Understanding what hair type you have is the first crucial step towards achieving healthy, nourished hair. Hair types are generally categorised into 4 main groups, with each group being further divided based on texture and curl pattern: Type 1’s are straight, Type 2’s are wavy, Type 3’s are curly, and Type 4’s are coily. Each hair type has unique characteristics and requires a specific care routine in order to maintain its health and beauty. So, let’s jump into ways we can identify our hair type and learn why it’s essential to do so.

Identifying your hair type is essential because it allows you to understand the unique characteristics and needs of your hair. Knowing your hair type helps you select the right products for your specific needs, which can significantly impact your hair’s overall health and appearance. Using products which are suited to your hair type ensure optimal results, while using the wrong products can lead to issues like dryness, greasiness, or frizz. Additionally, different hair types require different styling methods. By knowing your hair type, you can tailor your hairstyles accordingly, whether it’s enhancing your natural waves or taming frizz in curly hair. Practicing hair care based on your hair type promotes overall hair health, reducing the risk of breakage, split ends and other common hair problems.

Straight hair tends to be shiny and grease-prone, as the natural oils from the scalp can easily travel down the hair shaft. This hair type is often resilient and may lack volume, making it appear flat.

Very fine, soft, and shiny with no curl. It’s often challenging to style as it tends to be limp.

Medium thickness and slightly bendable. It has more volume than 1A and can hold style better.

Coarse, thick and more prone to frizz. It has a slight wave and holds styles well.

 

Wavy hair forms a loose S-shape. It has more body than straight hair and tends to be frizz-prone.

Fine and thin with loose, tousled waves. It’s easy to style and not very frizzy.

Medium-textured with a more defined S-shape wave. It’s prone to frizz and requires more styling.

Coarse with thick, more prominent waves. It’s very frizz-prone and has a lot of body.

 

Curly hair has a clear curl pattern, ranging from loose loops to tight corkscrews. It is prone to dryness and frizz due to the curls preventing natural oils from travelling down your hair evenly.

Loose, large curls often mixed with some waves. It’s shiny, slightly finer and has a well-defined curl pattern.

Medium-sized curls with more volume and density. These curls are tighter and hold their shape when pulled out. It can be coarse and may require more moisture.

Tight, corkscrew curls that are dense and full. It’s very textured and frizz-prone.

 

Coily hair, also known as kinky or Afro-textured hair, has tight curls and is the most fragile hair type. It requires a lot of moisture and gentle handling.

 

Soft, small, defined curls often S-shaped. It retains moisture better than other coily types.

Z-shaped curls with less definition and more shrinkage. It’s very dense and highly textured.

Tightly coiled with the most shrinkage and least defined curl pattern. It’s highly dense with high volume and is fragile.

 

• Porosity: Refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It’s important to tailor your hair products to your hair’s porosity for optimal hydration.
• Elasticity: Measures the strength and bounce of your hair. Healthy hair should stretch and return to its original length without breaking.
• Density: Indicates how many strands of hair you have. High density means more strands, while low density means fewer strands.

 

Understanding and embracing your hair type is key to maintaining healthy hair. By identifying your specific hair type, you can choose the correct products, care routines and hairstyles. This ensures that your hair remains in the best possible condition, reducing issues like fizziness, dryness and breakage. Knowing your hair type allows you to make decisions that benefit your hair’s overall well-being.

 

Love,

The Moo & Yoo Team x