How to Identify Your Child’s Curl Pattern and Porosity

Joy White
May 28
2 min read

Updated: Jun 1

When it comes to caring for your child’s natural hair, knowledge is power—and one of the most empowering steps you can take is understanding their curl pattern and hair porosity. These two factors help determine what products to use, how to moisturize effectively, and what kind of styling methods will support healthy hair growth.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, practical, and tailored for parents just like you.

What Is a Curl Pattern?

A curl pattern describes the shape and texture of the hair strand. Most hair falls into four main categories:

Type 1: Straight
Type 2: Wavy (2A, 2B, 2C)
Type 3: Curly (3A, 3B, 3C)
Type 4: Coily/Kinky (4A, 4B, 4C)

Each sub-type reflects how loose or tight the curl is:

Type 3 curls are springy, defined, and S-shaped.
Type 4 coils are tighter and may form zig-zags or shrink significantly when dry.

Tip: Wash and detangle your child’s hair, then let it air dry with no product. This gives you the most accurate curl pattern view.

Why Curl Pattern Matters

Knowing your child’s curl type helps you:

Choose products with the right weight and moisture level
Select brushes or combs that won’t cause breakage
Determine styling and protective methods that preserve length

What Is Hair Porosity?

Porosity is your child’s hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s influenced by genetics and external factors like heat or chemical exposure.

The 3 Porosity Types:

Low Porosity

Hair cuticles are tightly packed
Water and products sit on the surface
Dries slowly

Needs lightweight, water-based products and heat to help products absorb

Medium (Normal) Porosity

Balanced absorption and moisture retention
Responds well to most products
Easy to style and maintain

Ideal for many standard curly hair routines

High Porosity

Cuticles are raised or damaged
Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast
Often frizzy, prone to dryness

Needs thicker creams, sealants, and protein treatments

How to Test Hair Porosity

The Water Test:

Take a clean strand of hair (washed, product-free).
Drop it in a glass of water.
- Floats = Low porosity
- Stays mid-level = Medium porosity
- Sinks quickly = High porosity

The Feel Test:

Slide fingers along a strand from end to root.
- Smooth = Low porosity
- Bumpy or uneven = High porosity

How to Talk to Your Child About Their Hair

Caring for curly or coily hair is more than just technical—it’s emotional. Teach your child to understand their hair type with curiosity and pride, not frustration. Let them help with the porosity test. Talk about what their curls need and how amazing it is that their hair has its own blueprint.

Product Recommendations by Type

Curl Type	Best Products
3A-3B	Light creams, gels, leave-ins
3C-4A	Creamy moisturizers, curl puddings
4B-4C	Butters, thick creams, oil sealants

Porosity	Focus On
Low	Warm water, humectants, light oils
Medium	Balanced moisturizers, regular care
High	Protein-rich masks, heavier sealants

In Summary

Understanding your child’s curl pattern and porosity takes the guesswork out of hair care. With this knowledge, you can select the right products, simplify wash day, and empower your child to love their natural crown.

Grab a copy of my book:

Mastering Curly Hair: Essential Tips for Parents of Children with Curls