Establishing your hair type is crucial in creating the optimal styling and maintenance routines for it. There are four categories of hair: straight, wavy, curly, and coily/kinky.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair lays flat across your head without curls or waves. It can range in thickness and damage resilience depending on its source. Straight strands provide more styling options and are less likely to frizz up when exposed to humidity or rainstorms.
1a Hair: Fine and Straight
Strands are fine and straight from root to tip, creating a sleek appearance. Adding volume-enhancing layers to your cut can give somebody to this type of texture.
1b Hair: Slight Bend and Fuller Volume
Strands have a slight bend, giving them fuller volume than straight ones. This hair type experiences minimal shrinkage when dried and requires less maintenance.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
If you have beach-like waves with slight frizz and loose coils, chances are you have Type 2 hair, commonly known as wavy hair. It clumps together into rings of similar-width strands and is easy to style. Lightweight conditioning and styling products are recommended to maintain the natural wave pattern and avoid flattening out.
2A Hair: Loose Waves
Medium waves originate at the crown and extend back down, creating dent-like shapes in ponytails or buns. This type tends to frizz easily and requires lightweight styling products to keep strands soft and manageable.
2B Hair: Tighter Waves and Refined S Shapes
Curls are tighter than 2A’s with more refined S shapes that begin mid-length. To boost volume, use mousses or gels instead of hair powders. Low density may necessitate stronger hold stylers for keeping curls in place.
Type 3: Curly Hair
NaturallyCurly classifies Type 3 hair as having medium waves that resemble dent-like shapes in ponytails or buns. This hair type can be challenging to manage and experiences considerable shrinkage. Protective styles and wrapping your strands at night are recommended for optimal styling results. Lightweight styling products are advisable to avoid weighing down the curls.
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
Type 4 hair features kinky curls, ringlets, or coils with high shrinkage levels. It is characterized by tight S, B, and Z curls and is one of the driest hair types. Deep conditioning masques and natural curl creams or butter are necessary to maintain shine and keep the hair in good condition.
Conclusion
Understanding your hair type is essential in selecting the right products and styles for your hair. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily/kinky hair, embracing and maintaining your natural beauty is the key to unlocking your hair’s full potential.
