl ‘type’ allows for a deeper understanding of its unique characteristics, such as porosity, density and texture. 

Known for its tight curls and volume, 3C is the curliest of all the Type 3 hair types. There are three variations within each type: 3A, 3B, and 3C. Each subtype is distinct and knowing these differences when crafting your hair care routine will help you get the very best out of your curls 

Type 3C hair is known for its tightly coiled, corkscrew-like curls, differing significantly from the other subtypes in this category.

Understanding Type 3C Hair

Characterised by tightly coiled curls that are closely packed together this structure gives rise to significant volume and texture. The curls in 3C hair typically resemble a corkscrew pattern, which is much denser and coarser compared to Type 3A and 3B curls. 

Due to its coarser texture, 3C hair often requires different care routines than finer or looser curl types.

Identifying 3C Curly Hair

If you’re thinking you might have type 3C hair, then you’re most likely going to have some or all of the following features:

-A distinct S-shaped Pattern

-Tight, corkscrew spirals

-A thicker texture 

-Voluminous & prone to frizz

Distinction from Other Type 3 Hair

Type 3C Curls are larger in diameter than Type 4A but smaller and tighter than Type 3B. It's not uncommon for most people to have multiple curl patterns, and often 3C hair can be mistaken for either 4A or 3B.

Confusion with Type 4A: While similar to Type 4A in tightness, 3C curls are somewhat looser and have a more defined S-pattern.


Tighter Curl Pattern: Compared to 3A and 3B, Type 3C has a tighter curl pattern.


Higher Density: This hair type is typically denser, contributing to its voluminous appearance.


Hydration Needs: Due to its texture, 3C hair often requires more intense hydration and moisture-retaining routines.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Caring for Type 3C hair is a delicate balance that focuses on maintaining its unique texture and health. Hydration is paramount; regular deep conditioning sessions are essential to keep the hair moisturised and healthy. 

When it comes to handling your curls, it's important to be gentle. Avoid using harsh brushes or combs as these can cause breakage and frizz, instead grab your Flexi Brush (designed specifically for curly hair) and leave in moisturiser. Instead, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers, ideally when it's wet and conditioned to minimise damage.

Choosing styling products that compliment your hair type is really important. Select styling products that provide adequate moisture without weighing down your curls. Protective hairstyles can be a game-changer for Type 3C hair, as they safeguard the ends from damage and reduce the need for frequent manipulation. 

Regular trims are essential to maintain the health of your hair, as they help in getting rid of split ends and promote overall hair health.

Styling Type 3C Hair

- Defining Curls: Use curl-defining products to enhance the natural curl pattern. We recommend using Cruise Control Curl Cream as a primer for your curls, and Pow strong hold gel for definition. 

- Avoiding Heat: Minimise the use of heat styling tools to prevent damage.

- Natural Styles: Experiment with natural styles that showcase your hair's volume and texture.

Creating a styling routine for Type 3C hair that includes the use of LOHY's hydrating products can enhance the health and appearance of your curls. 

Here's a step-by-step styling guide:

Step 1: Cleansing and Conditioning

Start with a Gentle Cleanse: Use Drench & Quench shampoo to cleanse your scalp and hair without stripping away natural oils.

Deep Conditioning: Apply a liberal amount of Drench & Quench Hydrating Conditioner to your hair. Leave it in for 3o minutes - 2 hours to allow your hair to absorb the hydration. For more enhanced results you can leave the conditioner overnight.

Step 2: Applying LOHY's Products

Prime the hair

Start with Cruise Control, This step is crucial for adding moisture to your hair and priming it for styling products. (For a more relaxed curl, you can use cruise control as your main styling product- just use a little more than you would for priming and follow the styling steps below).


All Day Hold

For a strong all day hold, use either Oomph or Pow Gel. These gels are designed to coat the hair shaft and give a really firm hold. create.

Use Oil To Scrunch Out The Cast

Once the hair is completely dry, use the ‘scrunch-out-the-crunch’ method to get rid of the crispy cast that gel can leave. Using LOHY’s Nourishing Oil, not only leaves the hair feeling soft, it continues to hydrate any dry ends. 

Step 3: Detangling

While your hair is still wet, use your Flexi Brush (if you don't have one of these a  wide-toothed comb or your fingers will do) to gently detangle your curls. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots.

Step 4: Styling Tips

1. If you desire more definition, use a curl defining gel - POW, or a hair mousse, we recommend Chutzpah Volumising Foam. 

