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If you’re blessed with type 3A hair, providing it with the care it deserves to enhance your natural curls is essential. With its natural bounce and beautiful curls, 3A hair requires a special routine to keep it hydrated, frizz-free, and defined. Besides, it also needs special styling to match the occasion.

What Is 3A Hair Type?

3a Hair is bouncy curly hair that has a little more curve that the wavy hair but the curls aren’t as tight as for people with 4C hair has. 

Best Features Of 3A Hair

•  Your Hair has a beautiful shine. 
• Styling 3A hair takes less time compared to other curly hair types.
• You can easily skip washing your hair or you can opt for washing your hair with just water.
• Easy to style and complements most hairstyles and hair colors.

Worst Features Of 3A Hair

• Dryness and frizziness are your biggest enemies.
• Often deal with oily scalp and dry hair. A combination that requires you to put in extra effort.
•  Curls can become lose or flat.
• Need to adhere to a good hair care routine for curly hair with lot of different products.

Ideal Hair Care Routine For 3A Hair With The Right Products

Here’s a detailed hair care routine for 3A hair type:

Incorporate Indian Hair Oiling Treatment

It is one of those long Indian hair secrets that I inherited growing up. On this beauty blog, you will see me recommend hair oils for most of your hair problems because I have treated mine with them. You can also read more about curly hair and its structural data here.

Incorporate a hair oil as per your hair type and concern, warm it up using the double boiler method to enhance its nutrients better, and apply it to your hair and scalp well. Leave it on for 30 minutes then follow it up with a 5-minute pampering session using a thermal steam cap. This will allow blood flow stimulation and better absorption of hair oil for best results.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Follow it up with a good scalp massage using the inversion method for hair growth and then continue with your hair-washing routine as usual. 

Shampooing

Start with a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid dryness. Wet hair with lukewarm water, massage in the shampoo, and rinse gently to prevent frizz. You can also opt for co-washing as it works better to hydrate your dry manes while cleansing.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conditioning

Apply a moisturizing conditioner, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Use a wide-toothed comb or fingers to detangle gently. Rinse with cold water to enhance shine. It is always a good idea to go for silicone-free conditioners that have natural hair oils in them or go for a good volumizing conditioner if you are facing a lack of volume.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Make Hair Rinses Your BFF

Incorporate neem rinse if you want to protect your hair from hard water, fenugreek hair rinse or rosemary hair rinse if you are dealing with hair fall, ACV rinse to remove product build-up and rice water rinse to make your hair overall healthy.

Deep Conditioning Masks

Once a week, use a deep conditioning mask rich in moisture. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave on for a recommended time and rinse thoroughly. These deep conditioning hair masks help your hair achieve the lacking moisture which in turn makes your hair healthier over time.

My favorite deep-conditioning hair masks:

• Banana and egg hair mask
• Coconut oil and aloe vera hair mask
• Avocado hair mask
• Yogurt hair mask
• Egg and lemon hair mask
• Plum hair mask
• Coconut Milk and Rose Petal

If DIYs aren’t your thing you can try these deep conditioning hair masks which are extremely good at their job.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Leave-In Conditioner

Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair after washing. This locks in moisture reduces frizz, and enhances curl definition. Distribute using fingers or a wide-toothed comb.

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Styling Products

Choose lightweight products for curly hair. Apply curl-enhancing cream or gel or a curl activator of your choice to damp hair to define curls. You can also opt for a good volumizing mousse to achieve that extra bounce and boost of volume. Scrunch and let air dry, or use a diffuser on low heat.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Refreshing Between Washes

Mist hair with water and some leave-in conditioner to refresh curls between washes. Scrunch gently to reactivate curls, minimizing frizz.

Best Hairstyles To Style 3A Hair

Whether you want to flaunt your natural volume or embrace a trendy look, these five hairstyles will inspire you.

Voluminous Half-Up Half-Down

Showcase your 3a curls’ natural volume by gathering the top section and securing it at the back, leaving the rest flowing freely. This style showcases the gorgeous texture and bounce of your 3a hair while keeping your hair out of your face.

