Curl typing is a classification system that groups hair into wavy (2), curly (3), and coily (4) categories, with subcategories A, B, and C describing how tight or loose the pattern is.
2A–2C Waves — from loose S-bends to defined waves prone to frizz
3A–3C Curls — from large springy ringlets to tight corkscrews
4A–4C Coils — from soft S-coils to very tight zig-zag patterns with high shrinkage
💡 Most people have more than one curl type. Focus on your dominant pattern for product choices, and remember that curl type alone doesn't determine your hair needs — porosity matters more.
Porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It's determined by the state of your cuticle layer — the outermost protective shield of each strand.
Low Porosity — Cuticles are tightly closed. Water beads on the surface. Products sit on top. Needs heat to open the cuticle.
Medium Porosity — Cuticles are slightly raised. Absorbs and retains moisture well. Most products work effectively.
High Porosity — Cuticles are open or damaged. Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Needs sealing products.
💡 Test yours: drop a clean strand into a glass of water. Floats = Low. Sinks slowly = Medium. Sinks fast = High.
The capillary cycle is a structured rotation of treatments designed to keep hair balanced at the cortex level. Skipping steps or over-treating disrupts the balance.
H — Hydration Replenishes water content in the cortex. Uses humectants like glycerin, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. Essential foundation of every cycle.
N — Nutrition Seals moisture with lipids and emollients. Uses oils (argan, jojoba, coconut) and butters. Prevents transepidermal water loss.
R — Reconstruction Repairs the protein structure of the cortex. Uses keratin, collagen, hydrolysed proteins. Restores elasticity and strength.
💡 Your Curly Archives calendar is built on this cycle — personalised to your porosity every 3 days.
Hair is approximately 91% protein (keratin). When this structure is compromised by heat, chemicals, or mechanical damage, the hair loses elasticity and strength. But too much protein causes brittleness too.
Protein overload signs: Stiff, straw-like, snaps easily, no stretch, feels rough
Moisture overload signs: Limp, mushy, no definition, stretches too much before snapping, tangles easily
The stretch test: take a wet strand and gently stretch it. Healthy hair stretches ~30% then returns. Snaps immediately = needs moisture. Stretches and doesn't return = needs protein.
💡 Your protein sensitivity setting in Curly Archives adjusts your H/N/R cycle to keep this balance in check automatically.
The scalp is skin — it has the same needs as facial skin: cleansing, hydration, and microbiome balance. An unhealthy scalp directly impacts hair growth and strand quality.
Sebum: Natural oil produced by sebaceous glands. Protective but can build up and block follicles if not cleansed regularly.
pH balance: Scalp pH is 4.5–5.5 (acidic). Many shampoos are alkaline and disrupt this — look for pH-balanced formulas.
Scalp massage: Studies show 4 min/day increases hair thickness by stimulating dermal papilla cells and blood circulation.
💡 Clarifying once a month removes product build-up that suffocates follicles — especially important for low porosity hair.
Ingredients are listed by concentration — highest first. The first 5 ingredients make up the majority of the product.
✅ Look for
Aloe Vera — humectant, soothes scalp
Glycerin — draws moisture into the hair shaft
Shea Butter — emollient, seals moisture
Jojoba Oil — mimics sebum, lightweight
Hydrolysed Keratin — repairs cortex
Panthenol (B5) — penetrates and moisturises
⚠️ Watch out for
Sulfates (SLS/SLES) — strip natural oils aggressively
Silicones (dimethicone) — build up without clarifying
Mineral Oil — heavy, coats strand without nourishing
Drying Alcohols (SD, isopropyl) — dehydrate strands
💡 The AI Ingredient Scanner (coming in V4) will analyse products automatically for you.
These three ingredient types work together in a layering system to maximise moisture retention.
Humectants Draw water from the environment into the hair shaft. Examples: glycerin, honey, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid. Best in humid climates.
Emollients Fill gaps in the cuticle, soften and smooth the hair. Examples: argan oil, squalane, jojoba, avocado oil. Give slip and shine.
Occlusives Create a physical barrier to seal all moisture in. Examples: shea butter, castor oil, beeswax. Best as the final step.
LOC Method (best for high porosity): Leave-in → Oil → Cream
LCO Method (best for low porosity): Leave-in → Cream → Oil
💡 Your porosity determines which layering order works best for you. Curly Archives recommends the right sequence automatically.
Shrinkage is the natural coiling of the hair shaft as it dries, caused by the hydrogen bonds in the cortex reforming after washing. It is a sign of healthy, well-moisturised hair — not damage.
4C hair can shrink up to 75% of its actual length
3A/3B hair typically shrinks 30–50%
2A/2B hair shrinks very little — 10–20%
To reduce shrinkage:
Stretching methods — banding, braiding, or twisting while damp
Tension blow-dry on low heat with a diffuser
Moisturising well — dry hair shrinks more
💡 Embrace shrinkage as a health indicator. When your hair is well-moisturised after your H treatment, you'll notice more consistent shrinkage patterns.