Your hair type is one of the most essential characteristics that affect the health and manageability of your biometrics. Knowing your hair type can help you find the right products, styling techniques, and methods to keep your hair looking its best. This guide dives deep into the world of hair types, how to figure out your own, and how to best take care of each type.
What Are Hair Types?
There are different types of hair, based on texture, which is determined by the shape of the hair strand. Other Factors — The type of natural hair you have heavily influences how your hair behaves to the products you use, the heat you put on it, and even the environment. Aside from that, there are 4 main types of hair, either straight, curly or coily. In each category, we have our curl pattern, thickness, and porosity subcategories.
Factors That Affect Hair Type
You can’t change your hair type—that’s governed by genetics—but there are a few environmental factors that can affect how your hair behaves. These include:
- Environment: Humidity and climate conditions can play a role in how your hair frizzes or smoothes out.
- Hair Care Practices: We can have products such as shampoos, conditioners, and oils that can make a difference in how our hair looks.
- Health: A bad diet, stress, or a hormonal imbalance can alter the growth and texture of hair.
The Four Main Hair Types
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair has no natural wave or curl, which gives it a sleek appearance. It reflects light well, so it has a shiny look.
Characteristics:
- Does not seem to have natural volume or texture.
- Oily, because oil can travel down the smooth strand easily.
Care Tips:
- Apply lightweight shampoos and conditioners.
- Steer clear of heavy products that can weigh hair down.
- Getting regular trims to prevent split ends.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Curly hair refers to loose, natural waves. You’re not as straight as Type 1 but nowhere near the tight curl of Type 3. It can be more textured or voluminous than straight hair.
Characteristics:
- Waves can be soft S-shaped or more pronounced.
- Fizzes, particularly in moist conditions.
Care Tips:
- Apply curl-boosting shampoos and conditioners.
- Don’t wash in excess to avoid frizz.
- Style with a leave-in conditioner or mousse for balance and volume.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curly hair has tighter, springier curls. It’s typically coarser than wavy hair and takes more upkeep to compensate for frizz.
Characteristics:
- Curls range from loose ringlets to tight corkscrews.
- Ageing hair is often drier and more prone to frizz.
Care Tips:
- Moisturise with deep conditioners and oils.
- Limit the amount of time you use heat styling.
- Use curl creams and gels to define your curls.
Type 4: Coily Hair
Of the three hair types, coily hair has the tightest curl pattern and can be almost zigzag in its formation. This kind of hair has lots of texture and thickness.
Characteristics:
- Curls are extremely tight and hug a kind of small “S” or zigzag shape.
- Risk of drying out and shrinking is enumerable.
Care Tips:
- Use oils or creams frequently to moisturise.
- Do regular deep conditioning to stop breakage.
- Protective styles, such as braids, can also prevent wear and tear.
Table: Hair Types & Subcategories Overview
| Hair Type | Subcategories | Characteristics | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1: Straight Hair | 1A, 1B, 1C | 1A: Fine and thin, no volume. 1B: Medium thickness, slight volume. 1C: Coarse and thick. |
Light shampoos, avoid heavy products, regular trimming. |
| Type 2: Wavy Hair | 2A, 2B, 2C | 2A: Loose, soft waves. 2B: Defined waves. 2C: Thick, voluminous waves. |
Use curl enhancers, avoid over-washing, and mousse or leave-in conditioners. |
| Type 3: Curly Hair | 3A, 3B, 3C | 3A: Loose, soft curls. 3B: Medium, voluminous curls. 3C: Tight curls with shrinkage. |
Hydrate with oils, deep condition, and avoid heat styling. |
| Type 4: Coily Hair | 4A, 4B, 4C | 4A: Soft, defined coils. 4B: Z-shaped coils with less definition. 4C: Tight, densely packed coils. |
Moisturise frequently, use oils and butters, and protect with braids/twists. |
How to Assess Your Hair Type
There are a few easy tests you can perform to determine your hair type:
The Wet Test
Wash your hair and allow it to air dry naturally. Watch how your hair dries—straight, wavy, curly, or coily. That should give you a sense of your natural texture.
The Stretch Test
Grab a wet strand of hair and pull. Type 1 hair will barely or not stretch at all, Type 2 will stretch a little, Type 3 will stretch a lot, and Type 4 will stretch and revert to its natural pattern shortly.
The Product Test
Use products for certain hair types; see what happens. If your hair feels more manageable with the product, it could be a hint at what your hair type is.
How to Take Care of Various Types of Hair
You may also consider your hair type—each hair type has different needs. Here are some personalised tips that can keep your hair in top shape:
Straight Hair Tips For Hair Care
- Add Volume with Products
- Wash it frequently to reduce the oil buildup.
- Use heat protectant when using a flat iron or blow dryer.
Hair Care Tips for Wavy Hair
- Apply a salt spray or mousse for texture and body.
- Steer clear of heavy creams that can weigh down the waves.
- Regularly trimming helps maintain the bounciness of the waves.
Hair Care Tips for Curly Hair
- Deep condition often to keep up the moisture.
- Do not towel-dry, as that may lead to frizz.
- Curl creams can be used to define and enhance the curls.
Hair Care Tips for Coily Hair
- Use oils and butters to maintain moisture.
- Moisturising masks are key to preventing breakage.
- Styles that protect your hair, such as twists or braids, will help to minimise everyday friction and also protect your hair.
Common Myths About Hair Types
There are a lot of hair type myths out there. Here are a few debunked:
- Myth 1: “Curly hair doesn’t grow as quickly as straight hair. (False: Curly hair might feel shorter thanks to shrinkage, but it grows the same.)
- Myth 2: “You shouldn’t brush curly hair. (False: It’s essential to detangle gently to avoid breakage.)
Awesome Conclusion: No More Hiding Your Hair Type
Finding and accepting your natural hair type is the ultimate confidence booster. Knowing your hair type allows you to treat it according to its type in care so that your hair remains healthy and vibrant. All types of hair, regardless of texture, are beautiful, and with the right regimen, you can maximise what you have!