Care & Styling Guide For Your Type 3B Hair

Embracing natural hair has become a celebrated trend, yet we're fully aware of the effort required to perfect and maintain those curls. From styling creams and leave-in conditioners to nourishing oils, curly hair, without proper styling and care, is prone to frizz, tangles, and severe dryness.

Known for its voluminous, defined and bouncy curls, 3B Hair requires care routines that accentuate its pattern, texture and shape.

Everything you need to understand, maintain, and style your Type 3B curls is right here!

What Exactly is Type 3B Hair?

Curl types are diverse, and no two heads of hair are the same. With 9 different types of curl patterns, spanning a spectrum from type 2A (gentle, slightly S-shaped waves) to type 4C (tightly coiled curls packed closely together) smack-bang in the middle is Type 3B.

Characterised by tight, springy curls that are voluminous and often prone to frizz, 3B curls are spirals roughly the size of a sharpie or small glue stick.

It is common for someone with type 3B hair, however, to have a mixture of type 2C, 3A and 3C curl patterns. So if that's you, and you have a moderate level of frizz, and curls that range from loose- to loosely shaped corkscrew texture, let's classify you as a type 3B.

Identifying 3B Curly Hair

While 3A hair is similar to 2B in its looser waves, 3B curls are more defined and less wavy. The key difference is in the tightness and volume of the curls - 3B curls are more compact and have more volume compared to the looser 3A type.

Defining characteristics:

Springy, voluminous curls
The ‘curl’ has a circumference similar to a sharpie or a small glue stick
Tighter and more coiled curls than type 3A curls
A combination of textures

How is 3B Different from Other Type 3 Hair?

All Type 3 hair is classified as curly. However, Type 3B hair is distinct from other Type 3 curls because of its curl pattern and texture. It's more voluminous than Type 3A, and has more ringlet type curls, as opposed to Type 3C which has more tight corkscrews. Striking a balance between defined ringlets and compact coils type 3B hair is pretty unique.

Porosity and Texture of 3B Hair

Understanding the porosity and texture of your 3B hair is really important in effectively managing and styling it.

Hair Porosity

Ever wondered why your hair might seem dry and brittle even after you’ve conditioned it? Or maybe at the other end of the spectrum, you’ve styled your hair only to be left with limp, flat curls. The good news is- there is a reason for this! And it's science!

The porosity of your hair determines how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. This influences how you should care for and style your hair.

The Strand Test: How To Test The Porosity Of Your Hair

The Strand Test is a simple and effective way to determine your hair's porosity level:

Step 1. Take a strand of clean, product-free hair and place it in a bowl of room temperature water.

Step 2. Observe the strand.

Low Porosity: The strand floats on the surface.
Medium Porosity: The strand sinks slowly to the middle.
High Porosity: The strand sinks immediately to the bottom.

Step 3. Once you have results, refer to the 3 different types of hair porosity and follow the recommended styling advice.

Low Porosity Hair:

Hair strands have tightly bound cuticles that lay flat, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This type of hair tends to resist moisture and can easily get weighed down by heavy products.
Low porosity hair often takes longer to fully wet and dry and might require more thorough rinsing to remove product buildup.

Medium Porosity Hair:

This type features a more open cuticle layer, allowing for a balanced level of moisture absorption and retention. It's often considered the ideal porosity because it requires less maintenance.

Medium porosity hair responds well to various hair care products and can hold styles effectively without much frizz or dryness.

High Porosity Hair:
Characterised by cuticles that are more lifted or even damaged, high porosity hair tends to absorb moisture quickly but loses it just as rapidly. This can lead to increased dryness and frizz.
High porosity hair benefits from regular deep conditioning treatments and heavier creams or oils that help seal in moisture.

Texture of 3B Hair

The texture of Type 3B hair can vary, affecting how it reacts to products and styling:

Fine Texture:

Fine 3B hair is lightweight and can get weighed down by heavy styling products. It requires lighter products and gentle handling to maintain its curl definition and volume.

Medium Texture:

Medium-textured 3B hair offers a balance between strength and flexibility. It's resilient to styling and can handle a wider range of products compared to fine hair.

Coarse Texture:

Coarse 3B hair has the thickest strands, providing robustness but also potentially leading to more dryness. It often requires more moisture and richer products to keep the curls hydrated and defined.

Understanding the porosity and texture of your 3B hair is essential for selecting the right products and styling methods, ensuring your curls remain healthy, vibrant, and beautifully defined.

Washing Your Type 3B Hair

Step 1: Preparation

Begin with thoroughly wetting your hair with lukewarm water. This initial step helps to open the hair cuticles and prepare your hair for effective cleansing.

Step 2: Applying the Shampoo

Pour a coin sized amount of LOHY’s Drench & Quench shampoo into your palms. The amount needed can vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair.

Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips. It's important to focus on the scalp, where dirt and oil build up, rather than the lengths of your hair, which can get dry.

Step 3: Rinsing
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ensure that all the shampoo is washed out, as any residue can lead to buildup and make your hair appear dull and heavy.

Conditioning Your Type 3B Hair

Step 1: Application

After shampooing, gently squeeze out the excess water from your hair. This helps the conditioner penetrate the strands.
Apply LOHY’s Drench & Quench conditioner, focusing primarily on the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair where hydration is most needed. These areas tend to be drier and more prone to damage.

Step 2: Conditioning

Gently work the conditioner through your hair with your Flexi Brush. If you don't have a Flexi Brush use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This helps with detangling and ensures the conditioner is evenly distributed.

Leave the conditioner in your hair for a few minutes to allow it to deeply nourish and hydrate your curls.

Step 3: Final Rinse

Rinse your hair with cool water. Cool water helps to close the cuticles, locking in moisture, reducing frizz, and enhancing shine.

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Post-Wash Care

Gentle Drying

After washing, avoid vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel, as this can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, gently press the water out of your hair with a microfibre towel or a cotton t-shirt.

Styling

Depending on your time limits, you can either apply your products to soaking wet hair, OR when your hair is still damp. Wet hair is the best time to apply any leave-in treatments or styling products, however damp hair will suffice if you are time poor.

By following these steps, you ensure that your Type 3B curls receive the gentle cleansing and deep hydration they need, leaving your hair feeling clean, soft, and nourished. *Remember, the key to maintaining healthy, bouncy curls is not just in the products you use but also in how you use them. You can find more styling routines here.

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Moisturising + Hydrating Your 3B Hair

Regular moisture treatments are essential. Use leave-in conditioners and hydrating treatments designed specifically for curly hair.

Creating a Leave-In Moisturiser with LOHY Conditioner

Transforming your LOHY conditioner into a leave-in moisturiser is an excellent way to extend the benefits of your regular conditioner, providing ongoing hydration and nourishment to your hair throughout the day. This DIY approach is especially beneficial for those with curly or dry hair types that crave extra moisture. Here's how to create your own leave-in moisturiser:

Ingredients and Tools:

LOHY Drench & Quench Conditioner: The base of your leave-in moisturiser.
Distilled Water: To dilute the conditioner for a lighter consistency.
HUSH Nourishing Oil (Optional): Add a couple of drops for extra nourishment
Spray Bottle: For easy application.
Measuring Cup and Spoon: For accurate measurements.
Mixing Bowl and Whisk: For blending ingredients.

Steps to Create Your Leave-In Moisturiser:

Prepare the Mixture:

Start with a clean and dry mixing bowl. Combine about one part LOHY conditioner with three parts distilled water. This ratio can be adjusted depending on how light you want your leave-in to be.

Add Optional Ingredients:

If desired, add a few drops of nHUSH Nourishing hair oil for extra moisture. Aloe vera gel can be included for its soothing properties. Essential oils can be added for their benefits and to give a pleasant scent to your mixture. Rosehip and Patchouli are particularly nice fragrances.

Mix Thoroughly:

Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients until you achieve a consistent, lump-free mixture. ** If you’re time poor you can add ingredients to your spray bottle and shake vigorously. Ensure that the conditioner is well diluted and integrated with the water and other ingredients.

Transfer to a Spray Bottle:

Carefully pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle. A funnel can be used to avoid spills.

Usage:

Shake well before each use. Spray a moderate amount onto wet or damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Avoid the scalp to prevent greasiness.

Gently work it through with your fingers, Flexi Brush a comb to ensure even distribution.

Storage:
Store your homemade leave-in moisturiser in a cool, dry place. As it doesn’t contain preservatives, it's best used within a week or two.

Benefits:

Customisation: You can tailor the leave-in to your specific hair needs by adjusting the concentration and adding ingredients that suit your hair type.
Hydration: Continuous hydration throughout the day helps in keeping your hair soft and reducing frizz.
Convenience: A spray application makes it easy to reapply as needed, especially useful for refreshing your curls.

Creating your own leave-in moisturiser using LOHY conditioner is not only cost-effective but also allows for customisation to suit your hair’s unique needs. It’s a simple, creative way to keep your hair hydrated and healthy-looking between washes.

Deep Conditioning Treatments for Type 3B Hair

Deep conditioning is a critical component of the hair care regimen for Type 3B hair, which is often prone to dryness and frizz.

