Curly hair is a fascinating universe, with infinite shapes, patterns and characteristics. From light waves to more defined spiral curls, every hair is different and unique. Often, however, the secret to expressing all this beauty lies in just one thing: really knowing your hair. In this guide, we will explore together the different types of curly and wavy hair, from 2A to 4C, with advice on how to take care of them and enhance them to the fullest.

To identify your curl type, you can remove a few strands of hair while it is wet and lay them out on a flat surface, observing what happens as they dry. This will help you determine your curl type.

Hair Type 2: Wavy

General characteristics: this hair is characterized by the delicate "S" shape, more or less elongated depending on the type of wavy hair:

• 2A: Light, almost imperceptible waves. Often thin and poorly defined.
• 2B: More pronounced waves, especially from mid-length to ends. They tend to frizz.
• 2C: Deep waves, similar to soft curls, with a greater tendency to frizz.

Wavy hair is generally smoother and flatter at the roots, then gains more volume along the lengths.

Precisely for this reason, wavy hair requires more attention when it comes to volume: it is best to use products that are not too "heavy", so as not to flatten the "S".

Porosity and resistance:

Wavy hair tends to be low to medium porosity, which means it retains moisture fairly well but can be sensitive to humidity, causing frizz. It is generally more resistant than tighter curls.

Recommended treatments:

• Use gentle shampoos to avoid weighing down your hair.
• Apply light conditioners and leave-in products to enhance definition.
• Choose texturizing mousse or spray to enhance waves without weighing them down.
• Avoid excessive heat and use a diffuser for drying.
• Styling products: use 2-3 walnut-sized amounts of Leonia styling cream after washing your hair and be careful to use a proper styling technique, so as not to create frizz while drying.

Attention! You may have wavy hair and maybe you don't know it! Maybe you've always thought you had straight hair, but on humid days that frizz or those slightly unruly waves appear. Or maybe you remember that when you were little you actually had wavy hair. In these cases, try changing your haircare routine and follow the advice to enhance the wavyness of your hair.

Hair Type 3: Curly

General characteristics: curly hair is characterized by its spiral or spring shape. The curl pattern can be more or less tight, depending on the type of curly hair:

• 3A: Large, well-defined curls, often springy and "curly". Some strands may tend towards a more "S" shape, a tighter, more defined S than wavy hair.
• 3B: Tighter and more voluminous curls
• 3C: Spiral curls, thick and extra voluminous

Porosity and resistance:

Type 3 hair can have medium or high porosity, depending on its health. It tends to lose moisture easily and is more fragile than wavy hair. In fact, the curlier the hair, the more it tends to be dehydrated: this is due to the fact that sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp that coats the hair and protects it from dryness, will take longer to reach the ends of the hair, precisely because of the curly pattern.

Recommended treatments:

• Apply moisturizing conditioners and leave them on for about 4-5 minutes each time. Once a week, do a nourishing mask, especially during the dry periods of winter or when you go to the beach in summer and expose yourself to the sun and sea salt.
• Use light oils to seal in moisture.
• Avoid combs or brushes with narrow teeth: use your fingers and combs and brushes with fairly wide teeth.
• Styling products: use 3-4 pumps of Leonia styling cream product after washing your hair and combine with a styling technique that enhances the specific curly pattern of your hair.

Hair Type 4: Coily or very curly

General characteristics: coily or very curly hair is characterized by very tight or "Z" shaped curls, depending on the type of coily hair:

• 4A: Very tight spiral curls, with natural definition.
• 4B: Z-shaped curls, less defined and with a more voluminous appearance.
• 4C: Extremely tight curls, often with little natural definition and high volume.

Porosity and resistance:

Type 4 hair is often high porosity, which means it absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as quickly. It is the most fragile of all hair types and requires special care. In fact, if you separate a single curl, you will find that it is very fine and delicate, and therefore will break much more easily.

And because the cuticle stands up instead of lying flat, curls get caught and hair tangles easily. Most tangles are found under the top layer of hair, at the nape of the neck.

Recommended treatments:

Since spiral curls are very dry, your mantra should be moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

• Use deeply nourishing masks and treatments every week. If you have coily hair, you can also consider replacing the conditioner with a nourishing mask, to be used with every wash.
• Seal in moisture with natural butters (like shea butter) or heavy oils (like castor oil).
• Be careful about the brushes or combs you use, because many of them will break them: use wide-toothed combs or brushes specifically designed for styling curly hair.
• Styling products: use 5-6 pumps of Leonia styling cream product after washing your hair. This will create a style that lasts and that best defines your curls.