Tight Corkscrew Curl Hair
Tight Corkscrew Curl Hair (Type 3C)
Quick look
- Type code: Type 3C — Tight Corkscrew Curl Hair.
- Texture & porosity: Small-diameter corkscrews with high surface area, so porosity climbs fast when the cuticle is disturbed.1,2
- Risk factors: Thinning, razor work, or brushing dry fractures curl families and causes breakage near the root.2,3
- Tool pairing: Dry cut with razor-sharp convex shears, use reversible blenders sparingly above mid-shaft, and rely on clips to control micro sections.2
Why it matters
This pattern is dense and springy. You must release weight from within the curl grouping—never across it—so the coil can live compact without exploding outward.2
Technique map
- Clean up the outline curl-by-curl with minimal tension, dusting only what you can see returning to its natural coil.2
- Work in micro sections, pinch each curl, and open-close the shear as you glide with the coil (“pinch and talk”) to remove weight without shredding the cuticle.2
- Keep blenders out of the equation unless you are deep in the interior; even a single surface tap frays the curl.2
- Finish by diffusing on low heat or letting the pattern air dry before scrunching in a lightweight oil for separation and sheen.3
Usage notes
- Saturate curls with leave-in and water before detangling; hydrated coils slide apart without tearing.3
- Cut in the client’s preferred part and elevation—moving curls afterward will change the balance dramatically.2
- Use clips to protect neighboring curl families while you work so you only cut what you intend.2
Maintenance / Client Care
- Recommend weekly deep conditioning or oil treatments to reduce combing force and reinforce the cuticle.3
- Suggest satin pillowcases or silk wraps at night to limit friction and moisture loss.3
- Schedule dustings roughly every two months; keeping lengths even prevents tangles that cause mechanical breakage.2,3
Related Types & Sources
Related hair types: Classic Ringlet Curl Hair (Type 3B), Soft Spring Coily Hair (Type 4A)
Sources