Understanding Curl Pattern vs. Texture

When it comes to curly hair, there's often confusion between "hair texture" and "curl pattern." Although they are frequently used interchangeably in the curly hair community, understanding the difference between the two is essential when it comes to caring for your curls.

What is Hair Texture?
Hair texture refers to the thickness or fineness of each strand. There are generally three types of hair texture: fine, medium, and coarse. For example, someone with fine hair may have thinner individual strands, while someone with coarse hair has thicker strands.

This is an important distinction because hair texture influences how well hair absorbs moisture and holds style. It also dictates how soft or coarse the hair feels to the touch.

Hair density, on the other hand, refers to how many strands of hair grow per square inch on your scalp. You can have fine hair but high density (many fine strands), or coarse hair with low density (fewer thick strands). Density plays a big role in how full or voluminous the hair looks and can also impact which products and styling techniques will be most effective. For example, clients with low density hair may have better results with products that are more lightweight like foams and light gels to avoid weighing the hair down. In other cases, products with more slip may provide better detangling results for denser hair, which can be extremely helpful.

What is Curl Pattern?
Curl pattern, or curl type, refers to the shape and tightness of your curls. From wavy to curly to coily, this categorization helps define how the hair forms naturally.

The chart ranges from 1A, which describes very straight hair, to 4C, which represents very tightly coiled hair. While curl patterns are often used to categorize curly hair — and many curlies ask the question, "so, what is my curl type?" — we have to remember the original intention. It was just a stylist's frame of reference for his product line.

Many clients have more than one curl pattern on their head, which is completely normal and should be celebrated. It’s important to learn how to embrace your different curl patterns and care for them accordingly.

Caring for Your Curls
Caring for your curls goes beyond just finding the right products. Everyone is constantly in search of the Holy Grail, million-dollar product that will change their life. There’s more to it than that. How a product is used matters too.

When it comes to styling, you want to apply products to soaking wet hair for best results. In other words, don’t wait until your hair starts drying (coffee and Instagram can wait). This ensures even distribution, proper absorption, and prevents uneven texture.

The amount of moisture your hair needs depends on its texture, porosity, and overall regimen. For example, my hair is color-treated, so because my cuticle is a little more open from bleaching, my porosity is a little higher and therefore requires more hydration and repair.

Speaking of regimen, be mindful of how often you're heat styling. Overuse of heat tools can damage curls, especially if you’re frequently straightening or blowing out your hair. Proper heat protection, along with regular deep conditioning and repair treatments, are essential to keeping curls healthy and bouncy.

It’s also important to remember that mechanical manipulation, such as constantly tying your hair back, can cause unnecessary breakage. This is especially true around the hairline, which is particularly fragile in curly-haired individuals.

Finally — and I can’t emphasize this enough — lifestyle plays a huge role in maintaining healthy curls. Stress, diet, hydration, and sleep all impact the health of your hair. What you place on top of your hair can be beneficial topically, but the true success of it all is taking place internally. Your hair can only thrive when everything else inside is working at its best, so it's important to take care of your whole self. Trust me, your hair will then show you its maximum potential.

The Bottom Line: Embrace Your Curl Pattern and Texture
Ultimately, the curly hair journey is one of self-acceptance. It’s about loving your natural texture and embracing your unique curl pattern. With the right care, you’ll not only see your hair in a new light but also learn to appreciate it for the beautiful, unique crown that it is.


About Christin Brown
Celebrity hairstylist and curl specialist Christin Brown is the co-owner of LunaBella Makeup & Hair Salon in Santa Barbara, CA. Educated by the co-founder of DevaCurl, Denis DaSilva, at the Devachan Salon in New York, she is a Deva Certified Curl Specialist. Christin travels nationwide providing her services, and has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Allure, ELLE, Women's Health Magazine, and more.