The field guide
Find your
pattern.
A shared vocabulary for looking closely. Start with a family, then follow the details.
A common 1A–4C shorthand for describing visible natural pattern, expanded from the Walker tradition. It is a reference vocabulary, not a diagnosis or a measure of strand properties.
straight
Type 1A
Straight, very little visible bend
Falls from root to tip with a nearly linear silhouette.
straight
Type 1B
Straight with gentle body
Mostly straight, with a little natural fullness or movement.
straight
Type 1C
Straight with visible bend
Generally straight, with occasional bends or a slight wave through the lengths.
wavy
Type 2A
Loose S-wave
Forms a soft, open S-shape that may begin below the roots.
wavy
Type 2B
Defined S-wave
Shows a clearer S-shaped wave through the lengths, often with a straighter root area.
wavy
Type 2C
Strong S-wave
Forms pronounced S-bends from near the roots and can approach a loose curl.
curly
Type 3A
Loose spiral curl
Forms visible, open spiral loops with a rounded curl path.
curly
Type 3B
Springy spiral curl
Forms compact, spring-like spirals with a clear repeating curl path.
curly
Type 3C
Tight spiral curl
Forms dense, tightly looping spirals that retain a rounded curl shape.
coily
Type 4A
Defined coiled loops
Forms small, visibly coiled loops with a repeating rounded pattern.
coily
Type 4B
Z-shaped coils and bends
Follows a compact path of sharp bends and angles rather than round loops.
coily
Type 4C
Very tight, subtle coil pattern
Has very tight bends or coils whose repeated pattern may be subtle without close inspection.