Textured hair is beautiful, unique, and also very diverse. With several different curl types and patterns, it can be a little tricky to differentiate between curls and coils–especially when both terms are often used interchangeably.
However, there is a significant difference between curly and coily hair, and if you want a hair routine that works for your hair type, identifying which one you have is very important. In this article, we'll be discussing the key features and differences between curly and coily hair. Keep scrolling to figure out which one you have.
What Is Curly Hair?
Curly hair features large spiral shaped springs that are loose and well defined with individual curls forming distinct and visible patterns. This hair type often appears a bit more shiny and soft because the natural sebum in the scalp can travel down the hair shaft. Although all curly hair often appears bouncy and loose, there are three distinct curl patterns that this hair type can have, and they include 3A, 3B, and 3C curls
Curly Hair Types
3a
3A curls are loose and thick with “S” shaped ringlets that have a wide diameter. The curls on the hair often appear thick, bouncy, and soft.
3b
3B curls take on a slightly more springy appearance. Like 3A, the curls here form “S” ringlets but they are not as widely separated and often appear a little more loose when the hair is wet.
3c
3C hair features tightly packed curls with a corkscrew shape. This hair type often appears thicker and more dense in comparison to 3A and 3B hair
What Is Coily Hair?
Coily hair has very densely packed springy coils that often appear crimped or spongy. The coils on this hair type are so tightly packed that the hair tends to shrink and almost fold into itself. This unique feature makes it very hard for the natural oils on the scalp to travel down the hair shaft and coat the strands, and as a result, coily hair is highly prone to dryness and breakage and its curls do not appear as shiny and defined.
Coily Hair Types
4a
4a coils are very dense and thick coils that feature a zig-zag pattern. They are usually more spaced out along the hair shaft compared to other coily hair types.
4b
4B coils are tightly packed and feature a “Z” shaped pattern that appears crimped instead of curly
4c
4C hair is the most densely packed coily hair type with tight corkscrew-shaped curls that are often not so easy to see until you pull the hair. This hair type is very dense and loves to curl into itself.
What Is The Difference Between Curly And Coily Hair?
The main difference between curly and coily hair is the size and shape of their curl pattern. Curly hair is looser, more defined and usually slightly more shiny than coily hair since the natural oils from the scalp travel down the hair shaft more easily. On the other hand, coily hair is tighter, denser, and often not as defined because of how tightly packed the hair strands are. Coily hair is also much more prone to dryness when compared with curly hair.
Hair Care Tips For Curly Hair
● Don't Go Too Long Between Wash Days: While it is common belief among those with curly hair that their hair does not need to be washed frequently, going too long without washing your hair can also leave it looking dull, limp, and frizzy. To keep your curls healthy and flourishing, wash them every week or at least twice a month with a hydrating shampoo like our Manuka Honey Shampoo. Be sure to follow up with our Moisture Rich Conditioner to smoothen your cuticles and enhance your curl definition.
● Scrunch Your Curl For Extra Definition: When styling your curls, scrunch your hair after applying a styler like our Curl Elongating Gel or Curling Mousse. Doing this will minimise frizz and help give your curls more definition and bounce.
● Don't Skimp On Moisture: Although curly hair is usually not as dry and brittle as coily hair, it is still prone to dryness, so keeping it moisturised is key. Keep your curls moisturised 1-2 a week with our leave-in conditioner and incorporate a deeply hydrating deep conditioner like our Manuka Honey Deep Conditioning Mask into your wash day routine.
● Dry Your Hair With Care: Drying your curls with care is very important if you want to avoid frizz. After styling your hair, avoid touching or over manipulating it while drying and be sure to use a diffuser to speed up the drying process and prevent frizz.
Haircare Tips For Coily Hair
● Detangle In Gently: Detangling coily hair requires patience and care as you could easily rip out your hair with the wrong techniques. Use a wide tooth comb or brush to comb your hair in sections and be sure to start from the ends of your hair before working your way up to the roots.
● Protective Styles Are Your Friend: Coily hair forms tangles and knots very easily because of its tight coils. It also shrinks very quickly when worn in its loose state, increasing your chances of getting even more knots and tangles. The best way to combat this is to wear your hair in protective styles like braids, twists, and cornrows more often. You do not have to only wear protective styles all the time, but try to incorporate them more into your routine. They not only look stunning but they also help keep your hair stretched while preventing the formation of knots. Just be sure to use our Twist & Braid Gel when doing your protective styles if you want them to be sleek and shiny.
● Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise!
Curly hair is extremely prone to dryness and if left unattended, its fragile strands can easily break off. So it is very important to moisturise consistently with a moisturiser like our Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner or our Everyday Curl Refresh. To lock in the moisture and ensure it lasts long, be sure to follow up with a few drops of Sofnfree's Hair & Scalp Oil after applying your desired moisturiser.
● Define Your Coils Gel: The best way to define your coils and achieve beautiful definition when you're rocking hairstyles like twists outs or wash n’ gos is to use a high-quality gel like our Curl Elongating Gel that is designed to prevent shrinkage and also make your coils pop. After moisturising your hair, apply the gel in sections and rake through the hair with your fingers to distribute it evenly and enhance your coils.
Now that you can identify the key difference between curly and coily hair. It's time to focus on a hair care routine that works for your hair type. Whether you have loose curls or tight coils, you’ll need the nourishing formulas in our Wash Day Bundle to keep your hair healthy and happy.