2. Apply it to small sections of your hair, scrunching upwards to encourage curl formation.

3. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to dry your curls without causing frizz.

Step 5: Maintenance

Nighttime Care 

Before sleep, consider putting your hair in a pineapple bun or cover it with a satin bonnet to reduce frizz and maintain the curl pattern overnight.


Refresh 

In between washes, refresh your curls with a spritz of water or a lightweight product like cruise control. Wetting your hair down will reactivate your products, so avoid adding more unless you absolutely need to.

Step 6: Regular Trimming

Regularly trim your ends to prevent split ends and maintain the health of your hair. Pro-tip: Always look for a stylist that understands how to cut curly hair

Porosity and Texture of 3C Hair

Understanding the porosity and texture of Type 3C hair will help you get the best out of your curls.

Hair Porosity

There are three types of hair porosity; Low, Medium and High. 

Low Porosity: Resistant to moisture; products tend to sit on the hair.

Medium Porosity: Balanced, absorbs and retains moisture well.

High Porosity: Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.

Low Porosity: Hair strands in this category have tightly bound cuticles lying flat against the shaft, making them resistant to absorbing moisture. Consequently, products tend to sit on the hair rather than penetrating it, often leading to build-up. People with low porosity hair might find that it takes longer for their hair to get fully wet and equally long to dry.

Medium Porosity: This is often considered the ideal level of porosity. Hair with medium porosity has a balanced ability to absorb and retain moisture, making it generally easier to manage. These hair types respond well to a variety of hair care products and tend to hold styles well.

High Porosity: Hair with high porosity has gaps or holes in the cuticle, which allow it to absorb moisture quickly. However, it also loses moisture just as fast, making it prone to frizz and dryness. High porosity hair may be a result of genetics or can be caused by external damage from factors like heat styling, chemical processes, or environmental stress.

The Strand Test for Porosity

Conducting the Test: Simply take a strand of clean hair and place it in a bowl of water. What the way your hair behaves. 

Results Interpretation:

If the hair strand floats on the surface, indicating difficulty in absorbing water this means you have Low Porosity

If the strand sinks slowly, showing a balanced absorption rate this means you have Medium Porosity

If the hair strand sinks immediately, demonstrating a high absorption and quick moisture loss rate you have High Porosity

Texture of 3C Hair

Types of Hair Texture:

Fine Texture: Hair strands are thin and may lack volume.

Medium Texture: Provides a balance between strength and volume.

Coarse Texture: Thicker strands that can be quite resilient but may require more moisture.

Typically, Type 3C hair falls into the medium to coarse category. The strands are relatively thicker and more robust compared to fine-textured hair. This characteristic often necessitates more intense hydration and moisture-retaining products.


Caring for medium to coarse hair isn't hard with a little know-how. For this texture, use products that provide adequate moisture without weighing the hair down. Deep conditioning treatments may be beneficial. Additionally, since the hair is thicker, it might require more gentle detangling to prevent breakage and damage. 


By understanding the porosity type and texture of your Type 3C hair, you can plan your hair care routine to best suit its needs, leading to healthier, more manageable curls.

Caring for Your 3C Hair

Washing Your Type 3C Hair:

Use LOHY’s Drench & Quench Shampoo + Conditioner to gently cleanse and hydrate. 

Follow our step by step guide on how to wash your Type 3C curly hair to maintain health and vibrancy.

Step 1: Preparing Your Hair

  • Detangle Your Hair: Before getting it wet, gently detangle your hair to minimise knots and breakage during the washing process.

Step 2: Shampooing

  • Wet Your Hair: Thoroughly wet your hair with warm water to open up the cuticles and prepare it for cleansing.
  • Apply LOHY's Drench & Quench Shampoo: Squeeze a small amount of shampoo into your palms and gently massage it into your scalp. Focus on the roots, as this is where most of the oil and dirt accumulate.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure that all shampoo is rinsed out of your hair. This step is important to prevent product build-up which can weigh down your curls.

Step 3: Conditioning

  • Apply LOHY's Drench and Quench Conditioner: Squeeze out excess water from your hair and apply the conditioner. Concentrate on the ends of your hair, which tend to be the driest and most prone to damage.
  • Brush through: While the conditioner is in your hair, use this opportunity to gently detangle and brush the product through your hair. Starting from the ends and working your way up.
  • Rinse with Cool Water: Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. This helps to close the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and making the hair smoother and shinier.

