Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, ‘Is my hair wavy or curly?’ You are not alone! Determining where your hair fits in the texture spectrum can be challenging. Despite their apparent similarities, curly and wavy hair differ greatly in styling, frizz control, and even the products that work.
If you’ve been struggling with unruly curls or waves that won’t behave, this guide is for you. Since we will explain the main differences between wavy vs curly hair, you won’t ever have to question your hair type again. Plus, we will share some game-changing tips to keep your locks looking their best, like understanding hair gloss vs glaze and which one works better for your hair type.
Let’s get started!
Let’s talk about types of hair textures!
The next time you wash your hair, allow it to dry without using any products. This will assist you in defining your hair’s inherent pattern, structure, or texture.
You can use the following as a guideline!
- Type 1: If your hair dries straight without curling or bending, you have straight hair.
- Type 2: If your hair dries in a small curve or an ‘ S ‘ form, you have wavy hair.
- Type 3: If your hair dries with a noticeable curl, you have curly hair.
- Type 4: If your hair dries in tight curls or spirals, you have coily hair.
Where Do Wavy & Curly Hair Fit In?
Think of hair types as a spectrum!
- Straight hair is one end
- Coily hair is on the other end with the tightest curls
- Wavy and curly hair sit in the middle, but they have key differences.
What’s the difference between wavy and curly hair? Well, wavy hair is more akin to straight hair, which means it coils less and tends to be looser and more relaxed. In contrast, curly hair has tighter, more structured curls and greater bounce and volume.
If your hair is not perfectly straight but also does not form tight ringlets, you are probably in the wavy or curly category. Uncertain? Don’t worry! Next, we’ll break them down in more detail so you can finally settle the debate on whether your hair is wavy or curly.
What Is Wavy Hair?
Wavy hair falls somewhere between curly and straight, with ‘ S ‘ shaped waves and loose loops. Although it doesn’t have the tight coils of curly hair, it usually has more texture than straight hair. Wavy hair is a flexible but challenging hair type to manage because it may range from fine and smooth to coarse and frizzy. There are three variants of wavy hair, commonly referred to as type 2 hair: 2A, 2B, and 2C.
Different Types Of Wavy Hair
| Wavy hair type | Characteristics | Challenges | Best care tips |
| 2A ( soft waves ) | Type 2A is relatively easy to straighten with a delicate, noticeable, and trousled texture. | It can easily fall flat and lacks volume | Use lightweight, volumizing mousse and avoid heavy creams |
| 2B ( defined waves ) | Type 2B has distinct S-shaped waves that begin at the mid-length and lie flat near the crown. The diameter of the strands is thicker than that of 2A, and straightening it will require a little more work. | Prone to frizz, and can be hard to style | Use anti-frizz serums and a diffuser for enhanced waves |
| 2C ( deep waves ) | Waves in 2C are thicker and more prone to frizz. The roots are where the well-defined S-bends start. | Can get puffy and unruly, tangles easily | Use hydrating creams, deep conditioners, and minimal heat styling. |
What Is Curly Hair?
Curly hair will naturally range from loose curls and buoyant spirals to tight spiral curls, which have some mild shine but are prone to frizz. In wavy vs curly hair, curly hair forms a full curl pattern that starts at the root or mid-lengths. However, curly hair tends to be drier because of its structure, which makes it more difficult for natural oils from the scalp to move down the hair shaft. To manage this, treatments like Hair Rebonding vs Keratin Treatment can help improve smoothness and reduce frizz, depending on your desired result.
Different Types Of Curly Hair
| Wavy hair type | Characteristics | Challenges | Best care tips |
| 3A ( loose curls ) | Type 3A curls are large, loosely looped spiral curls. They might begin as a wave pattern at the hair’s root. | Prone to frizz and can lose definition easily | Use lightweight, curl-enhancing creams, and avoid heavy products |
| 3B ( Spiral curls ) | 3B is considered the middle level of curly hair, meaning it’s neither the loosest nor the tightest curl pattern. | Prone to dryness and can become puffy and frizzy | Use conditioners and define curls with gel |
| 3C ( tight curls ) | In 3C, the tight corkscrew-like ringlets are densely packed and have the most volume. | Shrinkles, tangles, and extreme dryness | Use deep-conditioning treatments and heavy creams |
What Are The Key Differences Between Wavy and Curly Hair?
Wavy and curly hair may seem similar, but they have distinctive differences in structure, texture, and care needs. Here is a breakdown of how they compare:
Curl Pattern & Structure
Wavy hair: Creates loose waves in the shape of an S that might not begin at the roots. Type 2A waves are delicate and subtle, while Type 2C waves are deep and distinct.
Curly hair: Contains recognizable coils, spirals, or ringlets that begin near the roots of your hair. In comparison to wavy hair, the curl pattern is more defined and structured.
