When it comes to natural hair, a lot of focus is often placed on Type 4 hair cuties and the maintenance required to keep their tresses in tact. But what about those with Type 3 hair? Though there is definitely information floating around and many products on the market dedicated to those with Type 3 hair, if your natural hair journey is just beginning, here are a few things you should know.

Shampoo once a week and co-wash mid-week if needed.

Those with Type 3 hair can probably attest to how quickly their hair dries out. It’s for this specific reason that you’ll want to use a good shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to follow each week. Our Oh So Clean — Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo followed by the In Control — Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner, for example, will do wonders.

If you feel as if you need a cleanse in between washes, however, adding in a moisturizing co-wash will be a great holdover. Try our Purify Me — Moisturizing Co-Wash Cleanser for this.

Opt for light oils to seal in your moisture.

Not sure which products you should be using with your Type 3 hair? Try finding those that include humectants — especially throughout the warmer months — to attract the moisture that your hair requires. Our Curl La La Defining Curl Custard is a good example of what to use. After that though, you’ll want to lock in your moisture with a light oil like our Frizz Rebel Coconut & Sweet Almond oil.

Deep condition every week or bi-weekly.

Since Type 3 hair has a tendency to get dry quickly and takes issue with encountering an abundant amount of frizz, deep conditioning when you shampoo each week (or bi-weekly) will assist in alleviating those problems. Deep conditioning with a product like the Coco Repair Deep Conditioner will help maintain or improve the moisture-protein balance of your hair.

Detangle with your fingers.

It’s been said by many with Type 3 hair that finger detangling is easier (and better!) for your hair than trying to do so with a wide tooth comb. And it can be done on wet hair or after you’ve applied the Knot On My Watch — Instant Detangling Therapy.

Pay attention to how you layer your products.

Both your hair type (a, b, or c) and porosity play a part in how you layer your products, so it’s important that you pay attention to the results your routine yields. Two examples that work well for those with Type 3 hair are to either mix a leave-in with a light gel or to layer a mousse over a cream; both to be done while your hair is completely wet.

Likewise, pay attention to your hair porosity to know which products will work best for you.

Just like those with Type 4 hair, Type 3 holders need to know that there’s a difference between 3a, 3b, and 3c hair and how to care for it. But, you also need to pay attention to the level of porosity your hair sits at so that you are able to use the right products and — like mentioned above — be able to layer them in the correct order. Not sure what level of porosity your hair has? Check out our guide here.

Don’t touch your mane until it’s completely dry.

If you’re donning Type 3 curls, you know that your spirals or ringlets are seen best while your hair is wet and have just had product applied. Though combating frizz and keeping your curls defined throughout the day is a struggle for most, one way to help keep these issues at bay is to not touch your hair until it completely dries. This also includes keeping your hands away if you choose to diffuse.