HOW BEST TO TELL WHAT TYPE OF HAIR YOU HAVE

Understanding your hair’s unique needs can improve the appearance of your hair and help you choose styles that highlight your hair’s natural beauty. Think of it like having a cheat sheet for the best hair care routine. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I tell what type of hair I have?” or “How to tell my hair type?” This guide will help break it down for you. 

Understanding the Four Hair Types  

Hair types are categorized into four groups: straight, wavy, curly, and coily, with subtypes based on the shape and texture of your strands. Here’s a quick overview: 

Straight Hair 

• Type 1 hair has the least amount of wave or bend. 

• Pros: It's unlikely to get dry, and it’s often soft, shiny, and easy to manage.  

• Cons: Straight hair can appear flat or lifeless, and it’s prone to oiliness.  

• While Type 1 hair has similar characteristics, there are variations between subtypes. The Type 1 subtypes are: 

• 1A: Straight and usually fine 

• 1B: Very slight wave  

• 1C: Subtle wave, usually thicker 

  Wavy Hair 

• Wavy hair falls between straight and curly, forming soft S-shaped patterns. 

• Pros: Type 2 hair is usually easy to manage and style, and it doesn’t take much for wavy hair to look great.  

• Cons: On the other hand, Type 2 hair can fall flat if it’s not styled.  

• This type ranges from fine and loose waves to thick and defined ones. The subtypes are: 

• 2A: Slight Wave 

• 2B: Loose S Wave 

• 2C: Deep S Wave 

 Curly Hair 

• Curly hair forms tight loops or spirals. 

• Pros: When properly cared for, curly hair can have amazing volume and bounce. 

• Cons: Curls can be prone to frizz and dryness, and needs special care and products to ensure curls stay defined.  

• There are 3 categories of curls that can be defined by the tightness of the coil:  

• 3A: Big Loose Spiral 

• 3B: Tighter Spiral 

• 3C: Corkscrew Spiral 

 Coily 

• Coily hair is tightly curled or zigzagged, with a distinctive curl pattern.  

• Pros: Big volume, great ability to hold style, and gorgeous texture.  

• Cons: It’s the most fragile hair type and benefits greatly from deep hydration. 

• Type 4 hair also falls into three categories: 

• 4A: Small Tight Curl 

• 4B: Zig Zag Shape 

• 4C: Very Tight Coil 

How to Tell Your Hair Type  

1. Observe Your Hair When It’s Clean and Air-Dried.  

 To identify your hair type, start with freshly washed, product-free hair. Let it air-dry completely, then look in the mirror. 

• If it dries completely straight, you’re likely Type 1. 

• If you see gentle bends or S-shaped waves, you’re Type 2. 

• Spirals or ringlets? That’s Type 3. 

• Tight coils or zigzags point to Type 4. 

 2. Check the thickness of your strands.  

Hair thickness plays a big role in how your hair looks and feels: 

• Fine Hair: Thin strands that are often more prone to oiliness. 

• Medium Hair: The most common texture, offering a balance between fine and thick. 

• Thick/Coarse Hair: Sturdy strands that hold styles better but can be drier. 

 3. Test Your Hair’s Porosity 

 Hair porosity determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Here’s a quick test you can try at home: 

• Fill a glass with water and place a strand of your hair in it. 

• If it sinks quickly, your hair may have high porosity. 

• If it floats, you may have low porosity. 

• If it hovers in the middle, you may have medium porosity.