15 Signs to Determine if You Have Curly Hair

Discover how to identify if your hair falls into the curly category with practical tips and clear indicators.

Perform a Strand Test: Wet a Hair Strand and Watch If It Curls Up As It Dries

perform a strand test wet a hair strand and watch if it curls up as it dries

Observing the way your hair reacts as it transitions from wet to dry can reveal its natural curl tendencies.

Check Your Hairline: Look for Curls or Waves Around Your Face When Hair Is Wet

check your hairline look for curls or waves around your face when hair is wet

Observing the wet hairline reveals natural curl patterns that often make their first appearance in this region.

Use the Pencil Method: Wrap a Damp Hair Around a Pencil to See If It Spirals

use the pencil method wrap a damp hair around a pencil to see if it spirals

If a damp strand of hair coils around a pencil, it likely indicates a natural curl tendency.

Analyze Your Family Tree: Look for Relatives With Curly Hair Genetics

analyze your family tree look for relatives with curly hair genetics

Genetic patterns can often forecast your own hair type, so observing your relatives’ locks may give insight into yours.

Inspect After a Shower: Don’t Comb; Let Your Hair Air Dry and Observe for Curls

inspect after a shower dont comb let your hair air dry and observe for curls

Observe your hair’s natural pattern by allowing it to air dry post-shower without using a comb.

Look for Frizz: Frizziness Often Accompanies Naturally Curly Hair

look for frizz frizziness often accompanies naturally curly hair

If your mane tends to frizz, it’s a telltale sign that you may have innate curls.

Observe Hair Behavior in Humidity: Curly Hair Tends to React Strongly to Moisture

observe hair behavior in humidity curly hair tends to react strongly to moisture

If your locks tend to frizz or expand on humid days, this could indicate a curly hair type.

Try the Scrunch Test: Scrunch Wet Hair With Your Hands and See If It Curls

try the scrunch test scrunch wet hair with your hands and see if it curls

Gently squeezing wet strands in your palm can reveal curl tendencies as your hair responds to this simple tactile encouragement.

Examine Hair Texture: Curly Hair Tends to Have a Coarse or Rough Texture

examine hair texture curly hair tends to have a coarse or rough texture

If your hair feels more wiry or textured when you run your fingers through it, this could be a sign of natural curls.

Skip Hair Products: Go Product-free After Washing to See Hair’s Natural Shape

skip hair products go product free after washing to see hairs natural shape

Washing and allowing your hair to dry without products can reveal its innate curl pattern.

Take a Hair Porosity Test: Curly Hair Often Has High Porosity

take a hair porosity test curly hair often has high porosity

High porosity often indicates a tendency towards curliness due to the hair’s ability to absorb moisture quickly.

Examine Old Photos: Look for Naturally Curly Hair in Your Childhood Pictures

examine old photos look for naturally curly hair in your childhood pictures

Sifting through childhood photos can reveal your hair’s innate tendencies, as young strands often show natural curl patterns before the influence of styling and products.

Watch for Uneven Curl Patterns: Curly Hair May Have Mixed Patterns

watch for uneven curl patterns curly hair may have mixed patterns

If strands vary from waves to tight spirals, it often indicates naturally curly hair.

Use a Diffuser: Blow Dry With a Diffuser and See If Curls Become More Pronounced

use a diffuser blow dry with a diffuser and see if curls become more pronounced

Employing a diffuser attachment can accentuate your hair’s natural wave or curl pattern during the drying process.

Sleep With Damp Hair: Check for Curls or Waves the Next Morning Without Styling

sleep with damp hair check for curls or waves the next morning without styling

Wake up to your hair’s natural tendencies by observing its shape after a night’s rest.