Crown Braids

Part your hair down the middle, braid small sections along your hairline on each side, and secure them at the back for an elegant look. The crown braids not only keep your hair neat but also accentuates the natural beauty of your curls.

Twisted Updo

Twist small sections of hair from the front on each side, securing them at the back, and gather the remaining hair into a loose bun or chignon at the nape of your neck. This hairstyle keeps your curls off your face while showcasing their definition and elegance.

Side-Swept Ponytail

Gather your curls to one side, leaving a few loose tendrils near your face. Secure the ponytail at the nape of your neck, adding a wrapped section for extra flair. This hairstyle is versatile and works well for both casual and formal occasions.

Curly Bob For 3A Hair

Looking for a hairstyle that’s youthful, trendy, and allows your curls to take center stage? A chin-length bob with layers can enhance your 3a curls’ movement and definition. Style with curl-enhancing products and let them air dry, or use a diffuser to diffuse your curly hair.

Space Buns

Space buns perfectly complement your hair type. It looks really cute fun and girlie while flaunting your pretty manes.

Low Ponytail

Low ponytails work really for your hair type. It makes you appear effortless, takes a couple of minutes, and looks gorgeous. You can accessories with different hair accessories with pearls, claw clips work great too as well as a simple scarf just amps up the entire look. 

Shoulder Length Hair Cuts

This haircut won’t make your hair appear weighed down nor will it make your hair appear too short. It’s the perfect length for 3A hair where you can flaunt your beautiful curls. You can also go for modern curly mullet hairstyle as it suits your hair well.

Curly Bangs

You might think that curly hair and bangs don’t go well but think again. A lot of people with curly hair are joining this trend because it looks extremely pretty and sporty. 

Exclusive Hair Hacks For Your Hair Type 3A hair

• Follow the Curly Girl Method to better enhance your curls and opt for products that are meant specifically for your hair type.
• Incorporate a good clarifying shampoo for curly hair in your routine to remove excessive product build-up. And go for a hair detox once every two months. 

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Be gentle while you are dealing with your hair and make sure you don’t touch your hair way too much.
• Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair instead of regular towels. 

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• Your hair is prone to protein build-up so minimize hair products with protein of protein treatments. 
• Go for pineapple updo when you sleep at night to protect your hair while sleeping.
• Opt for a good wooden comb instead or a boar bristle brush or your regular plastic combs. The wooden combs will help distribute the excessive natural oils from your scalp to your dry manes which will prevent your scalp and hair from getting greasy fast and nourish your manes. You can also invest in a good detangling brush and a wide toothcomb to assist you better. 

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Invest in a good flat iron for curly hair or a flat iron with teeth for better results on the days you want to go for sleek straight hair. Just make sure you use a good heat protectant beforehand. You can also opt for a good blowout.

Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• Invest in a good hair diffuser to diffuse your curly hair the right way. 

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• The LOC method works well too. You basically Liquid-Oil-Cream aka wet your hair with water, apply a good hydrating hair oil for dry hair and follow up with a curl-defining cream and scrunch your hair for best results. 
• Make hair spa at home your best friend. It will hydrate, heal and repair your hair as well as brighten your dull hair. If you are dealing with hair fall, try a hair spa for hair fall using ingredients from your kitchen.

• Multi-dimensional hair color ideas like ash purple hair, half red half black hair, half black half blonde hair, sunflower hair color, and peekaboo hair colors flaunt 3a hair beautifully. 

Over To You

Understanding your 3A hair’s unique characteristics is the initial stride towards maintaining its magnificent appearance and optimal condition. By leveraging suitable hair care products and adopting effective styling methods, you can enhance the inherent allure of your locks.

Hope you find this guide on how to take care of 3A hair useful. Let me know which hairstyles you picked for your hair type. In case you feel I missed out on any important points feel free to reach out via comments. Before you go don’t forget to check out:

• Best Flat Irons For Silk Press On Natural Hair
• Why Does My Hair Curl At The End? 12 Reasons & Solutions

Have a lovely day.