The Ultimate Guide to Curl Types: 2A to 4C

At BALI CURLS, all our products are made for every curl type — on purpose.

Whether you’re rocking soft beachy waves or tight coils, we get one thing straight: curls don’t come in a one-size-fits-all formula. That’s whyevery single product we createis formulated to work across the full curl spectrum — from 2A to 4C.

Instead of boxing you into categories, we focus on ingredients thatnourish all curls, and we test everything across different textures. That said, certain products mightfeellike magic for your curl type — so in this guide, we break down the different curl categories, how to identify yours, and which BALI CURLS heroes tend to work best for each.

Because knowledge = power. And a good curl day.

 

🔍Curl Type 101

Curls are typically grouped into three main types:

•              Type 2:Wavy

•              Type 3:Curly

•              Type 4:Coily or Kinky

Each type is further divided into A, B, and C to describe how loose or tight the pattern is. But most of us don’t fit into a single box — and your pattern can shift with hormones, humidity, damage, or even how you style. So consider this yourguide, not gospel.

 

Type 2: Wavy Hair (2A, 2B, 2C)

Waves tend to start mid-length and form soft S-shapes. They’re usually finer and can get weighed down easily, so lightweight, hydrating products are key.

•              2A– Fine, soft waves that look almost straight when brushed.

•              2B– Medium texture with more defined waves and some frizz.

•              2C– Thick, coarse waves, bordering on curls.

💡BALI CURLS faves for Type 2:

•              Hydrating Curl Cream (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/hydrating-curl-cream) – lightweight, adds bounce without the crunch

•              Moisturising Conditioner (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/moisturising-conditioner) – hydrates without build-up

•              Defining Curl Gel (for 2C)–(https://www.bali-care.com/products/curl-defining-gel   )-enhances shape while keeping hair light

•              Nourishing Shampoo (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/nourishing-shampoo) – sulfate-free cleanse that keeps the bounce

 Type 3: Curly Hair (3A, 3B, 3C)

Federnde, definierte Locken, die mehr Feuchtigkeit benötigen, um Frizz zu bekämpfen und glänzend zu bleiben. Diese Locken lieben Balance: genug Halt, um zu definieren, und genug Feuchtigkeit, um weich zu bleiben.

•              3A– Loose, shiny spirals that can easily fall flat.

•              3B– Tighter, voluminous curls with more texture.

•              3C– Thick, dense corkscrews that crave moisture and definition.

💡BALI CURLS faves for Type 3:

•              Hydrating Curl Cream (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/hydrating-curl-cream) – defines without stiffness

•              Bonding Oil (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/bonding-oil) – versiegelt die Feuchtigkeit und verleiht Glanz

•              Deep Repair Hair Mask (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/deep-repair-hair-mask) (for 3C) – revives and hydrates between wash days

•              Strong Hold Flaxseed Gel  - (https://www.bali-care.com/products/strong-hold-flaxseed-gel) -extra hold for definition that lasts

 

Type 4: Coily or Kinky Hair (4A, 4B, 4C)

Engste, zerbrechlichste Lockenmuster – und auch die am meisten missverstandenen. Krauses Haar neigt dazu, stark zu schrumpfen und benötigt intensive Pflege, um hydratisiert und kräftig zu bleiben.

•              4A– Tight coils with a visible S-pattern.

•              4B– Z-shaped strands with a soft, fluffy texture.

•              4C– Dicht gepackte, ultra-enge Locken mit minimaler Definition.

💡BALI CURLS faves for Type 4:

•              Deep Repair Hair Mask (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/deep-repair-hair-mask) – ultra-rich hydration

•              Bonding Oil (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/bonding-oil) – helps seal in moisture and protect ends

•              Moisturising Conditioner (https://www.bali-curls.com/products/moisturising-conditioner) – entwirrt + pflegt

•              Strong Hold Flaxseed Gel ( https://www.bali-care.com/products/strong-hold-flaxseed-gel) – serious hold for twist-outs, wash & go’s, or max definition days (perfect layered over Defining Curl Gel)

 

 Our Philosophy: All Curls Welcome

At BALI CURLS, we believe curl care should beinclusive, not exclusive. That’s why we don’t label products by curl type — because you shouldn’t have to guess if something was "made for you."

Instead, we focus on what curls of all kinds have in common: the need formoisture, balanceandprotection. And we give you the tools to build your own routine, based onwhat your hair actually needs.

✨Whether you’re 2A or 4C — or somewhere in between — our line is designed to support your curls, your way.