Understanding your curl type is the starting point for finding products that actually work. The most widely used system classifies curls from type 1 (straight) to type 4 (coily), with subcategories a, b, and c indicating the tightness of the curl. Here’s everything you need to know — and the best products for each type, all available in the UAE.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

2a — Loose Waves

Fine, tousled waves that fall in a loose S-shape. Prone to going flat and getting weighed down by heavy products.

Best products: Lightweight mousse (Innersense I Create Lift), light cream gels (Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel)

2b — Defined Waves

Waves with more definition and a little more volume. Starts to show some frizz, especially in humidity.

Best products: Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream, Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel

2c — Thick Waves

Thick, frizzy waves that border on curly. Needs more moisture than 2a/2b but still gets weighed down by heavy products.

Best products: Rizos Curls Defining Cream (light application), Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly

Type 3: Curly Hair

3a — Loose Curls

Large, springy curls about the width of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Defined and bouncy in the right conditions.

Best products: Rizos Curls Defining Cream, Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel

3b — Medium Curls

Springy ringlets about the width of a Sharpie marker. More prone to frizz and dryness than 3a.

Best products: Curlsmith Curl Defining Styling Souffle, Bounce Curl Clump & Define Cream

3c — Tight Curls

Very tight, densely packed corkscrews. The transition zone between curly and coily. Needs significant moisture.

Best products: Innersense I Create Hold, Rizos Curls Deep Moisture Hair Mask (weekly)

Type 4: Coily Hair

4a — Soft Coils

Tightly coiled S-shaped curls. High shrinkage, needs consistent moisture to thrive.

Best products: Rizos Curls full range, Innersense Hydrating Cream Shampoo

4b — Z-Pattern Coils

Sharp, Z-shaped coils that don’t form a defined S. Very high shrinkage, very prone to dryness.

Best products: Bounce Curl Clump & Define Cream, Rizos Curls Deep Moisture Hair Mask

4c — Tight Coils / Kinks

The tightest coil pattern, with minimal visible curl definition in its natural state. Most fragile hair type — needs maximum moisture and gentle handling.

Best products: Heavy butters and creams, Innersense I Create Hold, protective styles

How UAE Weather Affects Each Curl Type

• Type 2: Most affected by humidity — waves go from defined to frizzy fastest
• Type 3: Benefits most from the LOC method to seal in moisture before going outside
• Type 4: Most affected by AC drying — protective styles and weekly deep conditioning are essential

Shop products for every curl type, available in UAE with fast delivery to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all Emirates.