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I know I’m not the only one who says I just didn’t understand my hair for years. I come from a family of grade-3 tight hair, and when my hair was always kind of wavy and kind of not when it dried, I was at a loss. Then came “Irish curls” – the first TikTok trend where I actually saw my unremarkable wave pattern.
Irish curls, or Irish hair, have been trending on TikTok lately, showing users that their confusing hair type could actually be this Gaelic-inspired curl pattern. But while many were excited to learn about this “new” hairstyle, others debated whether Irish hair isn’t simply another word for wavy 2b curls. To answer all your questions about Irish curls, we asked a curl expert known for her work with Irish curls. Below, you’ll find out everything you’ve been wondering about Irish curls.
What is Irish hair? Why did it get this title?
Libby Brenner, a curl specialist and educator in Ohio, explains that “basically, Irish hair is usually wavy on the bottom but has a top layer that is much straighter and the strands barely bend, resulting in two completely different curl patterns. Most people with Irish hair have thick hair with coarse strands that can feel very heavy. This particular texture combination is typically seen in people of Irish descent, hence why it has also been given the name Irish Hair or Irish Waves on social media.”
How is Irish hair different from wavy or curly hair?
When Irish hair and Irish curls first gained traction on TikTok, many (myself included) were excited and found it reassuring to know that their unique hair type was not unique. However, many others were confused as to how Irish curls differ from the traditional 1-4 curl pattern system we are familiar with. However, according to Brenner, there is a difference. “The main difference between wavy/curly hair and Irish hair is the noticeably straighter sections on top. The curl patterns are so different that many sufferers are confused as to whether to wear their hair natural or straighten it.”
Which products are best for Irish hair?
For someone with Irish hair, finding products that help define the curly sections without weighing down the straighter sections is no easy task. Luckily, if you’re having trouble styling your Irish hair, Brenner has a solution for you. “My favorite products for Irish hair are a combination of gels,” she says. “I like to start by working Innersense I Create Volume ($28) into sections from root to tip. After that’s applied, I have my client tip forward and gently scrunch in Innersense I Create Hold ($28). I Create Volume adds light hold and definition to the waves, while I Create Hold adds shine and longevity. If clients want a little more texture, I recommend spraying Innersense I Create Finish ($28) or I Create Waves ($26) onto dry waves.”