Step 4: Drying and Styling

  • Excess water: Instead of rubbing your hair with a towel, gently squeeze out the excess water to prevent frizz and breakage.
  • Drying: Allow your hair to air dry, or use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to gently blot out excess moisture.

Apply styling products: While your hair is still damp, apply any leave-in treatments or styling products to help define your curls and add extra moisture.

Moisturising + Hydrating Your 3C Hair

Deep hydration is key. Use leave-in conditioners and hydrating masks formulated for curly hair. Apply them evenly throughout the hair, especially on the ends. Your Flexi Brush will help to distribute the products right to the ends of your hair, while creating curl clumps.

Deep conditioning your hair every two weeks will help to maintain moisture levels. Overnight treatments can be beneficial too, just make sure they're fully rinsed out to prevent greasiness.

Using Oil on Type 3C Hair:

Type 3C hair benefits from oils for added moisture. Oil can be used as a pre-styling treatment, or as a finishing oil for styled hair. 

Here's how you can use this product effectively:

Using Hush Nourishing Oil for Moisture Sealing

  • After washing and conditioning your hair, and while it is still damp, take a small amount of Hush Nourishing Oil in your palms. Focusing on the ends and mid-lengths, using the prayer hands technique, gently apply the oil to the tips of your hair. These areas are typically the driest and most prone to damage, so focusing on them helps to seal in moisture and reduce split ends. As Type 3C hair can be dense, use the oil sparingly to avoid weighing down your curls or making them appear greasy.

As a Pre-Styling Treatment

  • Hush Nourishing Oil can also be used as a pre-styling treatment. After washing your hair, apply the oil to your mids and ends, then follow up with your usual styling products, such as curl creams or gels. Using the oil before styling helps in creating a protective layer around the hair shaft, making your hair more manageable and giving additional moisture, which is particularly beneficial for dense Type 3C hair.

Scrunching Out the Crunch

  • Once your hair is dry and styled, particularly after using styling products that leave a "crunch," aka cast, you can use Hush Nourishing Oil to soften the hair.
  • Technique: Rub a small amount of oil between your palms and gently scrunch your hair from the ends upwards. This action helps to break the hard cast created by some styling products, leaving your curls soft, bouncy, and naturally defined.
  • This method not only adds extra nourishment but also imparts a healthy shine to your curls and helps control frizz.

By incorporating LOHY's Hush Nourishing Oil into your hair care and styling routine, you will enhance the overall appearance of your curls. Remember, a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed for your hair’s specific needs.

Step-by-Step Styling Guide for Type 3C Hair

1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections for easier product application.

2. Apply Styling Products: Use LOHY products evenly across each section, focusing on areas that need the most moisture. 

We recommend applying Cruise Control as a primer, followed by either Chutzpah Volumising Foam for finer 3C curls hair, or for dense medium or thick 3C hair, Oomph or Pow strong hold gel. 

3. Define Curls: Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently define the curls.

4. Dry Gently: Air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to avoid disrupting the curl pattern.

Hot Tips: Caring For Your 3C Hair

  1. Avoid heat styling to prevent damage.
  2. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and breakage.
  3. Detangle gently using your Flexi Brush or a wide-tooth comb when wet.
  4. Trim regularly to keep ends healthy.
  5. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
  6. Protect your hair from harsh weather conditions. Including saltwater and chlorine. 
  7. Limit washing to prevent stripping natural oils.
  8. Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair. 
  9. Refresh your curls between washes with a water spritzer. 
  10. Embrace and love your natural curls!

FAQs for Type 3C Hair

What is 3C hair type?

Tight, densely packed curls with a lot of volumes.
How often should you wash 3C hair?

About once or twice a week, depending on your lifestyle and hair needs.
Is 3C hair low porosity?

It can vary; perform the strand test to determine your hair's porosity.
How do I know if my hair is 3C or 4c?

3C curls are looser than 4C, which has a more tightly coiled pattern.
Does 3C hair get frizzy?

Yes, especially if not properly moisturised.
What oil is best for 3C hair?

Hush Nourishing Oil Of course! Lighter oils like argan or jojoba are also beneficial for 3C hair.
What does 3C natural hair look like?

It looks like tightly coiled, springy curls that are closely packed.
What hair type is the most frizzy?

This varies depending on care, but curly hair types like 3C can be prone to frizz.