Acknowledging the best type for your locks is critical to getting the most from them. Trichologists and stylists utilize an established system that helps identify curl patterns, hair texture, and thickness.
1. Straight
Straight hair can be relatively easy to style and maintain, yet can quickly become oilier than other textures. Utilizing lightweight products like dry shampoos and texturizing sprays that keep the locks light and airy is vital in keeping straight locks looking their best.
Straight hair requires a light, subtle wave with a soft, smooth texture that’s easy to style using blowouts and straighteners. Type 2A hair has classic beachy waves that start near the roots but progressively soften into refined coils around eye level. Due to being acceptable and delicate, Type 2A is easily weighed down; therefore, it needs extra moisture from hydrating masks or sea salt spray.
2. Wavy
Unruly wavy hair can quickly turn into a sea of waves without proper styling and products, but it can become manageable with some work. Try opting for an edgy modern crop or short quiff for easy maintenance, or switch things up with an extended layered cut with a side sweeping fringe that keeps it moving freely.
If your waves are soft and subtle, you are likely to type 2A. A defining serum, texturizing spray, or smoothing product could help define and create a definition in your strands. Wavy hair types allow oils produced at your scalp to easily reach down into their shaft and moisturize it, leading to less oiliness and an improved texture.
3. Curly
Understanding your hair type is essential to shopping intelligently and avoiding products that will weigh down or create frizz and tangles. There are three main curly hair types – waves (type 2), loose wavy curls (type 3), and tight corkscrew or kinky-coily locks (type 4).
Type 2A hair features loose, swooping, wavy curls that can be quickly smoothed using heat tools, but tend to go flat when wet. A lightweight mousse containing rice water may help lift roots, while heavy creams will cause the curls to lose their bounce. Try a leave-in conditioner or hair gel with added humectants like jojoba and coconut oils to reduce dryness.
4. Coily
Coily hair features tightly wound, spiraling locks arranged in defined patterns, giving this texture its trademark look. Unfortunately, coily locks are one of the most delicate textures as moisture cannot reach every individual strand; therefore, they’re more likely to breakage and dryness than other textures.
Garnier stylist Sabrina Ahmed advises those with type 3 kinky-coily locks or 4A coils to prioritize strand health to combat dryness and ensure curl retention. She suggests clarifying shampoo use, Denman brushes and tangle tweezers, and hydrating products such as shea butter or glycerin sealants to retain curl formation, and avoid wearing tight protective styles that cause breakage and split ends over an extended period.
5. Medium
Determining your specific hair type can be challenging, as everyone’s hair is unique. Finding an appropriate haircut and style to fit can take time and patience – not an ideal situation when trying to look your best every day!
Medium-density hair features thin strands that aren’t straight or curly like thick hair. Hold one strand between your thumb and index finger to assess its density and feel how thin or thick it feels. Your strands have the perfect blend of curly and straight characteristics; their natural S-shaped wave sits beautifully between wavy hair types 2A and 2C. Try elegant braids or half up half-down hairstyles to accentuate these waves further to give them more polish and beauty.
