Have you ever looked in the mirror and asked: What’s my hair type? Why won’t it hold a curl? Why is there so much frizz? What products or techniques will finally give me the results I crave? I totally understand the struggle. That’s why today, I will help you discover your hair type so you can create a bomb hair care routine that’s just right for you.
So, if you’re ready to know everything about your hair type and texture, let’s jump right in!
Why Does Knowing Your Hair Type Matter?
That’s because knowing your hair type allows you to give it exactly what it needs to look its absolute best.
Think about it: if you don’t know whether your hair is fine and delicate, thick and coarse, or somewhere in between, how can you choose the right products and styling methods? Using the wrong things for your texture can lead to damage, frizz, and just an overall hot mess.
But when you know your hair type down to the density, porosity, texture, and curl pattern, you’re finally working with your hair instead of against it.
Now, let’s explore the different types and what makes each one special!
What are the Different Hair Types?
Hair types are categorized based on their curl patterns, originally popularized by Andre Walker, a renowned hairstylist known for working with Oprah Winfrey.
The classification system divides the hair into four main types, further breaking down each type into specific subcategories based on the tightness and definition of the curl or wave pattern.
Type 1. Straight
Just like it sounds, straight hair has no curl pattern at all. The hair falls flat from the roots to the ends with virtually no bend or wave. It subcategorizes into:
Type 1A. Very Fine and Thin. These strands are delicate, with little to no volume or body. They hold styles well but are prone to greasiness.
Type 1B. Medium Texture and Some Body. While straight, this hair has some volume and movement. It’s not limp, but it’s not super full, either.
Type 1C. Straight with a slight wave. You’ll see a bend or wave toward the ends, especially if air-dried.
Type 2. Wavy
Wavy hair has that coveted tousled beach texture with defined horizontal S-shaped wave patterns. It subcategorizes into:
2A. Loose Waves, Fine Texture. The hair has loose waves with a fine texture, giving it a subtle beachy appearance.
2B. Defined S-wave Pattern with Slight Frizz. It is more textured than 2A, with distinct S-shaped waves that start higher up the strand with a tendency for slight frizz.
2C. Thick Waves with More Defined S-shape – Thick waves that form a distinct S-shape pattern, offering volume and texture.
Type 3. Curly
This hair type has those defined curls that bounce back with a natural S-shape. They can range from loose spirals to tighter coils, giving your hair that lively, springy texture. It subcategorizes into:
3A. Loose, elongated curls. Hair with loose curls that are shiny, voluminous, and bouncy.
3B. Tight Ringlets with Medium Texture. This type has a tighter curl pattern, is about the circumference of a Sharpie marker, and has more volume than Type 3A curls.
3C. Tight corkscrew curls. This type has densely packed curls about the size of a pencil or straw that coil up close to the root in a zig-zag pattern.
Type 4. Coily
Coily hair takes those curls to an even tighter, more condensed level. These coils are smaller and more fragile, with a distinct Z-shaped pattern, and can range from fine to coarse. It subcategorizes into:
4A. Tightly coiled S-patterns. The strands form very tight coils about the width of a pencil in an angled pattern.
4B. Zig-zag Z-pattern coils. These fragile coils form a tight zig-zag pattern with less defined curls than Type 4A. The strands are densely packed and often have a cotton-like texture.
4C. Fragile, super tight coils. This type has the tightest coil pattern among all hair types, with strands forming densely packed coils or zig-zag patterns. It is fragile and prone to shrinkage, making it challenging to manage.
What Other Factors Define Your Hair Type?
While your curl pattern and which subcategory you fall into is the primary identifier, there are a few other crucial factors that make your specific hair type uniquely yours:
A. Hair Texture
Hair texture refers to the thickness or diameter of individual hair strands. It significantly affects how your hair looks, feels and responds to styling. Here’s a breakdown:
- Fine: These hair strands are thin and delicate. They often lack volume and may appear wispy, so styling fine hair requires lighter products to avoid weighing it down.
- Medium: This one is right in the sweet spot—not too thin and fragile, yet not overly thick and coarse either. It strikes the perfect balance between volume and manageability, making it easy to style.
- Coarse: These hair strands are thick and robust. They tend to be strong and resilient but can also be prone to frizz and require more moisture to keep them manageable.
B. Hair Porosity
The hair cuticle’s structure determines the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, which genetics, chemical treatments, and environmental factors can influence. Here’s the breakdown:
- High: Hair with high porosity has gaps and holes in the cuticle that allow moisture to enter and leave quickly. It absorbs products easily but struggles to retain moisture, leading to dryness and frizz.
- Normal: Hair with normal porosity has a balanced ability to absorb and retain moisture. The cuticle is neither tight nor loose, making it generally healthy and easy to manage.
- Low: Hair with low porosity has a tightly packed cuticle layer that resists moisture absorption. It can be challenging for products to penetrate, leading to product buildup and the need for lightweight, water-based products.
C. Hair Density
Hair density refers to the number of hair strands on your scalp per square inch. It influences how full or sparse your hair appears and can impact hairstyling choices. Here are the categories:
- Low: Hair with low density has fewer strands per square inch and may appear thin or sparse, especially at the crown. Styles may require volumizing products and techniques to create the appearance of fuller hair.
- Medium: Hair with medium density strikes a balance with an average number of strands per square inch. It’s versatile and can often hold various styles well with minimal effort.
- High: Hair with high density has more strands per square inch, giving it a fuller appearance. It looks thick and voluminous and requires more time and effort to style and manage.
Understanding these factors helps you better care for your hair by choosing appropriate products, styling techniques, and treatments that cater to your specific hair type and needs.
