Curly Hair vs. Coily Hair

“Type 3 curls are springy, defined, and often prone to frizz,” Stacey shares. They respond best to moisture and lightweight hold, like Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold, Curl Shaping Mousse, and Curl Control Silkening Crème. Type 4 is tightly coiled, fluffy, and full of volume. These coils crave richer moisture, generous slip, and definition. For best results, she suggests Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition, Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème, and Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler.

Common Needs Across Textures

At their core, curls and coils aren’t so different. Slip and hydration are non-negotiable. Maintaining frizz, preventing breakage, and providing flexible hold help preserve and define your natural curl pattern. Don’t know which products to pair with your pain points? Keep scrolling for Stacey’s favorites.

Type 3 Hair 
(Loose Curls to Ultra-Curly)

Type 3 hair is all about moisture, definition, and movement. Stacey recommends starting with Eternal Curls Moisturizing Shampoo to gently remove buildup, followed by Eternal Curls Intense Conditioner or Deep Treatment Masque. Prep with Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler to hydrate, protect, and set the foundation for definition. To shape curls and control frizz, she suggests working in small sections with either Curl Control Silkening Crème (for lighter moisture and hold on looser curls), Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème (for richer moisture and hold on tighter curls), or Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold for a moisturizing gel-like hold without the crunch. For hold that lasts—even in humidity—finish with Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil or Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray. 

To avoid disrupting curl formation, she suggests applying stylers to very wet hair and blotting excess water with a microfiber towel or T-shirt before air-drying or diffusing. And during the night? Protecting curls with a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase to preserve softness through day two (and three).

Type 4 Hair 
(Coiled to Tightly Coiled)

Type 4 hair thrives on moisture layering. Stacey recommends cleansing weekly — or co-washing as needed — with Eternal Curls Moisturizing Shampoo or Eternal Curls Cleansing Crème. Follow with a rich, slip-forward conditioner like Eternal Curls Intense Conditioner regularly, and the Eternal Curls Deep Treatment Masque at least every other week, to deeply hydrate and detangle. From there, layer your moisture strategically. Start with Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler, follow with Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème, and finish with Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition if extra hold is desired. Don’t forget to seal the ends with Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil for softness and shine.

To minimize frizz and preserve curl integrity, Stacey suggests stretching hair with twists and braids as it dries, diffusing on low heat, or sitting under a hooded dryer. She also reminds us to prioritize nighttime protection — a satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase is essential for keeping your coils happy.

Stacey’s Type 4 Regimen

“People always ask me what I use on my own hair,” Stacey shares. “So here’s the exact regimen that keeps my coils moisturized, defined, and consistent — season after season.”

For a monthly reset, she uses The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo and Eternal Curls Moisturizing Shampoo for gentle weekly cleansing. For conditioning, she alternates between Eternal Curls Intense Conditioner and Eternal Curls Deep Treatment Masque, then preps with Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler to hydrate, soften, and detangle. 

For wash-and-go days, she defines with a shingling or finger-raking technique and Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition, setting the style under a hooded dryer for about 45 minutes. A final touch of Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil seals in moisture and adds shine. For twist-out styling, Stacey adjusts with the seasons. In fall and winter, she leans into the richer formula of Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème. Come spring and summer, she returns to Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition for lighter hold and movement.