1. “What’s a simple weekly and monthly routine for 3A, 3B, and 3C curls?”

Short answer:
Keep moisture consistent, use balanced stylers every wash day, and treat curls gently between washes.

Weekly baseline (all Type 3)

Wash: 1–2× per week with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser
(Curls do best with less frequent washing.)

Condition: Every wash day, from mid-lengths to ends
(3C can leave a little on the ends for slip.)

Style: After every wash:

• Leave-in conditioner

• Curl cream or light cream (amount depends on texture)

• Gel for definition + frizz control

Monthly add-ons:

Clarifying wash (1× / month)
To remove hard water minerals, product buildup, or excess oils.
Always follow with a moisturizing conditioner.

Deep conditioning (every 2–4 weeks):

• 3A: moisture mask, 10–15 min

• 3B: moisture or moisture/strength mask, 15–20 min

• 3C: richer, more emollient mask, 20–30 min for elasticity and softness

Tiny variations by subtype:

3A – loose, stretched spirals

• Lighter creams

• Less frequent deep conditioning

• Gel helps maintain definition

3B – springy ringlets

• Middleground moisture

• Cream + gel combo works best

• Benefits from consistent weekly conditioning

3C – tight corkscrew curls

• Needs the most moisture

• Creams + leave-ins are essential

• Slightly richer deep conditioners and more frequent treatments

2. “How much product should I use so my curls stay defined—not crunchy or weighed down?”

Rule of thumb:
Start with small amounts, add water as your emulsifier, and build slowly.
Type 3 curls respond best to water + product, not product alone.

For shoulder-length, average-density curls:

Leave-in conditioner

• 3A: nickel size

• 3B: nickel–quarter size

• 3C: quarter size, sometimes a bit more on ends

Apply mid-lengths → ends. Avoid roots.

Curl cream

• 3A: pea–nickel size (very small)

• 3B: nickel size

• 3C: quarter size or more for high-density curls

Gel

• 3A: nickel size

• 3B: nickel–quarter size

• 3C: quarter size or a palmful for thick, dense curls

Spread gel across palms → scrunch into very wet curls.

Simple test:

• If curls feel coated, sticky, or heavy → too much cream or gel.

• If curls frizz quickly or lose shape → add a bit more gel or apply on wetter hair.

3. “What’s the best way to layer leave-ins, creams, and gels (with and without diffusing)?”

Think: hydration → definition → hold.

A. Light, bouncy routine (3A / some 3B)

Perfect for air drying or soft diffusing.

On soaking-wet hair:

1. Leave-in: light amount

2. Curl cream: small amount, rake or scrunch

3. Gel: scrunch on top

Drying:
Air dry or diffuse on low heat/low airflow.
Avoid touching until 100% dry.

Use this when you want soft, touchable curls.

B. More definition + hold routine (3B / 3C)

Use this for long-lasting curl definition or humid weather.

1. Leave-in

2. Curl cream (slightly more for 3C)

3. Gel layered on top

Drying options:

• Plop: 5–10 minutes in a t-shirt or microfiber towel

• Diffuse: low/medium heat, medium airflow
  Diffuse to 80–90% dry for best shape and volume.

Air-dry version: skip plopping and let curls set undisturbed.

4. “How do I fix stringy curls, flat roots, or halo frizz?”

A. Stringy curls

Common causes:

• Not enough water during styling

• Brushing after applying stylers

• Too little product or uneven distribution

• Gel applied only to ends

Fixes:

• Apply products on very wet curls to encourage clumping

• Detangle only with conditioner in the shower

• Scrunch cream + gel with open hands (not just the tips)

• Once dry, scrunch out the crunch with a few drops of serum or light oil

B. Flat roots

Common causes:

• Heavy products near the scalp

• No root lift during drying

• Product buildup

Fixes:

• Keep leave-ins + creams away from roots

• Diffuse upside down or to the side

• Try root clips while drying

• Clarify monthly if hair feels coated or flat

C. Halo frizz (outer-layer frizz)

Common causes:

• Rough towel drying

• Inadequate moisture on canopy

• Sleeping on cotton pillowcases

• Wearing hair loose at night

Fixes:

• Use microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt; blot, don’t rub

• Smooth a tiny bit of leave-in or gel over the top using praying-hands motion

• Sleep on satin pillowcase or use a bonnet/pineapple

• For refresh days: water mist + refresh spray + small amount of foam or light cream