Your hair type is primarily based on your hair’s curl pattern. The amount of curl in your hair is determined by your hair follicle. The shape of your follicle determines whether your hair is:
The more oval or asymmetrical your follicle is, the curlier your hair will be.
Your hair type is determined by genetics.
You can alter your curl pattern with heat or chemicals, and your curl pattern can changed somewhat by hormones or medications you’re taking, but your basic curl pattern is in your DNA.
Every time your hair goes through its growth cycle, those genetic characteristics are reasserted.
Andre Walker, known for decades as Oprah Winfrey’s stylist, is credited with devising a system that classifies hair according to one of four curl patterns:
| Type 1 | Straight hair |
|---|
| Type 2 | Wavy hair |
|---|
| Type 3 | Curly hair |
|---|
| Type 4 | Coily hair |
|---|
These types are further divided into subcategories based on the tightness or looseness of the curls and coils. It may sound simple, but like most attempts to define human characteristics, it isn’t.
You could have type 4C at your crown and 4A at your temples. Your hair could be straight at the root and wavy at the ends. The key is to understand what each type needs so you can style it well and keep it healthy.
Type 1: Straight
Type 1 hair has no natural curl. The individual strands may be fine or coarse, thick or thin, but they fall without waving from root to tip.
Type 1 hair has a tendency to become oily, so many stylists recommend that you check the label to be sure the product you’re buying isn’t going to add extra oil to your hair.
Stylist Kristi Lovelace also suggests avoiding heavy serums or butters. “With straight or fine hair, I’d recommend texture sprays instead. Dry shampoos are also a good idea,” she said.
Washing your hair too often can cause your scalp to overproduce oils, so dry shampoo is a boon for people with straight, oily hair.
Lovelace says most women come into salons with Instagram or Pinterest photos of the style they want.
“I usually recommend styles based more on face shape than on hair type,” she said. “One style that’s really popular right now is a chin-length blunt cut, which works really well with straight hair.”
Type 2: Wavy hair
Type 2A
The natural state of type 2 hair is a gentle, tousled texture. From the roots to around eye level, your hair is fairly straight. And from eye level to the ends, you have a loose, undefined wave.
To keep from flattening out that wave, steer clear of oil-based or creamy products. Instead, stylists recommend that you boost the base with a light mousse or use a gel to define those waves.
Type 2B
As with 2A, type 2B hair curls from the midpoint to the ends. The curls have a more defined S shape. It may require a little more effort to straighten, but it’s easy to create that beachy look with a spritz of salt spray.
Type 2B is ideal for the balayage trend, where stylists hand-paint color on the outer layer of hair.
“When people come in with pictures of balayage,” Lovelace said, “the photo is always going to show wavy hair because when that hair curls around, it’s getting dimension from the back side. People with wavy hair don’t have to go out of their way to style this look.”
Type 2C
The most well-defined S-shaped waves are type 2C. The wave pattern may begin close to the crown and tumble downward. Type 2C hair is often thick and can be prone to frizz in damp weather.
Lovelace recommends using a diffuser, a toothy devise that snaps onto the end of your blow dryer and helps eliminate the frizz.
“I am a huge advocate for products, especially where you’ve got environmental factors like hard water and salt water,” Lovelace said. “Anti-humidity products are huge.”
People with 2C hair may be frustrated with alternating between daily straightening, which can damage hair, and trying to find ways to enhance and control their waves. The good news is that many lightweight mousses now contain anti-humidity ingredients along with moisture.
Type 3: Curly
Type 3A
With type 3A hair, S-shaped curls form loose loops. The curls have a circumference a little wider than the large end of a taper candle. One important styling note: Brushing this type of hair can wreck curl definition and lead to a frizzy mane.
Silvana Castillo, master stylist and founder of The Curl Whisperer, a Miami salon specializing in hair types 3 and 4, recommends styles and products that define natural curl. Her best advice? Lose the ponytail.
