Afro curly hair and kinky hair are sometimes considered as one, but they differ slightly. Both are a part of the textured hair category, but they have different patterns, densities, and features that differentiate them. Afro curly hair typically consists of tighter curls with greater volume and definition. It creates a round, full appearance and can be anywhere from loose curls to coily textures. The curl pattern is usually evident, creating a bouncy and springy texture in the hair.
Conversely, kinky hair tends to be much tighter in curl pattern, also known as type 4 hair in the hair typing classification. Kinky hair strands can zig or create very small coils that tend to shrink quite considerably in length. In contrast to Afro curly hair, kinky textures can appear denser and feel coarser or more fragile, yet remain highly versatile. Kinky hair tends to be dry because natural oils from the scalp struggle to reach the tightly coiled hair, and therefore it requires regular moisturizing and careful handling.
It is worth noting that Afro curly hair can exhibit both curly and kinky textures, depending on individual genetics. A person with Afro hair may have loose curls that are simpler to define, while another individual may have closely coiled kinky hairs that shrink up to 75% of their real length.
Afro curly and kinky hair are both the epitome of natural, textured hair beauty, yet they differ in terms of tightness, definition, and maintenance. Afro curly hair is a more general category, while kinky hair refers to the closest curl type in the category. Both are just as beautiful, with personality, and can be styled in innumerable innovative ways to showcase natural beauty.
