Type 3B hair
Medium, corkscrew curls about the diameter of a marker
Shrinkage
30-45%
Strand diameter
Medium
Porosity tendency
Medium to high
Category
Curly
3B
Photo sourcing: Phase 2
What 3B hair looks like
Type 3B sits at the heart of the curly category. Corkscrews form with a diameter close to that of a standard marker pen - tighter than 3A but not as densely packed as 3C. The curls are voluminous and springy, with 30-45% shrinkage. Frizz is a significant consideration. Without moisture and hold products, 3B curls separate and expand rather than clumping into definition.
3B hair has a satisfying springiness - compress a curl and it bounces back to its original diameter. The corkscrews form with reasonable consistency across the head, though many 3B types have slightly tighter curls at the nape and slightly looser curls at the crown - a mixed texture is the norm, not the exception. Density varies widely among 3B types. High-density 3B creates significant volume when dry; lower-density 3B with a finer strand reads as a more open, defined ringlet. Both are valid 3B. If you're wondering whether you're 3B or 3C, look at the tightest areas of your hair - if any sections form a genuine pencil-diameter coil, that's your upper limit.
Noted examples
3B is frequently discussed in natural hair tutorials. Tracee Ellis Ross and Solange Knowles have both spoken about their 3B/3C mixed patterns and the specific products they use for definition. Many celebrities in the mixed-heritage space have documented their 3B experiences.
3B vs neighbouring types
3A curls are wider in diameter and less tightly sprung than 3B. The test: if your curl wraps loosely around a thick marker, that's 3A. If it wraps tightly around the same marker and springs back when you let go, you're likely 3B. Shrinkage is also more pronounced in 3B (30-45% versus 3A's 20-35%). In high humidity, 3A is more likely to fall out into waves while 3B holds its shape better - though it may frizz more.
Read the 3A full guide3B and 3C are frequently confused. 3C is tighter than 3B - if your curls are closer in diameter to a pencil than to a marker, you're likely 3C. 3C also has more shrinkage (35-50%) and tends to be denser. If you're unsure, note how your hair reacts to a twist-out: 3B tends to give defined waves; 3C gives more defined coil-style results.
Read the 3C full guideThe 3B care routine
3B hair needs meaningful moisture but not the very heavy products required by Type 4 textures. A solid routine: sulphate-free shampoo every 5-7 days, rinse-out conditioner on every wash (with extra focus on detangling), leave-in applied to soaking wet hair, a curl cream or styler, then a medium-hold gel or mousse to lock in definition. The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) sequence works well. Micro-plopping after washing - pressing, not scrunching, with an old T-shirt rather than a towel - removes excess water without disrupting the curl clumps. Diffuse on medium heat, stopping at 80% dry to reduce frizz. Refresh on non-wash days with water and a light leave-in or curl refresher.
Cleansing
Sulphate-free shampoo every 5-7 days. Co-wash in between if hair feels dry.
Conditioning
Deep condition every 1-2 weeks. Leave-in every wash. Use the LOC method for moisture retention.
Styling
Apply leave-in, cream, and gel while hair is soaking wet. Scrunch to encourage curl clumping. Diffuse or air-dry.
Night routine
Protect your hair at night with a satin or silk pillowcase or bonnet. Loose styles reduce friction and breakage while sleeping.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using fine-hair products (too lightweight - 3B needs real hold and moisture)
Brushing or combing dry hair - this destroys curl clumps and creates breakage
Towel-drying vigorously - use an old T-shirt or microfibre towel, pressing gently
Applying products to dry or partially dry hair - always apply to soaking wet strands
Over-conditioning without occasionally using protein - 3B hair that feels mushy and stretches too much needs a light protein treatment
Products that work for Type 3B
Curated picks by category. Affiliate links included - we earn a commission at no cost to you. See our full disclaimer in the footer.
Shampoo
Low-Poo Original Cleanser
DevaCurl - $26
Low-lather sulphate-free formula ideal for 3B which needs regular cleansing without stripping the moisture barrier
Curl Charisma Shampoo
Ouidad - $28
Curl specialist formula designed for medium-tight curl patterns; gently removes build-up from heavier creams common in 3B routines
Coconut Hibiscus Shampoo
SheaMoisture - $12
Affordable, widely available, and reliably sulphate-free. A solid workhorse for 3B hair on a budget
Conditioner
One Condition Decadence
DevaCurl - $30
Richer than the Delight version - 3B needs more moisture than 3A, and this formula delivers without weighing curls down
Curl Control Defining Conditioner
Ouidad - $24
Excellent slip for detangling 3B's denser curl pattern; helps fingers or wide-tooth comb move through without breakage
Intensive Conditioner
Cantu - $10
Budget pick with genuine results; use as a rinse-out or as a short leave-in for extra moisture between wash days
Leave-in / Cream
Curl Maker Leave-in
Mielle Organics - $14
Water-based leave-in that defines 3B curls without the heaviness that causes product build-up over time
Honey Pot Curl Defining Cream
Pattern Beauty - $24
Designed for type 3-4 patterns. Provides definition and hold for 3B without the crunch or residue of cheaper formulas
Curl Leave-in Lotion
Cantu - $8
Shea butter-based leave-in at an entry-level price point. Great second-step after a water-based leave-in in the LOC method
Gel / Definer
Arc Angel Gel
DevaCurl - $28
Strong hold gel that doesn't leave a white cast. 3B hair needs actual hold to keep corkscrew curls defined in humidity
Knot on My Watch Detangling Spray
Mielle Organics - $12
Doubles as a styler for 3B when applied before curl cream - helps define individual curls during the wash day process
Deep Conditioner
Curl Rehab Butter Mask
DevaCurl - $32
For deep restoration of 3B curls after heat or chemical damage - rich without leaving residue
Hydrate and Repair Masque
Ouidad - $30
Balances protein and moisture for 3B - excellent for maintaining curl elasticity and reducing breakage
Manuka Honey Mask
Mielle Organics - $16
Manuka honey draws moisture into the cuticle - particularly good for high-porosity 3B types that lose moisture quickly
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe suit this hair type.
Next steps
Retake the quiz
Confirm your type or explore borderline results
Test your porosity
Porosity affects product choice more than type alone
Type 3A
Loose, springy curls about the diameter of a large marker or thick chalk
Type 3C
Tight corkscrew curls about the diameter of a pencil
Self-test guide
5 steps to type your hair without the quiz