Wavy VS Curly Hair: What Is The Difference?

When talking about hair types, both wavy hair and curly hair are pretty popular among beauty enthusiasts, having a great influence on the first impression and personality.

If you are confused about how to distinguish between them, this blog will explain the differences between wavy hair and curly hair in detail.

What’s more, you will also learn how to determine your hair type, and how to maintain your wavy or curly hair.

1. What are the differences between wavy and curly hair?

When it comes to the differences between wavy hair and curly hair, the primary and essential difference is the curl pattern, which leads to a series of differences between them.

The following part will make a comprehensive and systematic comparison of eight main aspects, which can help you better distinguish wavy hair and curly hair.

(1)Curl pattern.

First of all, the curl pattern between wavy hair and curly hair is different.

As curly hair has tight curls and obvious volume, it has a more defined and obvious curl pattern than wavy hair.

(2)Appearance.

Because curly hair has a more defined and obvious curl pattern, it has a fuller and more voluminous appearance than wavy hair.

(3)Versatility.

To tell the truth, wavy hair is a transition between straight hair and curly hair, so it is easier for you to restyle wavy hair.

That is to say, wavy hair is more versatile in styles than curly hair.

(4)Fragility.

Compared to wavy hair, curly hair is more prone to frizz, dryness, and breakage.

(5)Moisture.

Due to the fragility of curly hair, it is harder for curly hair to retain moisture.

(6)Shrinkage.

Generally speaking, curly hair shrinks more than wavy hair when it is dry.

(7)Bounciness.

Wavy hair has a looser and more relaxed shape pattern, while curly hair is more springy and bouncy.

(8)Maintenance.

Last but not least, curly hair requires more maintenance than wavy hair, because of its fragility.

2. What is Wavy Hair?

Wavy hair refers to a kind of hair type that has a loose and “S” shaped pattern, which usually looks fluid and flowy, falling between straight hair and curly hair.

Compared to straight hair, wavy hair obtains more obvious body and waves.

However, compared to curly hair, wavy hair is less full and voluminous.

Wavy hair lacks volume and looks flat at the roots, while it has more body and volume towards the ends.

Therefore, if you use heavy styling products, the strands of wavy hair will be weighed down easily, looking a little limp.

To tell the truth, wavy hair is a little difficult to take care of, which tends to be frizzy easily, especially in humid weather.

Generally speaking, wavy hair is classified as type 2 hair in hair type, including type 2a hair, type 2b hair, and type 2c hair.

• Type 2a hair - It has loose and beachy weaves, which usually start a few inches from the hair roots. 

• Type 2b hair - It has defined and prolonged “S” shaped waves, starting from the mid part of your hair, which is more obvious and noticeable than type 2a hair.

• Type 2c hair - It has more defined and voluminous “S” shaped waves, starting from the roots of your hair until the ends.

3. The benefits of wavy hair:

(1)Volume.

First of all, wavy hair has more body and volume than straight hair, making it look fluid and flowy.

(2)Versatility.

Just as it has been mentioned before, wavy hair falls between straight hair and curly hair, so it is easier for you to make a transition between straight and curly styles.

Therefore, wavy hair is more versatile in styles, which means you can restyle the hair easily to achieve your desired look.

(3)Fewer wash days.

Compared to straight hair, wavy hair is less likely to get oily or greasy, which means you can wash it less frequently.

Usually, if you have wavy hair, you can wash it every three days.

(4)Low maintenance.

As wavy hair has more body and volume than straight hair, it is relatively low-maintenance, which requires less regular styling.

4. The drawbacks of wavy hair:

(1)Prone to frizz.

Firstly, wavy hair is more likely to be frizzy, especially in humid weather.

Therefore, if you have wavy hair, you’d better use anti-frizz serums or oils to keep your hair moisturized.

(2)Inconsistency.

If you have wavy hair, your hair waves tend to vary from day to day.

(3)Require product.

Generally speaking, wavy hair requires hair products to retain moisture.

What’s more, if you want to keep a refined wavy pattern, you’d better use some styling products.

