Well, you asked yourself, “Who is my hair type?”
You may move via Instagram, looking at a new hairstyle or product and wonder if it will work for you. Or maybe you are just trying to decode what all these numbers, letters and categories mean.
Don’t worry-You are in the right place.
This guide is the ultimate deception sheet for understanding hair types, from Straight-A-A-Pin Strands to beautifully wrapped textures.
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Why know that your hair type matters
Understanding your hair type is not just about vanity. This is about finding the one that works best for your unique hair. Incorrect products or style techniques can lead to frizz, breaking or a style that simply does not last.
Once you know your type, you can choose better shampoo, air conditioners and styling products tailored to your hair needs.
In addition, you will save time and money by avoiding products that just don’t work for your hair.
The hair type diagram: 1a to 4C
The most common way of classifying hair types is to use the Andre Walker hair type system, which ranges from 1a (the straight hair) to 4C (the tighter curls). Let’s break it:
Type 1: straight hair
- 1a: Super straight, nice and silky. This type of hair lacks tumor and struggles to hold a curl. Think: glass strands that are incredibly smooth.
- 1b: Straight but with a little more body. You can see light turns near the edges, giving the hair some texture.
- 1C: Straight with more notable waves or turns, especially to the extremities. Often thicker and prone to Frizz.
Type 2: wavy hair
- 2a: Loose, seaside waves that are nice and easy to style. This type of hair may often appear straight if brushed.
- 2B: Waves with a more defined S. S. tends to inflate and needs light products for definition.
- 2C: Thick, thick waves with remarkable volume. This type can bordered with curly and requires extra moisture to tame Frizz.
Type 3: Curly hair
- 3a: Loose, spiral curls that are large and elastic. This type of hair is prone to Frizz, but it can hold a beautiful curl with the right products.
- 3b: Medium to tight curls with higher volume and density. Often thick and requires a lot of hydration.
- 3C: Tight, curls of Corkscrew that are densely packaged. This type is prone to shrinkage and requires heavier creams or gels to maintain the definition.
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
- 4a: Solid coils with a defined curl pattern. These hair is often soft, but they require plenty of moisture to fight land.
- 4b: Z -shaped curls that are less defined. This guy tends to shrink a lot and thrives on thick creams and butter.
- 4C: The tightest pattern with little or no definition. It is extremely fragile and benefits from protective style and consistent hydration.
Nice, middle and coarse hair
Now that we have talked about curl patterns, let’s dip into another important aspect of the hair type: texture. Hair texture refers to the thickness of your individual clones.
- Nice hair: Each leg has a small diameter. Nice hair can feel soft and silky, but they often have no volume. It is prone to flower as it does not keep the products well.
- Medium hair: Medium hair is the most common texture. It is neither too thick nor too thin. It is easier to style and holds curls and waves well.
- Thick hair: Thick strands that are loud and often feel rough to touch. Coarse hair are more resistant to heat and chemical treatments, but they can also be prone to dryness.
Straight, wavy, curly and beyond
While the 1A-4C system is an excellent starting point, it does not cover everything. Hair can have multiple textures and features that make it unique. Here are some additional terms that you may meet:
- Low quality hair: Struggles to absorb moisture. Water tends to sit over the legs and not to be impregnated.
- High quality hair: Absorbs moisture easily, but also loses quickly. It is often caused by heat damage or chemicals.
- Thick hair: Refers to your hair density – how many strands you have. Thick hair can be a challenge for management, but it is ideal for bulky style.
- Fine hair: Fewer strands, often associated with a fine texture. Thin hair benefits from light products that do not weigh it.
How to determine your hair type
If you are still wondering, What is my hair type ?, Here is a step by step guide:
- Start with clean hair: Wash your hair and let it dry in the air without products. This gives you a true picture of your natural pattern and texture.
- Notice the pattern: Look at the natural state of your hair. Is it straight, wavy, curly or coily? Use Chart 1A-4C as your reference.
- Feel the texture: Rub a leg between your fingers. Is it fine, medium or coarse? Nice hair feels silky, while thick hair has a harder texture.
- Check for the porosity: Pour a clean hair leg into a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, you have a high porosity. If it floats, your hair is low porous. Middle porching hair will be hovering in the middle.
Care for each type of hair
Now that you have identified your hair type, let’s talk care tips.
Type 1 (straight hair)
- Use light, bulky products to avoid weighing your hair.
- Dry shampoo is your best friend to manage stoning.
- Avoid heavy air conditioners that can make hair look fat.
Type 2 (wavy hair)
- Look for products that enhance waves without adding rigidity.
- Avoid excessive brush to prevent frizz.
- Try marine salt spraying for a natural, seaside look.
Type 3 (curly hair)
- Use shampoo and air conditioners without sulfate to maintain moisture.
- Choose a diffuser when drying to keep the curl definition.
- Apply the air conditioners and creams with curls while your hair is wet.
Type 4 (Coily/Kinky Hair)
- Moisturize religiously with creams and oils.
- Protective styles such as braids or reversals can help reduce breaking.
- Integrate deep preparation treatments weekly to combat dryness.
Common hair care errors
Regardless of your hair type, some habits can hurt your legs. Avoid these mistakes:
- Overtime: The stripping of your hair with natural oils leads to dryness. Most hair types should only be washed 2-3 times a week.
- Bypassing the pieces: Normal decorations prevent separated edges and keep your hair healthy. Even if you grow your hair, it is necessary to invest every 6-8 weeks.
- Using the wrong products: For example, heavy creams can weigh the fine hairs, while light sprays will not hydrate the thick textures.
- Ignoring your scalp: A healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair. Use gentle rubbing or head treatments to remove accumulation.
Hair tips for multiple fabrics
Some people have multiple textures in their hair, especially those with mixed curl patterns. Here’s how to take care of multi -punctuar hair:
- Part of your hair: Tackle each section according to its specific needs. For example, the most loose waves may need light products, while the stricter curls need heavier creams.
- Mattress: Start with a conditioner, then apply styling products based on the texture of each section.
- Gently flood: Use a wide tooth comb or fingers to unfold, starting at the edges and work upwards.
Final thoughts
Whether you are 1A with silky straight locks, a 3C rocking tight curls, or somewhere in between, understanding your hair type is the first step to love and take care of it.
The next time you ask yourself, “Who is my hair type?” You will have all the tools to answer with confidence. Remember, your hair is as unique as you are and deserves the care products and routines tailored to its needs.
Armed with this guide, you are now ready to highlight the best days of your hair every day.
Until next time,
Get to know the writer 🤩
Hollee is an authorized cosmetologist with over nine years of professional experience in the hair industry. With its unique knowledge and flexible experience, it will help you discover the latest hair trends or even crush your next DIY project.
Learn more!
🌟 Your order: What type of hair do you have? Do you have tips for others with the same type? Leave them in the commentary section below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
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