Is Your Hair Curly Or Wavy? Here’s How to Tell

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my hair curly or wavy?”, you’re definitely not the only one. Many of us have a mix of bends, loose spirals and pieces that dry straighter, which can make it tricky to understand what’s actually going on. And because frizz, heat, hydration and styling products can all influence what you see in the mirror, your texture may not look the same from one day to the next.

Here, we walk through everything you need to know about waves vs. curls, plus a simple, stylist-approved way to read your natural pattern.

First things first: most people are a mix

Before we get into wavy vs. curly, it helps to remember this: very few people have a single, uniform texture. It’s very common to have looser waves around your face, tighter curls underneath, straighter pieces on top and one random ringlet that seems determined to do its own thing.

Typing charts can be a helpful starting point, but you don’t have to stress about fitting neatly into a number or a letter. Curl pattern isn’t a test you pass—it’s simply information that helps you care for your hair better. So, think of this as getting to know your hair’s traits and tendencies, not choosing a permanent label.

What’s the difference between wavy and curly hair?

At the most basic level: wavy hair forms elongated S-shaped curves, while curly hair forms loops or spirals (even loose ones).

Two things determine whether your hair naturally leans wavy, curly or a bit of both: follicle shape and moisture.

Follicle shape

Your texture and pattern start at the root. Every strand grows out of a follicle, and the shape of that follicle influences how much the hair bends.

• Round follicles grow hair that comes in straighter because the strand emerges evenly from all sides.

• Slightly oval follicles encourage gentle bends, which often show up as waves.

• More elliptical or curved follicles push the strand to bend as it grows, creating curls or coils.

Most people have a mix of follicle shapes across their scalp, which is why you might see waves in one area and curls in another.

Moisture

A lack of moisture can disguise your true hair type, making waves fall flat, curls lose their spring and frizz take center stage. The right level of moisture helps smooth the cuticle so your strands can clump, curve and coil the way they’re naturally meant to.

How to tell if your hair is wavy or curly (or both)

For the most accurate read on your natural pattern, start with a reset: cleanse, condition, then let it all dry and fall into shape. Here's a step-by-step: 

1. Cleanse and condition.

Begin with clean, hydrated hair. Waves and curls can’t form clearly when your strands are dry, weighed down or coated in product buildup. (Clarifying Shampoo can help here!)

2. Apply a light leave-in.

A touch of leave-in adds slip and helps your strands naturally “clump”—the foundation of wave and curl formation. Try a small amount of Leave-In Conditioner on mid-lengths and ends.

3. Air-dry without touching.

From here, hands off—fingers, towels and brushes can kick up frizz and affect the way texture forms. Let your hair dry in peace; you’ll get a much truer read on your actual pattern.

4. Assess your dry strands.

Now for the reveal. Once your hair is 100% dry, here’s what to look for.

Soft S-shapes? You lean wavy. Waves love light hydration and a touch of hold to stay defined without being weighed down.

Loops or spirals? That’s curly territory. Curls usually crave more moisture than waves and benefit from a little extra hold to prevent frizz and protect definition.

A bit of both? You’re in good company—mixed textures are extremely common. You can tailor your routine to support both types (light moisture on top, deeper moisture where it’s curlier, for example).

P.S.: If your top layer dries looser but the underneath forms spirals, that’s common, too. The top of your head sees the most brushing, heat and sun, which can temporarily loosen texture. 

What affects how your texture looks day-to-day?

If your hair is curlier on Monday and wavier by Thursday, don’t fret—that's just your texture responding to life. Hydration, product choices, the weather, how much you touched it… it can all make a difference in your curl pattern day to day and over time. 

• Moisture: Moisturized hair springs; dry hair stretches out.

• Weather: Humidity encourages definition; dry air loosens things up.

• Length: Extra length can gently pull waves and curls downward.

• Products: Heavy products can weigh down strands and make your hair look flatter. 

• Styling tools + techniques: Some tools (like a diffuser) enhance curls; others (round brushes, flat irons) tend to disrupt them.

It’s why so many people think they’re “just wavy” until they stop brushing dry hair, take a break from heat styling or start using more hydrating products. Hidden curls are real—and they’re very common!

Wavy and curly hair FAQs

Is wavy hair curly?

Not exactly. Wavy hair bends in S-shaped curves rather than full loops. Waves usually need lighter moisture, while curls often want something a bit richer to hold their shape.

Can hair become curlier over time?

Yes. Texture can shift with age, hormones, changes in density or simply giving your hair better hydration. 

Why is my hair curly underneath but straight on top?

The top layer of your hair is exposed to more brushing, heat and sun than the rest of your hair. That extra stress can relax your curl pattern, leaving it straighter on top and curlier underneath.

Why is my hair wavy until I brush it?

Brushing dry textured hair separates the curves, creating fluff and frizz that can disguise your natural pattern. To preserve definition, try using a wide-tooth comb instead of brush, and detangle with plenty of slip (think damp hair coated in conditioner or a leave-in). 

Why is my hair getting wavy as I get older?

It’s normal for your hair texture and curl pattern to shift with age. Hormones, health changes and years of styling habits can all influence texture. In fact, many people discover waves or curls for the first time later in life.