5. What is Curly Hair?

Curly hair refers to a hair type that has bouncy ringlets or spirals, usually ranging from loose loops to tight corkscrews. 

Compared to wavy hair, curly hair looks fuller and more voluminous, because the curls can add volume, lift, and bounce.

With tight curls and obvious volume, curly hair can create a beautiful and wonderful texture.

However, because of the curly strands, curly hair is more fragile and is prone to frizz, tangles, and dryness.

Therefore, curly hair requires more maintenance than wavy hair in order to prevent dryness and breakage.

Just like wavy hair, curly hair is classified as type 3 hair, including type 3a hair, type 3b hair, and type 3c hair.

• Type 3a hair - It has broad and loose loops or curls, obtaining the circumference of a quarter.

• Type 3b hair - It usually has defined and springy ringlets, with the circumference of a penny, which looks more obvious than type 3a hair.

• Type 3c hair - It usually has tight, defined, and spiral curls, obtaining the circumference of a pencil, which is tighter and more defined than type 3a hair or type 3b hair.

6. The benefits of curly hair:

(1)Voluminous and bouncy.

As curly hair obtains tight curls and obvious volume, it can provide you with a voluminous, bouncy, and full appearance.

(2)Versatile in styles.

As curly hair has natural curls and volume, it is versatile in hairstyles.

For example, you can easily achieve a voluminous and glorious appearance, without any heated tools.

(3)Less prone to greasiness.

Because of the spiral shape of curls, curly hair is less prone to greasiness, especially compared to straight hair.

7. The drawbacks of curly hair:

(1)Fragility.

Curly hair is thinner and more fragile, which makes it more prone to frizz, tangles, and dryness.

(2)Maintenance.

Due to the fragility and dryness of curly hair, it requires more maintenance than wavy hair to keep moisture.

8. How to tell if you have wavy or curly hair?

Although it might be a challenge for you to tell whether you have wavy or curly hair, there are still some methods to determine your own hair type.

Generally speaking, if your hair has the following features, you are likely to have wavy hair.

(1)If the section near your hair roots looks flat and straight, you may have wavy hair.

(2)If your hair type seems to fall between straight and curly hair, you may have wavy hair.

(3)If your hair gets weighed down easily, you may have wavy hair.

9. How to maintain wavy or curly hair?

In order to better maintain your wavy or curly hair, there are some common and universal methods for you to keep your hair moisturized, and achieve your desired look.

(1)Avoid over-brushing.

First of all, you’d better avoid over-brushing on your natural hair.

It is better for you to use a wide-tooth brush to detangle your hair, protecting the hair from damage.

(2)Choose shampoo and conditioner especially designed for wavy or curly hair.

Secondly, you’d better choose shampoo and conditioner especially designed for wavy or curly hair, which can help your hair retain moisture.

Usually, these hair products contain hydrating ingredients.

(3)Use deep-conditioning masks.

If it is necessary, you can also use deep-conditioning masks to help your wavy or curly hair retain moisture.

(4)Use satin silk to avoid excessive friction.

Last but not least, when you are sleeping, you can also use a satin silk to avoid excessive friction.

Conclusion:

After reading this blog, you must have a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of wavy hair and curly hair, which can help you better distinguish your hair type between them.

In conclusion, no matter whether you have wavy or curly hair, you’d better use hair products containing hydrating ingredients.

It’s my pleasure if this blog can really address your concerns and problems about wavy hair and curly hair.

If you have any questions about human hair wigs, please feel free to leave a comment, and I will respond to you as soon as possible.

FAQs:

(1)Do wavy or curly hair types change over time?

Yes, of course. There are some factors that will influence your hair type, such as age, weather conditions, and so on.

(2)How can I reduce frizz in my wavy or curly hair?

Generally speaking, if you want to reduce frizz in wavy or curly hair, you can use hair products that are especially designed for these two hair types, which usually contain hydrating ingredients.

(3)Can the hair be both wavy and curly?

Yes, of course. For example, some people will have a mixture of hair types, such as wavy hair and curly hair.