A Full Guide To Type 3B Hair: Tips + Product Recs

Any dermatologist will tell you to shop for skin care for your unique skin type. See, those with hypersensitive dry skin will have a completely different lineup than those who are oily and acne-prone. This same nuanced approach should be taken with your hair care. 

Type 2 constitutes wavy hair, while type 3 is strictly curls. The main defining feature between types 2 and 3 is the "S" shape—if you have occasional waves but never quite form a ringlet, then you're probably type 2. 

However, type 3 curls have a wide range as well. Anyone with 3a curls will have wider ringlets, while those with 3b curls have a bit tighter form. Type 3c is the tightest form of curls before entering type 4, which is coils. 

Want to dive deeper? For more information, check out our guides to type 2, type 3, and type 4.

Now that you know where type 3b fits, let's dive into what it looks like. "3b hair is all about the curl—people with type 3b hair tend to have tight, springy curls with a lot of volume," stylist Cassandra Olivia tells mbg. 

"Each curl is usually no bigger than a highlighter or a marker, even across different hair textures," she adds. If your curls are larger than a marker, then you probably fall into the 3a category instead.

"Wash one to two times per week, or honestly as needed," Olivia says. "If you wash 3b hair too much, you're stripping hair of its much-needed natural moisture," she says. When the hair is stripped of moisture, your curls will have trouble holding shape. 

"Using a clean shampoo and conditioner system like NTRL by Sabs' LavRiche Collection will ensure you have a clean and healthy scalp while not losing your precious natural oils," celebrity stylist and founder of NTRL by Sabs Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth tells mbg. 

As Holdsworth and Olivia note, 3b hair needs tons of moisture. A lightweight conditioner may work for your regular wash routine (and help to mitigate any buildup dragging down your curls), but adding a nourishing hair mask to the mix every other week or so is a good idea. 

Or, you can rotate in these rich conditioners when the dry weather hits. Just as you might use a heavier moisturizer during winter, you shouldn't hesitate to address your hair's changing needs. 

Call upon rich masks to ease situational dryness as well—be it post-swim, after an intense blowout, while traveling, etc.

"I think detangling is necessary for a successful wash day but needs to be a delicate process," Holdsworth explains. "3b curls are very delicate and can be fickle," she adds. Rather than raking a brush through your hair, run a wide-toothed comb through your strands while it's still wet (or even while your conditioner sets in). 

If you don't like waiting for your hair to dry, then call upon your trusty diffuser. These tools work like magic to dry the strands, reduce frizz, and enhance curl shape simultaneously—but always apply a heat protectant before going in with your dryer. 

Or, if you're dealing with loads of heat damage, opt for something like the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer—a tool that uses light to dry the hair rather than heat. The dryer comes with a diffuser attachment, so keep that on hand. 

"I love products, but this hair type can also be fine, in which case less product is more," Holdsworth notes. "You want soft weight to combat some frizz but not take away volume," she says—aka, opt for lightweight formulas. 

"Hair should be fun, even if it requires some work, and I believe curls are the MOST fun pattern you can have," Holdsworth says. One key to loving your curls: Give yourself enough time to style them however you like, rather than rush to the finish line. 

If you have adequate time available, you can treat the process of washing and styling as a ritual rather than a chore. It may sound dramatic, but if you put on your favorite music, wear your favorite comfy pajama set, and light a candle, your hair care routine may turn out to be something you look forward to. 

Type 3b hair consists of tight, bouncy "S"-shaped curls. This hair type calls for less frequent washing than straight and wavy hair types and may require a bit more time for styling. You can opt for the diffuser method for a manual dry, let your curls air-dry, or plop your strands.