Having curly hair with extensions and kinky hair is one beautiful thing. It’s sexy. Bouncy and springy. In fact, you can agree with me that it’s one great experience of a lifetime. This as well can lead to situations where pride and ego are popped up in an individual (especially the immature ones).
On the other hand, it comes with it loads of problems; it kind of consecrations and commitments. And there you’ll be attentive and grapple off.
Curly hair takes time to grow, I mean years. Fortunately, you can wear curly extensions for hair volume, this will lessen your worries. In recent times, curly extensions exist for Type 3A-3B spirals or S-pattern. Type 3B-3C curls (definitive S-pattern). Type 4A-4B coils (ringlets); and Type 4B-4C kinks (zigzag or Z-pattern.
As a point of duty, when matching the different extension types with your curl type, you can’t afford to be in the oblivion of the special care treatments that come along. From here, let’s elaborate duly on what this article entails.
ON CURLS AND EXTENSIONS BEST FITTED FOR THE CURLY
Table of Contents
Types of curl: identify your curl pattern.
Having a curl is one thing, but knowing your kind of curl is another. Already, there are many curly individuals that haven’t the slightest idea if there’s any distinction in curl patterns. Yes!! Differences exist. The revealing of your ignorance shouldn’t pop your ego,- but put you in the mood to learn. On that note, we’ll go through the different curl pattern that exists; identify their nature, texture, quality, and characteristics. This is how you will know the variations that exist in the world of curl.
The system of identifying curl types was originally invented by the American hairstylist, Andre Walker, Chicago, in the 1960s. Andre Walker has notably won the Daytime Emmy Awards, seven times in 7 years. In fact, he was known to be Oprah Winfrey’s personal hairstylist. Albeit, Before this system of classification, was put up, they were several confusions in the past. Notwithstanding, this system isn’t regarded as a perfect one because confusion still exists. Debates were spurred up to judge this method, but many folks however stand to testify of its good in lessening people’s worries.
One major confusion that comes up is usually related to the fact that 2 to 3 different types of curl seem to be found in one individual. A novice trying to identify her hair curl will wonder why the front hair, mid hair, and back hair are different in texture. One seems to be readily prone to frizz compared to the others. The front hair is fine and the back hair is coarse. This kind of confusion is enough to make you settle for a low cut or even shave it out just for peace of mind. Maintaining such curly hair becomes a burden. Be rest assured, no matter how windy the journey may be in discovering your curl type, be sober. You’ll patiently, by learning and experience come to the actual knowledge of what differentiates one curl from the other. By this, you’ll fully come into the abrupt understanding of the different kinds (or kinds) of curl you may possess.
A British-born, Los Angeles-based, celebrity hairstylist, Vernon Fraçois gave a comment on what actually gives the curl its natural look. He’s believed to state that if your hair grows flattered or more oval from the hair shaft, it gives a curl. But if it grows in a circular pattern, this gives your hair a straight look. Additionally, the shape of your hair strands determines your curl. Now that’s possible if your hair kinks, curves or forms spirals by winding in a cuddle-like form around itself.
Generally, it’s believed that you identify your curl easily when dampen with water.
In the classification system we have:
Straight hair is termed Type 1.
Wavy – Type 2
Curly – Type 3
Coily – Type 4.
Still under this type are subtypes or sub-classifications of A, B, and C. The subtypes are based on the width or diameter of your wave, curl, or coil.
Type A has the widest pattern size.
Type B’s pattern size is medium.
And, Type C’s pattern size is the smallest of the three.
Technically speaking, type 1 hair shouldn’t be considered a curl pattern. But it’s included in the classification system. Straight hairs as the name implies are straight. No bends. No waves. And, No curls. Just straight!!. Therefore we’ll go straight to the real deal, which starts from type 2 (wavy).
TYPE 2 – WAVY Hair
Texture can be coarse or fine.
It falls between the straight and the curly, thus the wavy S pattern it concocts.
Also, it can straighten or curl readily compared to other types.
Type 2A: has a wave pattern at the end that differentiates it from straight hair. Has a loosely rumple or snarled texture. Strands are fine. It’s less prone to frizz.
Type 2B: herein is the beginning of a more defined wavy pattern that’s seen from mid-length with a thicker texture. It’s easily prone to frizz, therefore more labor will be required in styling.
Type 2C: prominent S pattern beginning from the root. Few windy curls become cogent and enduring. Easily prone to frizz compared to the other two kinds. Very thick texture. Prone to breakage and dries up easily.
TYPE 3 – CURLY
This is the typical vivacious curl.
Has characteristics of loose and airy or fluffy curls.
Defined vibrant loops or ringlets.
Has tones of volumes from root to crown.
Type 3A: possesses loose curls that are large compared to the size of a wine cork. Has brilliant shine with fine strands and can be styled easily. But it’s subjective to changes in weather. It’s frizz-prone.
Type 3B: texture becomes tighter with prominent curls. Bouncy and coarser than type 3A. Requires serious maintenance and care. Dry easily but gives more volume and beauty.
Type 3C: its texture is finer instead of getting coarser logically. However, its curls are tightly corkscrew the size of a straw. High density and serious volume.
