Type 3A Hair
Low Density · Medium Porosity
Type 3A curls are large, bouncy ringlets that are naturally easy to define. When your hair is low density, there are fewer strands on your scalp, which can make hair look thinner than it feels. Medium porosity is the sweet spot of hair types. Your cuticle opens and closes at just the right rate, absorbing moisture well and holding it without too much fuss. This combination is actually one of the more manageable ones, though keeping volume and avoiding limpness takes a little attention.
Your Hair at a Glance
Curl Type
3A
Large bouncy ringlets, easy to define
Density
Low
Fewer strands on the scalp
Porosity
Medium
Absorbs and retains moisture well
How to Grow Your Hair
Moisturise consistently without overloading
Medium porosity hair responds beautifully to regular moisture but does not need as much effort as other porosity types to absorb it. A good leave-in conditioner applied to wet hair after every wash is usually enough to keep your curls hydrated through the week. The risk with low density medium porosity hair is using too much product, which weighs the hair down and makes it look flat. Apply everything sparingly and build up only if you need to.
Focus on volume at the root
Low density hair can look fine and flat, especially as it grows longer and the weight pulls curls down. Diffuse your hair upside down to lift the roots, or plop after washing to encourage volume before drying. Avoid applying any product directly to the roots as this is where flatness starts. Keep your moisturising products focused on the mid-lengths and ends instead.
Wash weekly and deep condition regularly
Medium porosity hair benefits from a consistent wash routine. Once a week works well for most people with this combination. Deep condition every two weeks to keep the cuticle in good condition and maintain the elasticity that helps your curls spring back properly. You do not need to use heat with your deep conditioner as medium porosity hair absorbs it without assistance.
Massage your scalp to stimulate growth
Because density is low, you want every follicle working as effectively as possible. A five minute scalp massage three to four times a week with a lightweight oil like sweet almond or jojoba increases circulation to the follicles and encourages fuller, healthier growth over time. Be gentle and use the pads of your fingers rather than your nails.
Trim regularly and protect your ends
Split ends on low density hair are very visible. Trim every eight to ten weeks to keep your ends looking neat and healthy, and wear protective styles a few times a week to reduce the manipulation that causes damage. Loose twists, buns, and braids all work well without pulling too much on finer strands.
Protect your curls at night
Medium porosity hair loses moisture more easily overnight than low porosity hair does. A satin pillowcase or bonnet keeps your curls from drying out and prevents the friction that leads to frizz and breakage. Pineapple your 3A curls loosely at the crown with your Froband before bed to preserve the curl pattern and keep volume at the roots.
Products: What Works and What Does Not
Look for these
Lightweight leave-ins, aloe vera, glycerin, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, flaxseed gel, medium-hold curl creams, hydrolysed proteins used sparingly
Avoid these
Heavy butters, thick creams applied at the root, too many layered products, anything that leaves a sticky or greasy finish
Your Weekly Routine at a Glance
Wash Day
Shampoo, deep condition for 20 minutes, apply lightweight leave-in to soaking wet hair, scrunch in a light gel, diffuse upside down or air dry.
Mid-Week Refresh
Lightly mist with water, scrunch to revive curls, re-secure your style with your Froband.
Every Night
Pineapple loosely with your Froband and sleep on satin to lock in moisture overnight.
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