The 4 Steps to Identify Your Hair Type
Identifying your hair type is about understanding how it looks, how it behaves, and what it needs to thrive. Here are four straightforward steps to help you determine your unique hair type:
Step 1: Assess Your Curl Pattern
Here’s how to identify yours:
- Straight: Check if your hair naturally falls without bends or curls from root to tip.
- Wavy: Observe if your hair forms gentle, loose S-shaped waves, particularly around eye level.
- Curly: Look for tighter, springy curls ranging from loose loops to tight corkscrews.
- Coily: Notice if your hair forms tight zig-zag patterns or small coils.
To assess your curl pattern, wash your hair and let it air dry without products. This method allows you to see how your hair naturally curls or falls.
Step 2: Determine Your Hair Texture
Here’s how to determine yours:
- Fine: Take a single strand of hair and feel if it’s barely visible or silky.
- Medium: Check if the strand feels thicker than fine hair but not coarse.
- Coarse: Feel if the strand is thick and strong, possibly resistant to bending.
Determining your hair texture involves touching and evaluating a single strand of hair between your fingers to assess its thickness and resilience.
Step 3: Test Your Hair Porosity Level
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Understanding your porosity level helps you choose the right products. Here’s how to test it:
Take a clean strand of hair and drop it into a glass of water
- If it sinks quickly, you likely have high porosity.
- If it floats in the middle, your porosity is normal.
- If it floats at the top, your hair likely has low porosity.
Step 4: Evaluate Your Hair Density
Here’s how to evaluate your hair density:
- Low Density: Part your hair and notice if your scalp is easily visible through the strands.
- Medium Density: Check if your scalp is partially visible through your hair.
- High Density: Observe if your scalp is barely visible due to the thick coverage of hair strands.
Evaluating your hair density involves visually inspecting your scalp’s visibility through your hair to determine how densely packed your strands are.
By following these four steps, you’ll better understand your hair type, enabling you to choose the right products and styles to enhance your hair’s natural beauty and health.
Final Takeaways
Identifying your hair type is a journey of discovery that empowers you to embrace and care for your hair in the best possible way. Here are key takeaways to remember:
- Embrace Your Natural Texture: Understanding your hair type allows you to appreciate its natural beauty anduniqueness.
- Tailor Your Hair Care Routine: Knowing your hair type helps you choose products and techniques that suit your needs. From shampoos and conditioners to styling products, selecting those designed for your hair type can enhance its health and appearance.
- Experiment and Learn: Feel free to experiment with different products and styling methods to see what works best for your hair. Hair care is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you.
- Regular Assessments: Your hair type may evolve due to various factors such as aging, hormonal changes, and environmental influences. Periodically reassess your hair type to adjust your hair care regimen accordingly.
- Consultation and Support: If you need clarification on your hair type or personalized advice, consider consulting with a hair care professional. They can provide insights and recommendations tailored to your hair’s unique characteristics.
In conclusion, discovering your hair type is a journey worth taking. It’s more than just aesthetics—it’s about understanding what makes your hair unique and how to nurture it. I’d love to hear about your experiences identifying your hair type and any tips you have for others! So, feel free to share it in the comments below.
xx,
FAQs Section
Q: What are the main types of hair?
A: The four main types of hair are classified based on the shape of the hair follicle: straight, wavy, curly, and coily.
Q: How do I determine my hair type?
A: You can determine your hair type by observing the shape of your curls or waves, assessing your hair texture (fine, medium, coarse), checking your hair’s porosity (how well it absorbs moisture), and evaluating its density (how many strands you have per square inch).
Q: What is the difference between hair texture and hair type?
A: Hair type refers to the curl pattern (straight, wavy, curly, coily), while hair texture refers to the thickness or diameter of individual hair strands (fine, medium, coarse).
Q: Does hair type change over time?
A: Genetics largely determines your hair type, so it stays consistent throughout your life. However, hormonal changes, aging, and specific treatments may temporarily alter your hair’s texture or pattern.
Q: How does hair porosity affect hair care?
A: Hair porosity determines how well hair absorbs and retains moisture. High-porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but may lose it just as fast, requiring more frequent conditioning. Low-porosity hair resists moisture absorption and may benefit from lighter products.
Q: What is the best way to care for each hair type?
A: The best care routine varies based on your specific hair type. For example, straight hair benefits from lightweight products to avoid weighing it down, while coily hair thrives with rich, moisturizing products to combat dryness and maintain curl definition.
Q: Can hair type affect hairstyle choices?
A: Absolutely! Different hair types respond differently to various styling techniques and products. Understanding your hair type helps you choose hairstyles that enhance natural texture and minimize styling damage.
Q: How often should I wash my hair based on my hair type?
A: Washing frequency depends on your hair type and personal preference. Generally, straight hair tends to get oily faster and requires more frequent washing, while curly and coily hair can often go longer between washes to retain natural oils.
Q: Is it possible to have multiple hair types on one head?
A: Yes, it is common to have different hair types on other parts of your head. For example, your crown may have tighter coils (Type 4), while the back may be wavier (Type 2). Understanding these variations helps you tailor your hair care routine.
Q: Is there an ideal hair type or texture?
A: Not at all – every hair type is beautiful and unique in its own way! The key is identifying your genuine texture to learn what products and methods will allow it to thrive. Embrace the hair you were born with rather than coveting someone else’s.
Q: Is there a way to change hair density?
A: While you can’t permanently change the density with which your hair grows, some styling tricks make it appear fuller or lighter. Using volumizing products, BackCombing, and cuts with layering can boost density. On the other hand, a super slicked-back or flat style can minimize high-density hair.
