Understanding The Difference Between Wavy Hair and Curly Hair

Difference Between Wavy Hair and Curly Hair

Wavy and curly hair are often confused, but they have distinct characteristics in shape, volume, maintenance, and styling flexibility. Let’s break down the key differences:

1. Hair Shape

• Wavy Hair:
  Wavy hair forms an "S" pattern that usually begins from the mid-length to the ends. The roots tend to remain flat against the scalp. The waves can vary in size and definition depending on the type.

• Curly Hair:
  Curly hair features tighter, spiral-shaped curls that start right from the roots down to the ends. These curls are more defined and springier compared to wavy hair.

2. Volume

• Curly hair tends to have more volume due to its springy and dense curl pattern. It often grows outward before falling downward, giving a fuller appearance.

• Wavy hair usually lies flatter at the roots and doesn't expand outward as much, resulting in less visible volume.

3. Maintenance

• Wavy Hair:
  Generally easier to manage. Wavy hair tangles less often and doesn’t dry out as quickly as curly hair.

• Curly Hair:
  Requires more maintenance. The tight curl pattern can lead to tangling and dryness, so curly hair often needs regular moisturizing products to stay healthy.

4. Styling Flexibility

• Wavy Hair:
  More versatile when it comes to styling. You can easily straighten or curl it, and it responds well to heat tools.

• Curly Hair:
  Styling curly hair, especially straightening, requires more effort and carries a higher risk of heat damage. Extra care is needed when using heat tools.

Types of Wavy and Curly Hair (Based on the Andre Walker Hair Typing System)

The Andre Walker Hair Typing System categorizes hair into four types:

• Type 1: Straight

• Type 2: Wavy

• Type 3: Curly

• Type 4: Coily

Below is a breakdown of types 2 and 3:

Wavy Hair – Type 2

• Type 2A:
  Loose, tousled waves that are almost straight at the roots. The waves typically start from the ears downward and have a soft, natural look.

• Type 2B:
  More defined “S” shaped waves that start around mid-length. Hair may begin to show some frizz and has more body than 2A.

• Type 2C:
  Thick, well-defined waves that begin at the roots. The hair is coarser and more prone to frizz compared to 2A and 2B, often bordering on curly.

Curly Hair – Type 3

• Type 3A:
  Loose, shiny curls about the size of sidewalk chalk. These curls are defined but not too tight and are relatively easy to style.

• Type 3B:
  Medium-sized curls, springy and voluminous—about the size of a Sharpie marker. This type can include both ringlets and corkscrew curls.

• Type 3C:
  Tight corkscrew curls about the size of a pencil or straw. Very dense and voluminous, 3C was added to the system later to represent curls that were tighter than 3B but not quite coily.

>>Read full article: https://michair.vn/blogs/difference-between-wavy-hair-and-curly-hair<<