WHICH CURL TYPE ARE YOU?
BY ORIBE
Wavy
Types 2a - 2c
DESCRIBED AS: Loose, s-shaped waves that can range from fine to thick and are often prone to frizz. Type 2 waves need lightweight hydration, gentle definition, and anti-frizz support that won't weigh hair down.
2a: soft waves with a light bend
2b: beach waves with a loose s-shape and little root lift
2c: strong, defined s-waves or curls with volume
WAVE RITUAL: Cleanse with a hydrating shampoo. Condition weekly for moisture and detangling. Prep with a lightweight priming lotion for frizz control. Style with a mousse, gloss, or light cream to enhance wave pattern while maintaining movement. Finish with a humidity-resistant spray for longevity.
PRO TIPS: To revive looser curls between wash days, refresh with water and a little curl cream or mousse, working in sections to ensure even product distribution, better definition, and less breakage. Avoid heavy oils or butters that can flatten waves. Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to blot excess water gently. Protect nightly with a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and maintain wave shape.
Curly
Types 3a - 3c
DESCRIBED AS: Springy, defined, and often prone to frizz. Type 3 curls love moisture and lightweight hold.
3a: loose spirals roughly the diameter of a thumb
3b: springy ringlets roughly the diameter of an index finger
3c: tight cork screw curls closer to the diameter of a pinky finger
CURL RITUAL: Cleanse with a hydrating shampoo. Condition generously for slip and detangling. Prep with a lightweight priming lotion. Style with a curl cream or cream/gel layering to enhance your pattern. Finish with a humidity-resistant styler for longevity.
PRO TIPS: Apply stylers on soaking wet hair for the best definition. Work product in small sections for even distribution then wrap hair around finger for more defined curls. Use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to blot excess water without disturbing curls. Protect nightly with a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase.
Coily
Types 4a - 4c
DESCRIBED AS: Tightly coiled, fluffy, and full of volume. Type 4 coils thrive with nourishing moisture, slip, and rich definition.
4a: smooth loops with spring and bounce, diameter smaller than a pinky finger
4b: bends in a zig zag formation, diameter smaller than a pinky finger
4c: zig zig curl pattern with variations of coils slightly undefined, diameter smaller than a pinky finger
COIL RITUAL: Cleanse weekly, or co-wash if needed. Condition and detangle with a rich, moisturizing formula with mega slip. Layer moisture, starting with a leave‑in priming lotion, followed by a curl cream, and finishing with a gel for extra hold. Wash and go, twist, or braid with a wet setting styling technique for long-lasting definition. Seal ends with a humidity-resistant oil for softness and shine.
PRO TIPS: Stretch hair with twists or braids to reduce tangles while maintaining curl integrity. Don’t skip the leave-in—Type 4 hair thrives with moisture layering. Diffuse on low heat with low air flow or sit under a hooded dryer to minimize frizz. Protect nightly with a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase.
Protective Styles
For anyone with curly or coily hair who wants to reduce manipulation, maintain moisture, support length retention, and protect their ends—whether for a few days or a few weeks. The goal is retention, not restriction, allowing your natural hair rest and thrive.
COMMON EXAMPLES: Cornrows, box braids, twists, stitch braids, faux locs, sew-ins or weaves, wigs (with the natural hair braided underneath), crochet braids, updos or tucked styles. Even styles you wear for just a few days—like a flat twist set or a low bun—can function as protective styles when done intentionally.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Ends are tucked and protected, tension is controlled, hair is prepped properly, scalp is accessible for care, maintenance is intentional and takedown is gentle.
ETERNAL CURLS
Indulge curls and coils with a curated blend of 17 deeply nourishing and silkening botanical oils including castor seed, apricot, and coconut. Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, this protective elixir locks in moisture while softening and smoothing for polished shine. Curl Types: 2-4.
Intensely nourishes with a blend of natural oils.
Replenishes and softens wavy, curly, and coily strands while smoothing away frizz.
Improves strength of strands and enhances curl definition.
Forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent damage
Ease your routine. This silky, leave-in conditioning lotion instantly detangles to ease combing and prevent breakage. Our ultra-hydrating formula, with cupuacu and mango seed butters, moisturize and smooth strands for healthy, beautiful curls that are prepped for styling. For those who need instant detangling and rich moisture. Curl types: 2-4.
High level of slip aids in combing to prevent breakage
Instantly detangles to improve manageability
Smoothes the cuticle for a soft, touchable finish
Silicone-free
Provides heat protection
Moisturizes and conditions to protect from dryness
Offering the perfect balance of hold and moisture, this silk-light crème glides through hair to style and nourish with ultra-hydrating avocado, apricot and coconut oils. Curls and waves are given instant, touchable definition, with all-day frizz-control and support. For those who want to hydrate and control their curls. Curl Types: 2-3.
Satin finish
Defines and shapes curls, balancing hold and moisture
Locks in hydration for ultra-soft curls with touchable definition
Protects, strengthens and fights frizz
Treat your curls right. Our ultimate moisturizing masque, with coconut and almond oils, quenches thirsty curls and prevents breakage while repairing damage. Hair is left silky, hydrated and healthier than ever. For those with curly, coily or thick hair in need of intense moisture and strength. Curl Types: 2-4.
Helps prevent breakage
Seals the cuticle to repair damage and split ends
Deeply conditions to detangle and restore elasticity
Intensely hydrates to smooth, soften and help fight frizz
Silicone-free
FAQ
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Wavy, curly, and coily hair is often prone to frizz that can be exacerbated by humidity, friction, or breakage; but using the right products and careful styling techniques can leave curls smooth, defined, and frizz-free. The Eternal Curls collection is formulated with rich, moisturizing ingredients that nourish and soften hair while smoothing the cuticle to lock out frizz. When applying your styling products after the shower, it's important that your curls are properly saturated with water. To further prevent frizz due to friction, gently detangle curls and consider sleeping with a silk pillowcase or silk bonnet.
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We recommend a deep conditioning masque once a week for most curl patterns. Some tighter coils in the type 4 family benefit from deep conditioning every other wash day.
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Hair porosity refers to how well the hair can absorb and retain moisture, which informs product choice as much as curl type does. It informs how you prep the hair, how much product it needs, and how long your style will last.
Low porosity curls repel water and benefit from lighter stylers like Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold, Curl
Shaping Mousse, and Curl Control Silkening Crème.Medium porosity hair works well with all stylers-tailor your product selections depending on the desired finish.
High porosity curls absorb and lose moisture quickly. For products that provide richer moisture and sealing benefits reach for Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler, Styling Butter Curt Enhancing Crème, Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition, and Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil.
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To test your hair's porosity take a clean strand and place it in a glass cup of water. If your hair floats you ave low porosity. If your hair sinks slowly or floats in the middle, you have balanced porosity. If your hair sinks quickly you have high porosity.