Texture & Volume
Wavy hair: Can look thicker with the correct technique, but it often has less volume than curly hair. It is smoother, particularly for finer waves.
Curly hair: Because of its well-organized pattern, curly hair is naturally voluminous and has more bounce and volume. More volume is produced by tighter curls.
Moisture Retention & Frizz
Wavy hair: Retains more moisture than curly hair but is still prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions. Overusing heavy products can make it greasy or limp.
Curly hair: More prone to dryness because the twists in the hair shaft help in preventing natural oils from traveling down. It requires extra hydration and anti-frizz products to maintain softness.
Curly Vs Wavy Hair – Styling & Maintenance Needs!
| Factor | Wavy Hair | Curly Hair |
| Styling effort | Easier to manage, can be air-dried, or lightly styled. | Requires more styling to control the frizz |
| Best tools | Diffuser, lightweight mousse, sea salt spray | Diffuser, curl cream, defining gel |
| Washing routine | 2-3 times a week to avoid greasiness | 1-2 times a week to retain moisture |
| Combing method | A wide-toothed comb or fingers when damp | Only detangle when wet, using a conditioner or leave-in treatment |
| Sleeping tips | Silk pillowcase to reduce frizz | “Pineapple” method or silk bonnet to preserve curls |
Is Wavy Hair Also Curly?
When it comes to the type of your hair, there are various types of curls, and each has its own set of characteristics. The shape of your hair follicles determines the type of your curl, and it is not new for someone to have a mixture of wavy and curly hair. Can wavy hair become curly? Certainly, it can! Especially if wavy hair is damaged from things like heating, styling, or chemical treatment, it can become curly.
How To Identify The Type Of Your Hair?
Not sure if your hair is wavy or curly? Here are some simple ways to find out.
- The Wet Hair Test ( Wash your hair and let it air-dry without using any products )
Observe the natural shape of your strands:
- If it dries straight with a small bend, your hair is straight.
- If it bends in a gentle S shape, you have wavy hair.
- If it dries into tight coils, spirals, or well-defined loops.
- Check The Thickness Of Your Hair/Strand
Take a single strand and compare it to a sewing thread:
- Fine ( thinner than a thread, difficult to feel between fingers )
- Medium ( similar to a thread, feels noticeable but not too thick )
- Coarse ( thicker than a thread, strong and visible )
- Determine The Porosity Of Your Hair ( How Well It Absorbs Moisture )
A clean hair strand should be dropped into a glass of water:
- Low porosity ( resists moisture and floats on top )
- Normal porosity ( absorbs and holds moisture well, sinking slowly )
- High porosity ( rapid absorption and loss of moisture )
- Evaluate Scalp Visibility & Hair Density
Examine your scalp without separating your hair.
- Low Density ( The scalp can be seen clearly ).
- Medium Density ( Some visibility of the scalp ).
- High Density ( Hard to see the scalp ).
Waves Vs Curls – Common Mistakes To Avoid!
- Using heavy products on wavy hair: This can make waves look greasy and flat.
- Skipping moisture for curly hair: Curly hair needs deep hydration to stay bouncy.
- Overwashing: Too much washing strips natural oils, making hair dry and frizzy.
- Brushing dry hair: Always detangle when hair is wet
To Wrap Up – Your Hair, Your Rules!
Whether your hair is wavy or curly, at the end of the day, the most significant thing is to embrace it and care for it right away! Wavy hair has a little extra volume, while curly hair has moisture – get those two things together, and you are golden!
If you’re looking for convenience, home salon service in Dubai is a great option to get professional styling and care in the comfort of your home.
Don’t stress too much about fitting into a perfect category. Different types of hair have a mind of their own, and it does not follow the rules. So experience, find what works best for you, and most significantly rock your natural texture with ultimate confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which hair is better, wavy or curly?
Curly hair has more volume than wavy hair. Generally, this bouncy appearance starts at the scalp and generally works through the end of the locks.
- How to make wavy hair look good?
Scrunch, scrunh, and scrunch again. Scrunching encourages wavy hair to spring up, so it is the best way to enhance loose textures.
- Is wavy hair hard to maintain?
Wavy hair frequently combines the greatest qualities of curly and straight hair. Despite its allure, wavy hair may be surprisingly difficult to manage. Frizz, flatness, or undefined waves are the results of many people’s unintentional hair care routine errors.
- Should you brush curly hair?
Do not dry brush. Never dry brush curly hair. It causes tension, which not only disrupts your curl pattern but can also lead to damage such as breakages. The best time to brush curly hair is when it’s wet with conditioner in. Start by detangling with your fingers before using a gentle hairbrush or wide-toothed comb.
