Loose Spiral Curl Hair
Photo: Kiros Amin / Unsplash
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Loose Spiral Curl Hair (Type 3A)
Quick look
- Type code: Type 3A — Loose Spiral Curl Hair.
- Texture & porosity: Corkscrews with a larger diameter curl cluster than Types 3B/3C; porosity sits mid-range but the cuticle raises quickly when overworked.1,2
- Risk factors: Traditional thinning or heavy brushing fractures the curl group and leads to halo frizz.2
- Tool pairing: Use sharp convex shears for dry curl-by-curl work, blending shears only above the mid-shaft, and keep a supportive bevel for any perimeter dusting.2
Why it matters
Loose spirals sell the “wash-and-go” aesthetic. Cutting where the curl lives—rather than forcing it straight—keeps definition intact and lets you tailor volume without shocking the pattern.2
Technique map
- Clean up the outline with a soft bevel only after you see how the curls spring back; this locks the perimeter without stretching the coils.2
- Elevate small curl groupings and snip with the tips of a convex shear, closing only enough to refine the shape.2
- Remove interior weight using the pinch-and-talk motion from Weight Removal 101 so the shear glides with the coil instead of shredding it.2
- Finish by diffusing on low airflow or air-drying with scrunching; once set, use a polishing pass on the surface only if you need extra shine.3
Usage notes
- Cut curls dry and in their natural part—water lengthens the strand and steals your visual guide.2
- Alternate elevation directions in the crown to prevent creating a shelf; curl groupings should stack like shingles.2
- Keep a microfiber towel nearby to blot excess moisture before product application; it reduces frizz and improves product distribution.3,4
Maintenance / Client Care
- Encourage clients to layer a leave-in conditioner or oil mid-lengths down to keep combing forces low and the coil glossy.4
- Recommend working product through with praying hands or finger-coiling rather than brushing to protect definition.3
- Plan six to eight week dustings so curl groupings stay balanced as the pattern elongates with wear.2
Related Types & Sources
Related hair types: Strong Wave Dense Hair (Type 2C), Classic Ringlet Curl Hair (Type 3B)
Sources