Difference Between Kinky And Curly Hair

Last Updated on June 15th, 2023

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You probably thought kinky hair meant a hairstyle out of this world. But it’s a curl that’s slightly different from curly hair.

Do you know the difference? If not, that’s ok because today you’ll learn the difference between the two. From there, you can determine what kind of hair you have if it is curly in some form.

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How Can You Tell the Difference? 

There are a lot of differences between kinky and curly hair, but we’re going to focus on the most obvious one: curl pattern.

Both types of hair have a coil-like structure and are made up of proteins that protect the strands from damage. Kinky hair curls in a tighter pattern than wavy or curly hair, which means it may be more prone to breakage and less manageable.

The difference between kinky and curly can also be seen in the amount of shrinkage that occurs when wet hair is dried. Kinky hair will shrink more than curly or wavy hair, which means that your twists or braids will be smaller after being styled.

Kinky hair has less shine than wavy or curly hair because it tends to have more oil buildup on its surface due to its coiled nature. Therefore, the shine in kinky hair comes mainly from product application rather than natural oils on the scalp.

 

What is the Easiest Way to Tell the Difference?

Kinky hair has more of a “tight” curl than regular curls. When you dry off after being wet, you’ll notice that the kinky hair will shrink more than wavy and curly hair.

 

What is Considered Kinky Hair?

Kinky hair is a type of curly hair with a distinct pattern and texture. Kinky hair is usually quite thick, and it’s usually tightly coiled. This means that the strands will curl up into a coil shape when wet, but they will straighten out when dry.

Kinky hair is also very resilient and can sometimes be difficult to deal with. However, it can be prone to breakage if it’s not cared for properly.

 

Is Kinky Hair the Same as Coily Hair?

The answer is yes and no.

Kinky and coily are two different words that describe different types of hair texture, but they both mean the same thing: “spirally.”

Coily hair is a specific type of kinky hair that has a more defined curl pattern than other types of kinky hair. Coily hair can be identified by its tight coils and spirals that resemble corkscrews or springs.

Kinky hair does not have to be coily, so if you have kinky hair, but it isn’t coily, you’re still considered to have kinky hair.

 

How Can You Identify Your Hair Type?

The answer is simple: your hair type is a description of your hair’s texture, thickness, and length. There are four main types of hair—curly, wavy, straight, and kinky—and then, within those categories, there are several subcategories.

It’s important to know your hair type if you want to avoid damaging it with the wrong products or styling methods.

If you don’t know your hair type and go to a salon for help, they may recommend something that doesn’t work for you. They might even end up damaging your hair beyond repair!

 

How Many Types of Curly Hair There are?

There are three different types of curly hair. Depending on the curl pattern, curly hair can be classified into four main types: spiral curls, kinky/coily curls, wavy curls, and loose waves. Here are the three types of curls explained in detail:

 

Spiral Curls

These spirals are the tightest of all the curl patterns and are often referred to as “s” shaped curls or corkscrews. The spirals range from tight ringlets to loose spirals with a slight bend.

 

Kinky/Coily Curls

These curls are defined by their tight coils that resemble springs. Kinky/coily curls are usually very tightly coiled and may look frizzy or unruly when they’re not properly cared for.

 

Wavy Curls

These natural waves look like they’ve been styled with a curling iron but were born naturally! They have a soft appearance that’s full of bounce and movement without being too curly or too straight.

 

Hair with this kind of wave is often found in people with thick hair who have wavy or curly textures but don’t want to wear their natural texture every day.

 

Final Thoughts on the Difference Between Kinky and Curly Hair

We hope that this post has helped you figure out exactly what type of hair you have! If you are kinky, congrats. You should be proud because not everyone has hair that is as healthy and amazing as yours. Now get a great haircut to celebrate!

 

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