How to Determine Your Curl Type and Porosity
Understanding your curl type and hair porosity is one of the most important steps toward embracing your natural texture and building a routine that works for you. As a curly hair specialist in Calgary, I’ve helped many clients decode their unique curls—and today, I’m sharing the essentials to help you do the same.
Why Curl Type and Porosity Matter
Not all curls are the same. Some are soft waves, others are tight coils—and they all need different care. Knowing your curl type helps you choose the right styling techniques, while your hair porosity tells you how your hair absorbs and retains moisture, which is crucial for healthy, hydrated curls.
How to Determine Your Curl Type
Curl types range from Type 2 (wavy) to Type 4 (coily/kinky):
Type 2 (Wavy): Loose S-shaped waves that may lack volume and frizz easily.
Type 3 (Curly): Defined ringlets or spirals that can range from light curls to springy corkscrews.
Type 4 (Coily): Tight coils or zig-zag patterns that tend to be more fragile and prone to shrinkage.
To figure out your curl type:
Wash and air-dry your hair without any product.
Observe the shape your hair naturally forms.
You might have a mix of types—and that’s totally normal!
As a Calgary curl expert, I often see clients with a blend of 3A and 3B curls, or 4A mixed with 3C. Curl diversity is beautiful!
How to Test Your Hair Porosity
Hair porosity is all about how well your hair absorbs moisture. There are three main categories:
Low Porosity: Hair repels moisture and dries slowly. It may feel product-heavy easily.
Medium (Normal) Porosity: Holds moisture well and is easy to manage.
High Porosity: Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast—common in damaged or color-treated hair.
Simple Porosity Test:
Take a clean strand of shed hair.
Drop it into a glass of water.
If it floats for a long time — you likely have low porosity.
If it sinks slowly — medium porosity.
If it sinks quickly — high porosity.
Curl type and porosity are often assessed together during professional appointments to better understand what products and techniques may suit your hair.
What’s Next After Learning Your Hair Type?
Once you understand your curl type and porosity, you can:
Choose the right products: Lightweight for low porosity, moisture-rich for high porosity.
Adjust your technique: Try squish-to-condish, plopping, or diffusing based on your curl pattern.
Consider visiting a curly hair specialist in Calgary who is experienced with different textures and can help you understand what works best for your hair.
Best Products for Each Curl Type and Porosity Level
Once you know your curl type and porosity, choosing the right products becomes much easier. Here's a guide to help you get started:
Type 2 (Wavy Hair)
Common traits: Fine texture, prone to oiliness at the roots and frizz at the ends.
What works best:
Lightweight gels or mousses for definition without weighing waves down.
Leave-in sprays or lightweight conditioners.
Sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip natural oils.
Avoid heavy butters or thick creams—they can flatten the wave pattern.
Type 3 (Curly Hair)
Common traits: S- or spiral-shaped curls, moderate volume, often dry or frizzy.
What works best:
Cream-based stylers or curl creams for definition and moisture.
Medium-hold gels to reduce frizz and lock in curl shape.
Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, ideally with humectants like glycerin or aloe vera.
Use a leave-in conditioner before styling for extra hydration.
Type 4 (Coily/Kinky Hair)
Common traits: Tight coils or zig-zag patterns, often dry, fragile, or prone to shrinkage.
What works best:
Rich butters and oils (like shea butter, castor oil) to seal in moisture.
Heavy cream stylers to define and soften coils.
Deep conditioning masks used regularly to maintain moisture balance.
Co-washing (washing with conditioner) may be preferable to shampoo for some.
Best Products by Porosity Level
Understanding your hair porosity helps with selecting the right texture and weight of products.
Low Porosity Hair
Traits: Cuticle lies flat; resists moisture; product may sit on top of the hair.
What works best:
Lightweight, water-based products.
Use warm water or steam to help open the cuticle before applying treatments.
Avoid heavy oils and butters—they can cause buildup.
Clarify regularly to prevent residue from blocking moisture.
Medium Porosity Hair
Traits: Absorbs and retains moisture well; relatively easy to manage.
What works best:
Balanced products: hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and stylers with moderate weight.
Occasional deep conditioning helps maintain health and elasticity.
Most product types will work—focus on quality and consistency.
High Porosity Hair
Traits: Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast; often feels dry or damaged.
What works best:
Rich moisturizers, leave-in conditioners, and oils to lock in hydration.
Protein treatments (occasionally) to help strengthen and seal the hair cuticle.
Use the LCO method (Liquid–Cream–Oil) or LOC method to layer moisture effectively.
Avoid alcohol-based stylers that can dry the hair further.
Want me to convert this into a downloadable PDF or add product examples (without branding) for each category?
Need Help Understanding Your Hair?
If you're unsure about your curl type or porosity, it's completely normal—many people have never had the chance to learn this. A professional curly haircut or treatment can often reveal a lot about how your hair behaves and what it needs. If you're in Calgary, there are specialists who can help you understand your curls better and support you in finding a routine that works.
