Wavy or Curly ?How to Know in 3 Simple Tests

Are you confused about whether your hair is wavy or curly? Understanding your hair type is crucial for choosing the right products, and styling techniques, and developing a care routine that works for you. But how can you tell if your hair is wavy or curly? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! In this guide, we’ll walk you through 3 simple tests to help you figure out if your hair is wavy or curly, plus some tips to enhance and care for your natural texture.

What’s the Difference Between Wavy and Curly Hair?

Before we dive into the tests, let’s quickly go over the basics. You’ve probably noticed that your hair might not look straight, but it’s not as tightly curled as someone else’s either. That’s because hair comes in all shapes and patterns.

• Wavy Hair (Type 2): This type of hair has loose, soft S-shaped waves. It’s usually easy to manage and isn’t as prone to frizz as curly hair. Wavy hair may appear straight when it’s wet, but as it dries, the waves start to form.
• Curly Hair (Type 3): Curly hair is more defined and has tighter, springy curls. The curls can be bouncy and thick, and they tend to have more volume. Curly hair is usually more prone to frizz, and it often requires extra moisture and definition to look its best.

Now that you understand the difference, let’s dive into the three simple tests you can do at home to determine if your hair is wavy or curly.

The 3 Simple Tests to Identify Your Hair Type

1. The Wet Hair Test

The first and easiest test to help you identify your hair type is the wet hair test. This simple method can give you a clear idea of your natural hair pattern without any interference from products.

How to Do It:

1. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and skip the conditioner for now.
2. Gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water.
3. Let your hair air-dry naturally without applying any styling products.

What to Look For:

• Wavy Hair: After drying, your hair will likely form soft, loose waves in an S-shape. You may notice that the waves are not very defined, and the texture might appear a little flat.
• Curly Hair: If your hair is curly, you’ll see tighter curls or ringlets forming. Your hair will have more volume and bounce, with noticeable curl patterns. If you touch it, it may spring back to its original curl.

Why This Test Works:

When your hair is wet, its true texture often shines through because water weighs it down, and you don’t have styling products altering the shape. This test helps reveal how your hair naturally behaves once dry.

2. The Product-Free Test

The product-free test helps you see your hair’s true texture, free from the influence of styling products. It’s essential to see your natural curls or waves to understand your hair type better.

How to Do It:

1. Wash your hair as you normally would but skip your usual styling products (e.g., mousse, gel, leave-in conditioner).
2. Let your hair air-dry completely, and avoid touching it while it dries.

What to Look For:

• Wavy Hair: With no product, your waves will likely look soft and undefined. They may still form in an S-shape but will have less definition and may appear flatter.
• Curly Hair: Curly hair, on the other hand, will retain its tight curls, even without products. You’ll notice that the curls stay more defined and have a distinct spring to them.

Why This Test Works:

When your hair is product-free, it’s at its most natural state. This test helps you see how much your hair curls naturally without relying on gels or creams for definition.

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3. The Stretch Test

The stretch test is a great way to figure out the elasticity of your hair strands and further distinguish wavy from curly hair.

How to Do It:

1. Take a single strand of your hair from different parts of your head.
2. Gently pull on the strand and stretch it out.
3. Pay attention to how it reacts to being stretched.

What to Look For:

• Wavy Hair: Pulling a strand of wavy hairWhen you pull a strand of wavy hair, it will stretch slightly before bouncing back. It may not return to its original wave shape instantly, but it will form a loose wave once released.
• Curly Hair: Curly hair will usually snap back to its original curl pattern right away. The elasticity is higher, meaning the strand will maintain its curl or ringlet even after being stretched.

Why This Test Works:

Elasticity is a great indicator of curl type. Wavy hair tends to be more flexible, while curly hair has a stronger, more resilient bounce back.

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What to Do Once You Know Your Hair Type

Now that you’ve identified whether your hair is wavy or curly, it’s time to make sure you’re giving it the best care!

If You Have Wavy Hair:

• Use Lightweight Products: Wavy hair doesn’t need heavy products that can weigh it down. Stick to lightweight mousses or gels that enhance texture without making your hair feel stiff.
• Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip away its natural oils. Aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days.
• Try the Scrunching Method: After applying your styling product, gently scrunch your hair to define the waves.

If You Have Curly Hair:

• Moisture is Key: Curly hair tends to be drier than wavy hair, so using moisturizing creams and oils is essential to keeping it healthy and frizz-free.
• Try a Diffuser: If you want to enhance your curls, use a diffuser to dry your hair while maintaining its natural curl pattern.
• Don’t Over-Comb: Curly hair is prone to frizz, so it’s best to avoid combing it when dry. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while it’s wet.

Conclusion

Determining whether your hair is wavy or curly doesn’t have to be complicated. By using these simple tests, you’ll gain a better understanding of your hair type, which is the first step toward better care and styling. Whether your hair is wavy or curly, embracing your natural texture can lead to healthier, more manageable hair. Now that you know how to identify your hair type, you can start exploring the best products and techniques to keep your waves or curls looking their best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I change my hair type from wavy to curly?

No, your hair type is genetic and determined by your hair follicle shape. However, you can enhance your natural curls or waves with the right products and styling techniques.

2. How do I stop frizz in wavy or curly hair?

To reduce frizz, always hydrate your hair with moisturizing products. Use a diffuser to dry your hair and avoid touching it too much while it’s drying.

3. Can I use the same products for wavy and curly hair?

While some products overlap, curly hair generally requires heavier creams and oils to maintain definition and moisture, while wavy hair does better with lighter gels or mousses.

4. What is the best way to define my curls or waves?

For waves, try scrunching your hair while it’s damp with a lightweight mousse. For curls, a curl cream or gel can help define and reduce frizz while keeping them bouncy.