2C vs 3A Hair: What’s the Difference and How to Care for Each Type

Introduction

Do I have type 2C or 3A hair?

You are asking the right question. Understanding your hair type helps you make the right decisions like:

a. Choosing a routine to care for your natural hair

b. Picking the right hairstyle choice and routine to prevent damage and breakage.

The type 2C and 3C hair are often confused, because both hair types do not have straight strands. While these two hair types are quite similar at first glance, on closer look, you can tell their differences.

While both hair strands are textured, they are different, and require different care routines to keep moisturized and healthy.

While type 2C hair is wavy, type 3A hair is curly:

So, to be able to choose better products and use the right styling techniques, let's learn about 2C hair type and 3A hair type in this post. We'll also look into their differences and how you can take care of these hair types.

Let’s start with the basics.

What Is 2C Hair?

Type 2C hair is the thickest, most intense, and waviest of the type 2 hair. It is defined by it's S-shaped waves that start at the roots, which then become looser towards the ends of the hair. It sits between wavy and curly because of the combination of the tight ringlets closer to the roots and the loose waves that are at the ends of the hair.

2C hair is known for its density, thickness, and volume, which you can hardly miss. However, this makes it susceptible to frizz.

What Is 3A Hair?

Type 3A hair has the loosest, yet defined S-shaped curls. It is known for its springy, well-defined spiral curls, which are about the size of sidewalk chalk. This hair category has more volume than 2C hair, but when compared to 3B or 3C, it is lower in volume.

3A hair has a natural shine, bounce, and softness. It has a clear, consistent pattern and holds its shape really well. However, it can look bad if it is not well moisturized. Plus, it is prone to frizziness since it loses moisture easily.

What Are the Key Differences Between 2C and 3A Hair?

Now that we have a background knowledge of what each hair type is, let’s see their key differences in this section.

Identifying between 2C hair type and 3A hair type becomes easier when you distinguish them by their features. That is, their patterns, textures, volume, definition, and structure. Using their uniqueness is the simplest and perfect way to tell them apart. So, let’s look through the lens of their features to see the key differences between these hair types.

1. Curl Pattern

Curl patterns describe the natural shape of a hair type. While both hair types look similar at first glance, their curl patterns are totally different. 2C hair is characterized by its S-shaped waves; however, 3A is known for its bouncy spiral curls. If you examine 2C carefully, you’ll notice that it features thick waves that start at the root and become loose towards the ends. This is unlike 3A hair. The curl pattern is more well-defined, springy, and bouncy. This means it appears more curly and consistent than 2C, which is more of a wave.

2. Root Structure

Another feature that differentiates them is their root structure. 2C hair has more defined S-shaped waves that start from the root. However, compared to 3A, it might appear to be flat. This is because 3A hair has more lift and volume than 2C hair. I also discovered that the 3A hair root has well-defined spiral curls and is not necessarily wavy. Another right word I’ll use to describe it is corkscrew or loose ringlets, unlike 2C hair that has S-waves.  

3. Definition

2C is known as the bridge between wavy (type 2) and curly (type 3). It is characterized by its thick waves that start at the root and the looser waves at the ends. While it is in fact the most defined of the type 2 hair, it is not as defined as 3A hair. The 3A spiral curls are well-defined, offering lift, bounce, and volume. It has more definition and maintains its shape better than 2C hair. The 2C waves, on the other hand, tend to loosen easily. So, even though they may appear quite similar, their definitions set them apart.

4. Volume

Another thing that differentiates 2C hair from 3A hair is volume. These hair types have different volume and texture. While 2C hair has a thicker texture than 3A hair, it is less bouncy and voluminous. The way to describe it is that the 2C hair has more of a natural volume, most especially at the root. The hair is also coarser and denser. However, 3A hair isn’t like that. The hair appears to be generally fine to medium, softer and less coarse than 2C hair. So, while 3A has more volume and bounce than 2C hair, 2C hair type wins in texture.

