- Family
- Type 3, curly
- Pattern
- Large, loose spiral curls with lots of shine.
- Curl width
- About the width of a stick of sidewalk chalk.
- Shrinkage
- Noticeable. Curls spring up when they dry.
What 3A hair looks like
Because the loops are large, 3A shows its pattern even at two or three inches. It suits cuts that leave the top long enough for at least one or two full loops.
3A vs 2C and 3B
3A forms full loops along most of the strand; 2C is mainly deep waves with only some loose curls.
Next to 3B, 3A's curls are larger and looser. 3B ringlets are about the width of a marker and tighter.
Compare them: Type 2C hair · Type 3B hair.
Best taper and fade haircuts for 3A hair
These cuts keep the sides neat while working with the curly pattern on top.
- Curly low taper fade: A low taper keeps curl at the sides and puts the focus on the loops on top.
- Blowout low taper fade for curly hair: Large curls blow out into a full, rounded top.
- Mid taper fade for curly hair: A mid blend frames a curly top cleanly.
- Drop fade for curly hair: The drop follows the head's shape and leaves curls at the back.
Not sure which height suits you? The taper quiz weighs your hair type along with your face shape and routine, and the taper height diagram shows where each one starts.
How to style 3A hair with short sides
Apply a curl cream or gel to soaking wet hair, rake it through, then scrunch. Let it air-dry or diffuse on low, and scrunch out any hold once it's fully dry.
Leave at least two inches on top so the curls can form a full loop; cut shorter, they tend to look like waves.
Care basics for 3A hair
- Wash two to three times a week and condition every time.
- Detangle only when wet, with conditioner, using fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Avoid brushing dry curls, which breaks up the pattern.
- Refresh with water and a little leave-in between washes.
What to tell your barber
Ask your barber to cut the curls dry or to check the shape dry, because 3A shrinks as it dries. Say how long you want the curls to look, not how long you want them cut, and let the barber allow for shrinkage.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my hair is 3A or 3B?
Compare the size of the loops. 3A curls are about the width of sidewalk chalk and fairly loose. 3B curls are tighter ringlets, about the width of a marker, and spring back faster.
Can 3A hair have a fade?
Yes. A low or mid taper is popular with 3A because it keeps the sides tidy and leaves the curls on top as the main feature.
Why do my curls look like waves when short?
3A curls need a couple of inches of length to complete a loop. Cut shorter, they only form part of a curve, which reads as a wave.