TYPE 4 – COILY
Commonly known as Afro-textured or kinky hair.
This type coily and tightly kinky indeed.
Can shrink readily and dry easily.
Thick and spongy in texture and fragile in nature. In short, it’s the most fragile of all kinds.
Very tight strands with small curl starting from the root.
Type 4A: has the tightest and smallest coil. Well defined s pattern. Experience the least amount of shrinkage, with a top-notch ability to retain moisture.
Type 4B: a great variation exist from here. Why? This kind deviates from the normal pattern to form a zig-zag pattern the z shape. The texture could be fine or coarse and more prone to lose moisture. It’s densely packed.
Type 4C: it has the tightest z pattern. Contains the most fragile strands. Most prone to shrinkage and breakage and eventually, easily loses its moisture. To crown it all it’s the most delicate and requires a gentle styling.
At this point in our journey, it can be assumed that the worries of identifying your curl is lessened. Therefore, you should by now, know the reason for your difficulties in caring for your hair. this is probably due to the kind of curl you have and the type of hair treatment required.
On Curly Hair With Extensions Generally
Generally speaking, curly hair with extensions can be made from either natural hair or synthetic fibers. They can be applied in different ways. Examples are:
Clip-ins are the temporary extensions that you simply add to your hair just as you wish. They’re also the safest for your hair because they can be removed at any point in time.
Tape-ins are those ones that are first taped together, then taped to your hair, and adjusted to the hair root.
sew-in weaves are probably the most permanent way of adding extensions to hair. It can’t just come off easily unlike tape-ins. The weave is applied by using a needle and thread to sew into the braid. This kind matches perfectly with thick hair folks.
Semi-permanent extensions are fused to hair with glues and bonds. Some significant techniques may employ the use of particular heated tools to melt the glue before applying.
Curly Hair With Extensions
Many people with curls often ask questions like “what extension fits best for my curls?”
Professional hairstylist, in the attempt to bring justice to this debatable question, recommends the clips-in style. The points and reasons they buttress out for their opinions are strong enough to make them embraced as the norm and custom in the world of curly and oily or kinky.
Reasons, why clips-in are the best or the most suitable for your curl are outlined below:
Simple to install:
Clips-in extensions are simple to install. They are readily clipped in within 15 minutes. But your hair must be within 4 to 5 inches before using clips-in.
They are safe:
For your hair, they are regarded as one of the safest, if not the safest. You can easily use it during the day and pull it out at night before bedtime; this helps reduce extension pressure on the scalp (such cannot be said for the fusion extensions).
They are durable:
They can be used temporarily, as well as permanently. Also, they can last for months if you so choose. With quality maintenance and proper conditioning, they can shockingly last for two years.
Hair coloring:
Using different color shades on curls can be tricky and tough. A professional stylist will have to do the job alone, and with great care.
Additional note: sew-in extensions for curls are also available in the market. However, this kind isn’t as simple and affordable as the clip-ins. Also, it employs the use of thread and needles, therefore you can’t pull it off before bedtime. You might just wish to opt for clip-ins to make life easier for you.
In the same vein, there is various curly hair with extensions brands and styles with unique names that can be purchased in the hair market. These can come in the clip-ins and sew-ins style.
Such famous, product names and styles in the world of curly extensions are:
Gemly.
Kinkistry.
True and Pure Texture.
Bebonia.
Pure Indique
Big Hair No Care.
Kurly klips.
Kinky Curly Yaki.
Her Given Hair.
Heat Free Hair.
Boho Exotic Studio.
In short, these names are closely associated with the clips in extensions. Well, this doesn’t make clips-in any special than other kinds but it’s the most recommended hair extension for the curly folks.
From here, let’s dive into a brief narrative.
Kinkistry extension has clips-in made for the curly and coily or kinky hair type, i.e from type 3A – type 4C.
Her Given Hair, has clip-ins for the curly and coily, precisely from type 3B -type 4C.
Bebonia product, has styles for all curl types – the curly, the wavy, the coily. To take proper care of the bebonia, leave-in product and heat protectants sprays are recommended. Also recommended are the use of alcohol-free and sulfate free conditioners and shampoo.
Big Hair No Care extension, has clip-ins for the curly and oily. Special for type 3C – 4C curls.
Kurly clips has clip-ins products for type 3C and type 4 curls.
Kinky Curly Yaki, has clip-ins products for type 3C – type 4C curls.
When using clip-in, the best results is actualized when soggy. However, for curl’s sake, the work would be better handled by a professional stylist. This makes sense, especially where there’s the versatility of styling to be done and adding color highlights.
CONCLUSION
The case of curly hair matches the saying of precious things not being cheap to come by. Curl is beauty, but this beauty must be maintained and kept in quality condition. This is why curly hair needs so much care. Regularly, it’s required you maintain your curls and coils by the use of light moisturizing ingredients and lightweight styling products like leave-in conditioners. You must avoid proteins; alcohol and sulfate-containing treatments. Avoid brushing, and constantly fiddling or touching them. Really, it could be that tasking, but with time, you’ll probably get accustomed to the maintenance process.
