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You must have noticed the great variety of hair types out there. And surely, you've realized that the differences go beyond color and also affect the structure of the strands. There are straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair types, each with its own uniqueness, different characteristics, and specific needs to look even more powerful. But it’s not always easy to identify what type of hair you have.
So, join us to learn more about hair textures and the necessary care for each type!
Why is it important to know your hair's texture?
There are two factors that determine the texture of your hair: genetics and keratin, and they are interconnected. After all, genes determine the distribution of keratin along the strands, and keratin is responsible for giving hair its shape. The more keratin in the hair structure, the straighter the strand; the less keratin, the curlier the strand.
That’s why your hair's texture determines which active ingredients should be present in hair care products, how to wash, comb, and dry your hair, and even the steps in your hair care routine.
So, if you’re part of the team that has decided to stop straightening your hair and started transitioning, or you simply want to learn how to take better care of your strands, knowing your hair texture is the first step to starting a personalized care routine.
What are the different types of hair textures?
Hair textures are divided into 4 main types:
1 for straight; 2 for wavy; 3 for curly; 4 for coily.
And within these categories, there are sub-classifications from A to C.
Type 1: Straight
Straight hair has strands that are flat, without waves or curls. The subtypes are:
- 1A: Extremely straight, fine, and without volume.
- 1B: Still straight, but with thicker strands and a bit more volume.
- 1C: Thicker, denser strands with more volume, sometimes with slight waves at the ends.
Type 2: Wavy
As the name suggests, wavy hair forms waves and sits between straight and curly hair. The waves vary between loose and defined, and they can be fine or thick, always following an "S" pattern. The subtypes are:
- 2A: Soft, loose waves that are sometimes mistaken for straight hair; it is also fine and easy to style.
- 2B: Prone to frizz, with more visible and defined "S"-shaped waves, especially from ear level down.
- 2C: More defined, voluminous waves, close to curls but without full spiral shapes; the strands also have more frizz, often appearing from the roots.
Type 3: Curly
Curly hair forms spirals or ringlets, which can vary from loose to tight curls. Curly hair is also more prone to frizz. The subtypes are:
- 3A: Large, loose, and shiny curls.
- 3B: More voluminous, less shiny strands, with tighter curls that form from the roots.
- 3C: Tight curls in small spirals, with lots of volume and more frizz.
Type 4: Coily
Coily hair is drier and finer, with tight curls that form zig-zags or tight spirals from the roots. Type 4 is divided into:
- 4A: Tight, defined spirals that are soft to the touch, with a lot of frizz.
- 4B: Zig-zag shaped curls with less definition, more volume, and a coarser texture.
- 4C: Extremely tight curls, almost without definition, and fragile strands that tend to be drier.
How to identify your hair texture?
Now that you know the types of hair textures, it’s time to figure out which one you have. Your hair texture affects the hair's texture, volume, and appearance, and it determines the best care routine.
The first step in identifying your hair texture is to observe your hair's natural shape when it's dry and free of styling products. Check if your strands form waves or curls, and whether the curls are defined or in tight zig-zags. To get a more accurate result, it's important to compare your strands with pictures of different hair textures.
Another method is to do the “strand test.” Wash your hair with shampoo and finish with a leave-in conditioner. Then, divide your hair into small sections. Wrap each section around your index finger and release it to observe the shape:
- If the section stays straight, your hair is straight.
- If it forms an open “S” shape, you have wavy hair.
- If it forms a closed “S” shape, you have curly hair.
- If it forms a “Z” shape or is tightly coiled, your hair is coily.
Keep in mind that one person can have different textures. For example, you may have looser curls in one area and tighter curls in another, or even wavy hair on top and curly hair at the back. But generally, you’ll be able to identify your dominant texture.
How to care for your hair based on its texture?
As we’ve seen, texture is an important factor in defining the right care for your hair. Each type requires specific care that makes all the difference in hair health and appearance. Here are some tips on how to care for each type of hair.
Straight Hair
Since straight hair doesn’t have waves or curls, the scalp's natural oils can easily travel down the strands. While this keeps the hair less dry, it can also make it look greasier. Therefore, straight hair should be washed more frequently, and lighter finishing products with less oil should be used to avoid weighing it down.
Wavy Hair
These soft waves benefit from light products and wave activators like leave-ins and gels that don't weigh the hair down. While wavy hair is easy to detangle and style, it can lose definition quickly, so "day after" styling often doesn't last long, requiring more frequent washes to reshape the waves.
Curly Hair
Curly hair forms more defined spirals, making it more prone to tangling, especially if the strands are fine. While it holds up better on the "day after," it requires nourishment and heavier finishing products for definition. Leave-in creams and oils are essential to controlling frizz and defining the curls.
Coily Hair
Due to its tighter zig-zag shape, coily hair doesn’t distribute natural oils to the ends as easily, making it drier and more fragile. To maintain healthy hair, it’s crucial to have a well-defined routine of deep hydration, intense nourishment, and finishing products rich in oils. Coily hair also takes longer to detangle and needs dense products to ensure softness and definition.
We hope this article has helped you identify your hair type and learn how to care for it effectively. The variety of hair textures reflects the unique beauty of each person, and each type requires different care to maintain its health and appearance. Don't forget to adjust your hair care routine to meet your specific hair needs.
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