3B hair
Springy ringlets about the width of a marker pen. More volume than 3A and a little drier.
- Family
- Type 3, curly
- Curl size
- About the width of a marker pen
- Key traits
- Springy ringlets, Lots of volume, Some shrinkage, Drier than 3A
What does 3B hair look like?
3B hair forms bouncy, springy ringlets about the width of a marker pen. The curls are tighter than 3A and there are more of them, so the hair has a lot of volume. It shrinks a little when dry and can look shorter than it is. The ends often feel dry.
Tighter loops mean scalp oil has a long way to travel and rarely reaches the ends. That is why 3B hair usually needs more moisture than looser types.
How do I know if I have 3B hair?
Check it on wash day, after your hair has dried on its own with no styling products. Look at a section from the middle of your head, not the hairline, which is often looser.
Compared with 3A, 3B curls are smaller and springier. Compared with 3C, they are larger and less densely packed. If your curls are as narrow as a pencil or straw and very dense, look at 3C.
For a second opinion, take a close-up and run the free hair type test, or compare the photos on the hair type chart.
How to care for 3B hair
- Wash once or twice a week, and co-wash in between if your scalp needs it.
- Use a rich conditioner and detangle with it in, from the ends up.
- Layer a leave-in, a curl cream and a gel on soaking wet hair.
- Deep condition once a week.
- Protect the curls at night with a satin bonnet, pillowcase or a loose pineapple.
Best products for 3B hair
3B hair does well with the LOC or LCO method: liquid, oil and cream in either order. Curl creams, custards and strong gels give definition. Look for moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, aloe and shea butter.
Your hair's porosity matters as much as its type when you pick products. Low porosity hair needs lighter products and a little warmth to let them in, while high porosity hair needs richer ones to seal moisture. Our hair porosity test shows how to check yours.
Styles and cuts for 3B hair
Wash-and-go styles show off 3B ringlets. Twist-outs and braid-outs give a fuller, stretched look. A curly cut that removes bulk keeps the shape even.
For a full wash day, step by step, see our curly hair routine.
Not sure which type you are? Take one close-up of your hair and the free hair type test tells you in seconds.
Check my hair type
