July 29, 2012
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Types of Curls
Lorraine Massey (The Curly Girl Method) has created seven groups to define the different curl patterns. I will give a synopsis of these groups below.
Corkscrew Curls
You know that your curl pattern falls into this group if your curls are defined by lots of small spirals, your frizz factor is high, you have curls that shrink up as tight as a French poodle’s if your hair is cut too short, your hair appears thickly textured but is actually quite delicate and fine (like a baby’s) when viewing a single strand. This is why people with your hairs is so fragile and breaks easily. Your hair will also soak up as much conditioner as you put in it, it will get tangled under the nape of neck because of the natural movement of your head throughout the day, and your hair will have a spring factor (pulling one curl down at a time and measuring) of 9 to 12 inches.
Botticelli Curls
You will know that you have this curl pattern if you have curls of all shapes and sizes on your head. Because of this you should never cut your hair when it’s wet. You will also have looser curls that are the shape of soft S’s combined with a tighter set of curls. Some of your curls will have a rope-like appearance and your hair will appear to wilt if it gets too long (the weight of the top hair weighs the hair down). You will have curls that vary with the seasons (looser in some seasons while tighter in others). Your hair will have a spring factor of 5 to 8 inches.
Corkicelli Curls
You will know that you have this curl pattern when your curls vary in pattern (versus shape and size like the Botticelli). You have have tight curls around your face and neck but looser curls in the rest of your hair. Because of this you should never cut your hair when it’s wet because the curl patterns are not as distinct when wet. Your hair will be drier than the first two patterns and will have a high frizz factor if not kept hydrated. Your curl patterns stays the same through all seasons however your hair can appear shorter on longer based on the weather and how humid it is. Your hair will have a spring factor of 5 to 10 inches.
Cherub Curls
You will know that you have this curl pattern when you were born with those curls. Your curls will resemble those of a young child, spirals that are baby-fine no matter your age. Your curls easily move about with any interference such as too much touching, the wind or moving around in your sleep. you were born with those curls. Your curls will resemble those of a young child, spirals that are baby-fine no matter your age. Your curls easily move about with any interference such as too much touching, the wind or moving around in your sleep. Your curls appear translucent and weightless to the touch almost like a halo. Your pattern is defined by a different curl lengths on your head and seem to take a long time to grow (but can grow with the right care). Your curls have a short life span because they break easily from being so fragile. Your hair will have a spring factor of 5 to 10 inches.
Wavy Hair
You will know that you have this curl pattern when you have hair that you always assumed was straight, had straight hair when you were little but possibly changed to wavy during puberty. When coming out of the shower or at the beach your hair will develop an occasional natural wave. You will have frizz around your crown and on the ends of your hair on humid days. Your hair will look like it lacks maintenance and will be flat on the crown. Your hair will appear flat in the winter. Your hair will be dry on the ends and have a spring factor of 2 to 4 inches.
S’wavy Hair
You will know that you have this curl pattern when your hair might appear straight in the winter time without any extra effort. Because of this you will have to put extra effort in to get waves in your hair. You frizz factor will little to none and your hair will have a natural shine. Your curl pattern has a slight bend at the ends of your hair. A layered cut looks best for your hair type. Your hair has a spring factor of 1 to 2 inches.
Fractal or Zigzag Curls
You will know that you have this curl pattern when your curls might have a variation of descriptions such as corkscrew, twizzles, micro-spirals or fractal. A close-up look at your curls reveals a zigzag patter that is almost step-like. This curl pattern is extremely dry and very sensitive to handling. Your curls remain the same throughout all the seasons. When the hair is pulled back too tight, relaxed, or has the weight of a weave it will result in a receding hairline for this curl pattern. Your hair has a spring factor of 9 to 16 inches.
Each of these curl patterns have their own unique cleansing routine which you can get more information about in The Curly Girl Method by Lorraine Massey (2010 edition).
