So you asked yourself: “What is my hair type?”
Maybe you’re scrolling through Instagram, eyeing a new hairstyle or product and wondering if it’ll work for you. Or maybe you’re just trying to decipher what all those numbers, letters, and categories mean.
Don’t worry-you are in the right place.
This guide is the ultimate cheat sheet for understanding your hair type, from pin-straight hair to beautifully coiled textures.
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Why is it important to know your hair type?
Understanding your hair type isn’t just about showing off. It’s all about finding what works best for your hair. Using the wrong products and styling techniques can lead to frizz, breakage, and an inability to hold your style.
Once you know your type, you can choose better shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to suit your hair needs.
Plus, you can save time and money by avoiding products that don’t work for your hair.
Hair quality chart: 1A-4C
The most common way to classify hair type is with the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which ranges from 1A (straightest hair) to 4C (tightest curls). Let’s analyze:
Type 1: Straight hair
- 1A: Super straight, delicate, silky. This hair type lacks volume and is difficult to maintain curls. Consider an incredibly smooth glass-like thread.
- 1B: Straight but with a little richness. There may be a slight bend near the ends, giving the hair some texture.
- 1C: Straight, with noticeable waves and curves, especially towards the tip. They often become thicker and more prone to frizz.
Type 2: Wavy hair
- 2A: Gentle beach style waves with fine details that are easy to style. This hair type often appears straight when brushed.
- 2B: More distinct S-shaped waves. It’s prone to frizz, so you need lightweight products to define it.
- 2C: Thick and coarse waves with volume. This type can be close to frizz and requires extra moisture to keep the frizz at bay.
Type 3: Curly hair
- 3A: Large and elastic loose spiral curls. This hair type is prone to frizz, but with the right products you can keep your curls looking beautiful.
- 3B: Medium to tight curls with increased volume and density. It is often rough and requires plenty of hydration.
- 3C: Dense and tight corkscrew curls. This type is prone to shrinkage and requires a heavier cream or gel to maintain definition.
Type 4: Coiled/kinky hair
- 4A: Tight coil with a clear curl pattern. This hair is often soft, but requires plenty of moisture to combat dryness.
- 4B: Curls with unclear Z-shaped curls. This type tends to shrink very much and thrives on rich cream or butter.
- 4C: The tightest curl pattern with almost no outline. Very fragile, it benefits from protective styling and consistent hydration.
Fine hair, medium hair, coarse hair
Now that we’ve covered curl patterns, let’s take a closer look at another important aspect of hair types: texture. Hair texture refers to the thickness of individual hair.
- thin hair:The diameter of each wire is small. Fine hair feels soft and silky, but often lacks volume. Due to its poor adhesion to the product, it tends to become oily.
- medium hair: Medium hair is the most common texture. Not too thick, not too thin. It also holds curls and waves well, making it easier to style.
- Coarse hair: The hair is thick and durable, but it has a rough texture. Coarse hair is more resistant to heat and chemical treatments, but can also be more prone to dryness.
Straight, wavy, curly and beyond
The 1A-4C system is a great starting point, but it doesn’t cover everything. Hair can have multiple textures and features that make it unique. Below are some additional terms that may be used.
- low porosity hair: Difficult to absorb moisture. Water tends to stay on top of the fibers instead of soaking into them.
- high porosity hair: It absorbs moisture easily, but also releases moisture quickly. It is often caused by heat or chemical damage.
- thick hair: Refers to hair density, that is, the number of hairs. Thick hair can be difficult to manage, but it’s perfect for voluminous styles.
- thin hair: Fewer strands, often with a finer texture. Fine hair can benefit from lightweight products that won’t weigh you down.
How to identify your hair type
Still confused? what is my hair type? , Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with clean hair: Wash your hair and let it air dry without applying anything. This provides an accurate image of natural patterns and textures.
- observe patterns: Observe the natural state of your hair. Straight, wavy, curly, or coiled? Consult the 1A to 4C chart.
- feel the texture: Rub the strands between your fingers. Fine, medium or coarse? Fine hair has a smooth feel while coarse hair has a rougher texture.
- Check porosity: Put clean hair in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, it is highly porous. If it floats, your hair has low porosity. Hair of medium porosity floats in the center.
Care tailored to each hair type
Now that you know your hair type, let’s talk about care tips.
Type 1 (straight hair)
- Use lightweight, volumizing products to avoid weighing down your hair.
- Dry shampoo is a great ally for managing oiliness.
- Avoid heavy conditioners that can make your hair look greasy.
Type 2 (wavy hair)
- Look for products that enhance your waves without adding stiffness.
- Avoid excessive brushing to prevent frizz.
- Create a natural beachy look with sea salt spray.
Type 3 (curly hair)
- Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain moisture.
- To maintain the definition of your curls, choose a diffuser when blow-drying.
- While your hair is wet, apply leave-in conditioner and curl cream.
Type 4 (coiled/curly hair)
- Make sure to moisturize thoroughly with cream or oil.
- Protective styles like braids and twists can help reduce breakage.
- Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment to combat dryness.
Common hair care mistakes
Regardless of your hair type, some habits can damage your hair. Avoid the following mistakes.
- Wash too much: Loss of hair’s natural oil leads to dryness. Most hair types only need to be washed two to three times a week.
- skip trim: Regular trimming prevents split ends and keeps your hair healthy. Even if you’re growing your hair out, trimming it every six to eight weeks is essential.
- using the wrong product: For example, heavy creams can weigh down fine hair, while lightweight sprays won’t moisturize coarse hair.
- ignore the scalp: A healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair. Use gentle scrubs and scalp treatments to remove buildup.
Tips for multi-textured hair
Some people have multiple textures in their hair, especially mixed curl patterns. Here’s how to care for multi-textured hair.
- cut hair into sections: Treat each section according to its needs. For example, loose waves require a lightweight product, while tight curls require a heavier cream.
- layer products: Start with leave-in conditioner and apply styling product according to the texture of each area.
- Gently untangle: Use a wide comb or fingers to loosen hair from the ends upwards.
final thoughts
Whether you’re a 1A with silky straight hair, a 3C with tight, flowing curls, or somewhere in between, understanding your hair type is the key to loving and caring for it. This is the first step.
So the next time you ask yourself, “What is my hair type?” You have all the tools to answer with confidence. Remember that your hair is as unique as you and requires products and care routines tailored to its needs.
With this guide, you’ll be ready to show off your best hairstyles every day.
Until next time,
meet the author 🤩
Hollee is a licensed cosmetologist with over 9 years of professional experience in the hair industry. Her unique insight and extensive experience will help you discover the latest hair trends and nail your next DIY hair project..
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🌟 Your turn: What is your hair type? Do you have any advice for people with the same type? Drop them in the comments section below. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
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