Here’s how to maximise your deep conditioning routine:

Regular Deep Conditioning: Schedule a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks. This regularity helps maintain the right moisture-protein balance, essential for keeping your curls healthy, bouncy, and well-defined.
Choosing the Right Product: Select a deep conditioner that caters to the needs of curly hair, we recommend LOHY’s Drench & Quench Moisture Mask.
Application Process: After shampooing, apply the deep conditioner generously to your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness is most prevalent. Use your flexi brush to ensure even distribution.
Enhancing Penetration: For better absorption, cover your hair with a shower cap or microfibre towel. The heat generated helps the conditioner penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.
Overnight Treatments: For extra hydration, consider leaving the deep conditioner in your hair overnight. This extended treatment can be particularly beneficial for very dry or damaged hair. Remember to cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid staining your pillow.
Rinsing Out: Thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the conditioner. This step is crucial to prevent any residue that could weigh your hair down or make it appear greasy.
Frequency of Treatment: Adjust the frequency of deep conditioning based on your hair's response. If your hair starts to feel limp or overly soft, reduce the frequency, as this may indicate excess moisture.

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Using Oil on Type 3B Hair

Incorporating Hush oil into your routine can really benefit Type 3B hair. Not only providing added moisture and shine Hush Oil penetrates the hair shaft, leaving it defined and free of frizz.

Choosing the Right Oil:

Use lightweight oils like LOHY's Hush Nourishing Oil, which are formulated to nourish curly hair without causing build-up.

Application Method:

Apply a small amount of oil to the ends of your hair, which are the oldest and driest parts. This helps seal in moisture and reduce split ends.
You can also run your fingers lightly through your hair to distribute the oil evenly, adding shine and reducing frizz.

Using Oil as a Pre-Wash Treatment:

Applying oil before shampooing can protect your hair from harsh cleansing agents, especially for high porosity hair types that are prone to moisture loss. Pre-wash treatments are generally recommended for Type 3 and Type 4 Hair as they are usually dryer than Type 1 and Type 2 hair.

Oil as a Styling Aid:

A small amount of oil can be used to tame frizz and add definition to your curls after styling.

Frequency of Use:

The frequency of oil application depends on your hair’s needs. Start with once a week and adjust as needed. Be cautious not to overuse, as this can lead to build-up.

By incorporating these practices into your hair care routine, you can significantly enhance the health, appearance, and manageability of your Type 3B curls.

Pro-tip: Remember, the key to effective hair care is understanding your hair's unique needs and responding with the appropriate treatments and products.

Step-by-Step Styling Guide for Type 3B Hair

Step 1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections.
Step 2. Apply Styling Products: Use LOHY products evenly across each section. We recommend for Type 3B hair, priming the hair with Cruise Control Curl Cream, followed by Oomph Medium hold hair gel.
Step 3. Define Curls: Use your Flexi Brush to distribute the product and finger coil for added definition.
Step 4. Dry Gently: Opt for air drying or a diffuser on a low setting.

Hot Tips: Caring For Your 3B Hair

Avoid sulphates and silicones in hair products.
Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair.
Regularly trim to prevent split ends.
Detangle when wet with a wide-tooth comb.
Protect your hair from heat styling.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
Use a diffuser for even heat distribution when drying.
Limit hair washing to prevent dryness.
Use a silk or satin scarf when sleeping to protect your curls.

Styles and Haircuts for 3B Hair

If you’re thinking it's time for a change, we have listed the most popular and trending hairstyles for people with Type 3B Hair.

Layered Cut: Adds shape and reduces bulk.
The Curly Bob: A bob cut tailored for curly hair.
Devacut: Customised for each curl pattern.
Shaggy Layers: Adds texture and volume.
Pineapple Updo: Perfect for second-day hair.
The Modern Mullet: For Men and Women, the modern mullet embraces and enhances natural curls.

FAQs for Type 3B Hair

What is 3B hair type?

3B hair has springy ringlets with a medium amount of curl.

Is 3B Hair rare?

It's not rare but it is unique in its curl pattern and care needs.

How often should I wash 3B Hair?

Tyipcally, 1-2 times a week is sufficient and remember everyones needs will differ.

What products are best for 3B hair?

LOHY’s of course! Always opt for hydrating, sulphate-free products designed for curly hair.

How do I know if I have 3A or 3B hair?

3B curls are tighter and more voluminous than 3A curls.

What is good shampoo for 3B hair?

Use sulphate-free, hydrating shampoos, LOHY’s Drench & Quench is Curly Girl approved and offers maximum hydration.

How do you sleep with 3B curly hair?

Use a hair Cozy and a silk or satin pillow slip for extra protection

How can I make my 3B hair look good?

Follow a consistent care routine and choose styles that enhance your natural curls.

How do I keep my 3B hair healthy?

Keep it moisturised, avoid heat damage, and trim regularly.

How long does it take for 3B hair to lock?

It varies but typically takes several months to a year for hair to fully lock.