Coily Hair vs Curly Hair: What’s the Difference & How to Care for Each?

Ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Do I have coily hair or curly hair?” These two hair types look similar at first, but they have big differences when it comes to texture, moisture needs, and styling. If your curls seem unpredictable—some days bouncy, other days dry and frizzy—you might be using the wrong products. Understanding the difference between coily hair vs curly hair makes hair care easier. The right routine keeps your curls healthy, defined, and full of life. Let’s break it down and help you find the best way to care for your gorgeous curls!

What Is Coily Hair?

Coily hair has tight, spring-like curls that look like tiny coils or zigzag patterns. It’s full of volume and stands out with its bold, beautiful texture. Unlike wavy or curly hair, coily hair forms tighter, smaller curls that don’t easily loosen.

One thing that makes coily hair unique is shrinkage. It can look much shorter than it actually is because the curls are so tight. When stretched, the length can be surprising!

This hair type is incredibly versatile. It can be styled in natural curls, twist-outs, braids, or stretched for a longer look. No matter how you wear it, coily hair is strong, full of personality, and always eye-catching!

How to Identify Coily Hair

Not sure about coily hair vs curly hair? Here are some signs to recognize coily hair:

• Tight coils or zigzag patterns: Your curls don’t form loose spirals but instead coil up tightly or have sharp angles.
• High shrinkage: Your hair looks much shorter when dry than when wet.
• Feels dry often: Your scalp produces natural oils, but they struggle to travel down the length of your hair due to its tight shape.
• Soft yet fragile strands: Your hair may feel fluffy and light, but it needs gentle handling to prevent breakage.
• Dense and voluminous: Even if your strands are fine, your hair appears full and thick because of the tightly packed curls.
• Easily forms knots and tangles: The curls wrap around each other, making detangling a careful process.

You can wear it naturally, stretched, or styled in protective looks like twists and braids. No matter how you wear it, coily hair stands out with its bold texture and beautiful shape!

What Is Curly Hair?

Curly hair forms loops, spirals, or ringlets instead of straight strands. The curls can be loose and wavy or tight and bouncy, depending on the curl pattern. Between coily hair vs curly hair, curly hair doesn’t shrink as much as coily hair, so it usually looks longer.

This hair type holds its shape naturally but reacts to weather and moisture. On humid days, curls can puff up and get frizzy. Without enough hydration, they can turn dry and lose definition. Curly strands can be thick or fine, but they all share one thing: curls need moisture to stay soft and bouncy. Without the right balance, they can get weighed down or lose their shape.

Curly hair also changes throughout the day. Curls might look tight in the morning but loosen by evening. Some days they’re well defined, while other days they might not cooperate at all. That’s what makes this hair type fun and full of personality!

How to Know If You Have Curly Hair

Not sure if your hair is curly vs coily hair? Here are the key signs of curly hair:

• Natural spirals or loops: Your hair forms curls without needing to be styled.
• Changes with humidity: Your curls may puff up in humid weather or look stretched out in dry conditions.
• Some shrinkage when dry: Your hair looks longer when wet but bounces up as it dries.
• Prone to frizz: Your curls may look smooth after washing but get frizzy throughout the day.
• Holds curl shapes well: Your hair easily holds braids, twists, or natural curls without needing extra styling products.
• Defined curl pattern: Whether loose waves or tight ringlets, your hair has a clear curl shape.

Curly hair is fun, full of life, and always changing. No two curly days look exactly the same, but that’s what makes it unique!

See more instructions and sharing from Luxshine Hair about Curly hair length chart here

Coily Hair vs Curly Hair: What’s the Difference?

Many people ask about the difference between curly and coily hair. They both have beautiful, natural shapes, but also differ in many ways. If you’re unsure which one you have, here’s a closer look at how they compare:

1. Curl Pattern

• Coily Hair: Forms very tight curls, spirals, or zigzags. The curls can look like small springs or sharp angles rather than smooth waves.
• Curly Hair: Creates well-defined loops or ringlets. Some curls form big, loose spirals, while others are tighter but still have a smooth, rounded shape.

2. Shrinkage

• Coily Hair: Shrinks the most. When wet, it looks much longer, but as it dries, it can shrink up to 75% of its actual length.
• Curly Hair: Also shrinks, but not as much. The curls still bounce up when dry, but they keep a more visible length than coily hair.

3. Moisture Needs

• Coily Hair: Both coily hair vs curly hair need deep hydration. But the tight curls of coily hair make it harder for natural scalp oils to travel down the strands. So this hairstyle can lead to dryness more than curly hair.
• Curly Hair: Still needs moisture, but holds onto it better than coily hair. Oils can move down the curls more easily, keeping them softer for longer.

4. Frizz Level

• Coily Hair: Gets frizzy quickly, especially if it lacks moisture. The strands lift and separate, making the hair look puffy.
• Curly Hair: Also prone to frizz, but it depends on the weather and hair care. With enough hydration, curls stay smooth and defined.

5. Styling Options

• Coily Hair: Works well with protective styles like twists, braids, or Bantu knots. It also holds stretched styles for longer.
• Curly Hair: Works best with wash-and-go styles, curl creams, and diffusers for volume. It can be straightened more easily than coily hair.

Caring for Coily Hair vs Curly Hair Extensions

Getting the perfect extensions is only the first step—keeping them healthy, soft, and long-lasting is just as important!

1. Washing & Cleansing

• Coily Hair Extensions: Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo to prevent dryness. Wash no more than once a week to retain moisture.
• Curly Hair Extensions: Wash with a gentle, curl-friendly shampoo every 5-7 days to keep the curls soft and defined. Avoid products with alcohol that dry out the hair.

2. Conditioning & Moisturizing

• Coily Hair Extensions: Deep condition every wash. Coily textures need extra hydration, so use rich conditioners with shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
• Curly Hair Extensions: Condition after every wash and use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to keep curls smooth and frizz-free.

3. Detangling

• Coily Hair Extensions: Detangle with a wide-tooth comb while the hair is damp and coated with conditioner. Always start from the ends and work your way up.
• Curly Hair Extensions: Use a detangling brush or your fingers to prevent frizz and breakage. Always detangle when wet, never dry.

4. Styling & Heat Usage

• Coily Hair Extensions: Avoid excessive heat styling to maintain the natural curl pattern. Opt for twist-outs or braid-outs instead of straightening.
• Curly Hair Extensions: Use a diffuser when blow-drying to enhance volume and definition. Apply a curl-enhancing mousse for extra bounce.

Final Thoughts on Coily Hair vs Curly Hair

Both coily hair and curly hair have their own unique beauty. Coily hair stuns with its tight, springy coils, while curly hair shines with its soft, bouncy spirals. No matter which one you have, the key to healthy, vibrant hair is using the right products and techniques.

If you’re looking for premium-quality extensions to match your natural texture, Luxshine Hair has you covered. As a top Vietnamese hair vendor, we provide 100% human hair extensions that blend perfectly with both curly and coily textures.

Need help choosing the best hair for you? Message us on WhatsApp at (+84) 862 552 088, and our team will assist you right away. Get the best hair and bring out your natural beauty today!