Do you ever wonder why one product makes your sister’s hair silky and yours feels dry? This is due to different Hair Types. Identifying your hair type can help you choose the right products, prevent damage, and give you healthy, shiny hair. This guide will help you identify your hair type more accurately and provide guidance on how to care for it.
Hair Types
There are four major hair types created by Hair Expert Andre Walker. Each type also has subcategories according to texture and pattern. Let’s talk about each type one by one.
Straight Hair:
These hairs are usually smooth and shiny. These are prone to oiliness due to their fine texture. Type A is totally smooth and silky but lacks volume. Type B is straight with medium texture and good volume. Type C has coarse, straight hairs with slightly wavy ends.
Hair Care Tips:
- Always use a lightweight and volumizing shampoo.
- Avoid using heavy oils or butter, as they can weigh hair down.
- Use dry shampoo between washes to reduce oil and extend freshness.
Wavy Hair:
This category falls between curly and straight hairs, a little bit frizzy, and needs moisture. Type A is slightly wavy with a fine texture and is easy to straighten. Type B has good waves, medium thickness, and gets more frizzy. Type C has deep waves, coarse texture, and a bit of curl.
Hair Care Tips:
- Avoid oils and try hair serum and gels.
- Use sulphate-free shampoo.
- Apply leave-in conditioner or mousse.
- While blow-drying using a diffuser, it will be great to maintain shape.
Curly Hair:
These hairs have defined curls and easily get frizzy and dry. They require deep hydration and gentle care. Type A has large and bouncy curls. Type B has springy rings with more volume. Type C has dense, tight curls with huge volume.
Hair Care Tips:
- Deep conditioning is required.
- Use sulphate-free products.
- Don’t brush dry hair- use moisturizing creams or gels.
Coily Hair:
This type of hair has tight curls and zigzag patterns; it shrinks as soon as it dries. They need extra care and moisturization. Type A has defined spring coils. Type B has tight but less defined curls; it is more like a zigzag pattern. Type C has dense and tight coils.
Hair Care Tips:
- Use wide-tooth combs to detangle hair.
- Apply leave-in conditioner or oil to keep them moisturized.
- Avoid heat and choose protective styles.
- Sleep on a satin pillow and tie your hair in braids to reduce hair breakage.
How to identify your hair type?
Try these tests to check your hair type at home by yourself.
The Strand Test:
Take a strand of your hair and check in which category it falls:
- Fine hair: thin and smooth, it’s hard to feel.
- Medium hair: firm but noticeable.
- Coarse hair: it’s thick and wiry.
The Pattern Test:
First, wash your hair and let it dry naturally.
- Straight: if it’s flat.
- Wavy: if forms an S shape.
- Curly: If it turns into loops or spirals.
- Coily: if it makes a zigzag pattern.
The Porosity Test:
Take a hair strand and drop it in a glass of water.
- Low porosity: hair will float.
- Medium porosity: the hair strand will sink slowly.
- High porosity: it will sink quickly.
Conclusion:
Hair care is simple and easy if you know your hair type and how to care for it. You just have to take a few tests to know your exact type. It will help you choose hair products accordingly. Despite your hair type, it makes you beautiful if you properly look after your hair according to hair requirements.
