How well do you know your hair type? Well enough to confidently indulge in those expensive hair care products? Did you know that many hair products may not give you the desired result because they do not suit your hair type? We don’t mean to trigger a panic or something, but not knowing your hair type is as bad as not knowing your hair at all! So, if you are one of those who love to pamper your hair with holistic care, it’s important to first know your hair type, that is whether they are straight, wavy, curly or coily. Also, if you are wondering how to identify your hair type at home? Read along because we’ve packed all the tips and deets you’ll need to take care of your hair the right way:
What are the different types of hair?
Except for straight hair, wavy, curly and coily hair types have sub-categories too. In some cases, people may have more than one type of hair. It totally depends on genetics. You may have straight hair at the crown and wavy at the bottom or wavy at the crown with curlier bottom, it varies. What’s important is to know your hair type so you can indulge in proper hair care and products. So here are the four types of hair:
Type 1 – Straight Hair
If your hair is unwavering from crown to bottom with no natural or S curves then you have naturally straight hair.
Type 2 – Wavy Hair
Type 2A
Type 2A hair is mostly straight till the mid-level with undefined, gentle and loose waves towards the end.
Type 2B
The famous beach hair – type 2B hair has waves that are more defined than 2A or in S-shape from the mid-level to the end.
Type 2C
The most well-defined S-shape waves (curves) are categorized as Type 2C hair. They start from the crown or a little close to the crown and are waviest towards the end. Type 2C hair is often mistaken for curly hair too.
Type 3 – Curly Hair
Type 3A
Type 3A hair has well-defined S-shaped curves that curl towards the end. No matter how much you try to brush them, they curl up towards the end again!
Type 3B
Hair is wavy close to the crown and till the mid-level with more defined curls towards the end. Type 3B hair has a higher level of density and they also turn frizzy and tangle easily.
Type 3C
Springy, tight and coil-like, 3C hair is a type that will easily curl around a pencil. These curls are thicker and denser than 3A and 3B.
Type 4 – Coil or Kinky Hair
Type 4A – Soft Coil
Type 4A hair may look dense, but in reality, they are delicate and they break easily.
Type 4B – Medium Coil
Hair is undefined, zig-zag or z-shaped with tight coils. People with type 4B hair must use the shingling technique to accentuate and define the coils.
Type 4c – Thick or Wiry Coils
Extremely wiry, tight and the most delicate of all is type 4C hair. Extra care and conditioning are required to maintain this type of hair as they break very easily on brushing.
How To Know Your Hair Type?
After hair wash, keep your tresses free from all hair products and let them air-dry. You will automatically be able to see your natural hair type. Other than this, these hair conditions will help you identify your over-all hair type:
Porosity:
The higher the level of porosity, the more your hair will absorb moisture. But this also means it will absorb more hair products, which will eventually lead to damage. To determine the level of porosity of your hair – Take a hair strand and put it in a jar of water. If it sinks to the bottom, your hair has high porosity. If it stays in the centre, the porosity level is rightly balanced and your hair doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. However, if the hair strand floats that means low porosity. Your hair tends to take longer to dry and absorb in moisture.
Density:
Hair density means the thickness of the hair or the volume of hair strands on your scalp. Part your hair in the centre or side whichever preferable. If your scalp is easily visible through the hair strands then you have thin density and if your scalp is not visible or unclear, then you have thick density of hair.
Greasiness:
It’s no secret that the scalp produces natural oils. People with oilier scalp will notice greasiness on the very next day or evening after hair wash, and they need to wash their hair at least 3-4 times a week. Normal or combination hair may take longer to turn greasy and may not require a hair wash more than 2 times a week. And as far as dry hair is concerned, lack of oiliness is also not a good sign and they may need to include moisture-boosting products in their hair care routine.
Suppleness:
Hair elasticity defines the strength of the hair. After hair wash, stretch a hair strand as gently as you can. If it breaks almost immediately, your hair is weak and brittle and if it doesn’t break at all, it’s naturally strong. Hair with high elasticity has a natural bounce and shine too.
There you have it, all the tips and deets you need to love your hair the right way, so it can love you back! We hope this article helps you indulge in the right TLC for your hair. If you have feedback or suggestions regarding this topic or hair care, write to us in the comments below!
