Hair Types 101: Find the Best Routine for Your Hair Type
Our hair comes in all kinds of types and textures, and it is time to know yours. This makes it easier to find the right products and hair care routine that best suits you. Here’s a super easy breakdown to help you figure out your hair type and the best ways to take care of it.
Did you know there are 4 main Hair Types?
The categories are: straight, wavy, curly, and coil. Each one has its own personality and needs something different. Let’s dive in, but first it’s important to learn about Hair Density.
What is Hair Density?
Hair density is just a way to describe how thick or thin your hair strands are. There are three main types:
Thin (Fine)
Medium
Thick (Coarse)
Your hair density affects how well your hair holds styles and reacts to different products.
Quick Way to Check Your Hair Density
Here’s an easy test: take a single strand of your hair and compare it to a piece of sewing thread.
If your hair strand is thinner than the thread, you have fine hair.
If it’s thicker than the thread, you have thick (coarse) hair.
If it’s about the same thickness, then you have medium hair.
Now Let’s Dive into the different Hair Types:
Type 1: Straight Hair
What It Looks Like:
It’s smooth and shiny, from very fine and flat (1A) to a bit thicker with some natural volume (1C).
Challenges:
Straight hair can get super oily fast because of its natural oils sliding down the hair easily. Hence, it’s also prone to looking flat.
How to Care for It:
Use lightweight shampoo and conditioner, so your hair doesn’t feel as heavy.
Dry shampoo can be great for absorbing oil between washes. Skip heavy products that might weigh it down!
Type 2: Wavy Hair
What It Looks Like:
Wavy hair has a gentle “S” shape, from loose waves (2A) to thicker, beachy waves (2C).
Challenges:
Wavy hair tends to frizz and sometimes needs a little help to keep its shape.
How to Care for It:
Try a lightweight leave-in conditioner or curl cream to keep your waves looking soft and defined.
Let it air dry or use a diffuser to avoid frizz, and avoid brushing it when dry.
Type 3: Curly Hair
What It Looks Like:
Curly hair has a more defined curl pattern, from loose ringlets (3A) to bouncy spirals (3C).
Challenges:
Curly hair can be dry and frizzy since it’s harder for natural oils to move down each curl.
How to Care for It:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Look for curl-friendly shampoos and conditioners that add moisture. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to prevent breakage, and try scrunching with a towel or T-shirt to keep curls defined.
Type 4: Coil Hair
What It Looks Like:
Coily hair has tiny curls or coils, ranging from small loops (4A) to very tight, zigzagged curls (4C), like an afro.
Challenges:
Coil hair can feel very dry and is often fragile, so it needs lots of moisture and gentle care.
How to Care for It:
Go for rich conditioners and oils that help keep moisture in. Protective styles, like braids or twists, can help too. Avoid tight styles that pull on your hair and cause breakage.
Understanding Hair Porosity
Along with texture, your hair’s porosity—how well it absorbs moisture—is also important.
Low Porosity: Hair doesn’t absorb moisture easily and can feel like products “sit” on top
Normal Porosity: This hair type absorbs and holds onto moisture easily, so most products will work.
Tip: Use a deep conditioner occasionally to keep your hair happy and healthy.
High Porosity: Hair soaks up moisture fast but also loses it quickly, which can lead to dryness.
Bonus Tip: Try thicker products to lock in moisture, and try using less heat on hair for a year or a few months, you’ll see a difference!
Love Your Hair Type!
Once you know your hair type, you can start to give it the care it needs to look its best. Embracing your natural texture—whether straight, wavy, curly, or coily—makes hair care easier and more fun. Remember, there’s no one “right” way to have great hair. Find what works best for you and let your natural hair shine!
FAQs
How do I identify my hair type?
Here is a quick guideline I found on Rossano Ferretti Parma
If your hair dries straight without a bend or curl, then you have straight hair (type)
If your hair dries with a slight curve or “S” shape, then you have wavy hair (type)
If your hair dries with a defined curl, then you have curly hair (type 3).
If your hair dries to form tight curls or spirals, then you have coily hair (type 4).
What is the rarest hair type?
If you have Type 1A hair, you've got something rare! It's incredibly straight and super fine, giving it that light, wispy vibe.
Is my hair 2B or 2C?
If you have 2B hair, you’ll notice those soft "S" waves in the lengths, while the roots usually stay pretty straight.
Can a salon tell me my hair type?
If you’re still not sure about your hair type or want tips tailored just for your hair, a stylist can help!
Related Articles:
Helpful Videos:
Some images are generated from: https://www.istockphoto.com/