5. Frizz

Since 2C hair has high porosity, it tends to frizz more often than 3A hair. Its thicker, coarser, and denser texture makes it easily affected by environmental factors such as hard water. However, 3A hair isn't that way. While it is also prone to frizz, it tends to be less frizzy since it is generally smoother than 2A hair.

Here’s a table that shows the key differences between the two hair types (2C vs 3A hair).

Feature	2C Hair	3A Hair
Curl Pattern	S-shaped waves	Spiral curls, ringlets
Root Structure	Wavy, flatter roots	Curly, lifted roots
Definition	Relatively flat waves compared to 3A hair	Tighter curls that hold shape better than 2A hair
Volume	Has natural volume with less bounce	Has more volume and is very bouncy
Frizz Nature	It is more prone to frizz	It is more manageable and less frizzy

How Can You Tell If Your Hair Is 2C or 3A?

The best way to learn about your hair type is to examine your curls. I’ll recommend that you use a mirror to check your curls. With the knowledge of their differences, you can easily check out their features in your hair. Just as you now know, 2C hair is wavy at the roots and looser at the ends, while 3A have well-defined spiral curls that hold their shape.

To check, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Next, allow it to air-dry, then use a mirror to check out your curls. Take a close look at the back and lift the different areas of your hair to see the texture.

- If it’s type 2C, you’ll see the thick S-shaped waves.

- If it’s type 3A, your hair should have well-defined, bouncy spiral curls.

However, keep in mind that you may also have both types on your head. You may find the tighter spiral curls (3A) on top and the looser waves (2C) beneath. Don't panic, it is actually very common.

Some of the reasons why this happens include having different follicle shapes, heat damage, your hair care routine, coloring, your hair length, and the weight of your hair. If this occurs, all you have to do is focus on managing your hair. Be sure to hydrate your hair properly and use lightweight products.

How to Care for 2C And 3A Hair

There are many general hair care tips to follow when caring for your hair. However, some are more specific to certain hair types. Here are the best ways to care for 2A and 3A hair types.

How to care for your 2C Hair

- Avoid products that weigh down your hair

Your S-shaped waves can lose their volume, become flat, stretched out, and greasy with the use of heavy and wrong products. To avoid that, use lightweight gels, curl creams, and mousses instead.

- Wash with the right products.

Go for products that suit your hair type and avoid selecting randomly. I know many people do that; however, it is not the best way if you want your hair to flourish.

- Scrunch your hair while it's wet.

This is good for curl definition. It will activate your waves and reduce frizz. Since 2C hair tends to fall and become flat easily, this is a technique that helps your hair form tighter clumps.

How to Care for Your 3A Hair

- Apply your products to wet hair.

This helps to form and clump your defined spiral curls. It will not only define, but it will also control frizz and maximize hydration.

- Layer the moisture

If you want to lock in hydration and avoid frizz and dryness, layer your products. First, go in with your leave-in conditioner, then follow up with your gel or curl cream.

- Deep condition your hair

Your curls can lose their moisture really fast; however, you can prevent that by deep conditioning your hair weekly. The treatment makes it retain its bounce with no damage. While you don’t have to deep condition your hair every day, make sure you do so once a week.

Best Styling Ideas for 2C and 3A Hair

I found some hairstyle ideas for 2C hair and 3A hair types. Take a look at them below. You’re going to love them!

1. Long Hair with Short Layers

Turn your long 2C hair into an iconic look with this style. Create layers, then add volume to the root of your hair. That's it! You're good to go.

2. Low Ponytail Style

A simple yet amazing style to recreate any day! Simply put your hair into a low ponytail, then lay your edges with your gel.

3. Curly Buns Hair

Put your 3A hair into two buns for a gorgeous style. Slay your curls and allow them to peak through the buns.

4. Shag Cut

Take inspo from Zendaya herself and go for a shag cut. It's cute, full, and stylish. It works for all occasions and makes you stand out.

Conclusion

2C and 3A hair types are often confused with each other. However, once you can identify each of these hair types, there's no going back. You can now use the right products and tips that suit your hair to achieve the best results for your strands.

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