The Best Haircuts for Every Curl Type in La Jolla
May 2026 · TS Curls La Jolla
One of the most common questions Travina hears at TS Curls in La Jolla is: "What curl type am I, and what haircut is best for me?" Great question — and the answer matters more than most people realize. The best curly hair cuts in La Jolla aren't one-size-fits-all. They're tailored to your specific curl pattern, density, and lifestyle.
Understanding Your Curl Type
The most widely used curl classification system goes from Type 2 (wavy) to Type 4 (coily), with subcategories A, B, and C within each. Here's a quick breakdown and what cut tends to work best for each:
Type 2A–2C: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair tends to be fine to medium in texture with a loose S-wave pattern. The biggest challenge for wavy-haired clients is frizz and lack of definition. The best cuts for wavy hair include long layers that remove bulk without removing length, and a DevaCut that shapes the wave without fighting it. Clients from Pacific Beach and Solana Beach — where the coastal air can flatten waves — often find that the right shape makes their waves pop naturally.
Type 3A–3C: Curly Hair
Type 3 curls range from loose, bouncy ringlets (3A) to tighter, springier corkscrews (3C). These curl types respond beautifully to the DevaCut technique. Travina focuses on removing weight from the interior of the hair while preserving length where it matters most. The goal is a shape that lifts at the roots and cascades into defined, separated curls. Many TS Curls clients traveling from Carmel Valley and Del Mar have this curl type.
Type 4A–4C: Coily Hair
Type 4 hair is the most tightly coiled and often the most misunderstood by general stylists. The shrinkage factor is significant — 4C hair can shrink up to 75% of its actual length. Travina cuts type 4 hair with shrinkage in mind, ensuring the final shape is flattering when fully shrunken, not just when stretched. Protective styles and wash-and-go cuts are popular options for coily-haired clients at TS Curls.
Why a Consultation Matters
Most people have more than one curl type on their head — it's perfectly normal to have 3A waves on top and 3C coils underneath. That's exactly why Travina begins every appointment at TS Curls with a full consultation. Understanding the map of your curls is what allows her to create a cut that works everywhere, not just in the photos.
If you're in La Jolla or anywhere across San Diego and unsure what curl type you have or what cut would suit you best, book a consultation at TS Curls. Travina will assess your curl pattern in person and recommend the best approach for your unique hair.