“It’s OK if you’re on the way to the gym,” Castillo said, “or if it’s required for work. But pulling your hair back into a ponytail causes curls to lose their formation. And if you keep pulling your hair back into a bun or ponytail, you will also start to see thinning and hair loss at your hairline.”
That hair loss happens because the weight of the ponytail pulls against the front of the hair for prolonged periods.
Type 3B
Type 3B curls have a circumference about as wide as the barrel of a Sharpie marker. Curls spring from the roots and have ample volume. To maintain their characteristic spiral shape, these ringlets generally need moisture.
Avoid silicone and sulfates in your curl products, though. They may temporarily tame frizz, but they can dry hair over time and lead to breakage.
Type 3C
These curls are tight and springy — they would coil perfectly around a drinking straw. To preserve the definition in these corkscrew curls, take a hands-on approach.
Instead of combing, which can lead to frizz and breakage, use a leave-in conditioner and rake through wet hair with your fingertips. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you air-dry instead of using a blow dryer.
Type 4: Coils
Type 4A
The curl pattern for 4A hair is an S-shaped coil you could wrap around a chopstick.
“Type 4 hair is the most delicate hair type,” Castillo said. “You have to be very gentle with it, and it needs a lot of moisture.” But getting moisture doesn’t necessarily mean using oils. Deep conditioning masques, butters, and creams are good options for preserving hair health.
“We recommend that people wear it loose in wash-and-go styles,” she said.
One thing The Curl Whisperer salon doesn’t advocate for is protective styles like weaves and braids.
Though some stylists swear by styles that allow you to tuck away fragile ends to protect them while they grow out, Castillo says these styles often do more harm than good. While the hair is out of sight, it’s also out of reach for conditioning treatments.
“When you have had your hair in a protective style for weeks, the curl formation is completely gone. The cuticle is so dry and open that it becomes like little fish hooks that catch on each other and break when you take out the braids,” Castillo said.
Better to wear it in a style that lets you keep moisturizing.
Type 4B
The curls in 4B hair zig-zag. One popular technique for defining and accentuating your curls is shingling.
Shingling begins with wet hair. Gently detangle with your fingertips, using liberal amounts of leave-in conditioner to moisturize and condition. Then separate your hair into four sections.
Work curling cream or gel down the length of each curl, twisting the strands around your index finger as you go.
Type 4C
Type 4C coils are the tightest and most fragile. It’s really easy to break them if you comb roughly or too often, and it’s vital to frequently nourish the hair with rich conditioners.
Coconut oils are still popular, as are shea butter creams. More people are ditching shampoo for co-washing, or rinsing the hair with conditioners instead.
In terms of style, 4C hair is having a moment.
“What we’re seeing is the younger generation wants their hair to be bold,” Castillo said. “They want the hair to be big and round, almost like a sun. And they want to experiment with fun colors — always keeping in mind the health of the hair.”
The hair care-health connection
The growing popularity of natural hairstyles for people with 4C hair doesn’t just reflect a changing aesthetic — it has promising implications for women’s health.
A 2013 study found that the desire to maintain a hairstyle prevents around 40 percent of African American women from exercising regularly.
More than 60 percent of the women who participated in the study wore their hair in a chemically relaxed style.
There are some steps to take to protect natural hair during a workout, but more and more type 4 naturalistas are discovering that healthy bodies and healthy hair really can coexist.
Porosity
When hair professionals talk about porosity, they mean your hair’s ability to soak up moisture. If your hair is highly porous, it has a lot of holes in its surface layer, called the cuticle.
You may have naturally porous hair, or chemical and heat processing may have made your hair more porous than it normally would be.
Those holes in the cuticle allow your hair to absorb more moisture. If the climate where you live is humid, your hair may tend to frizz. That’s because the cuticle is drawing moisture from the air.
The good news is that porous hair also absorbs moisturizing products well. A wide range of products, from leave-in conditioners to rich butters, can seal the holes and make your hair easier to manage.
Hair that’s less porous is tightly locked and tends to resist moisture, whether that’s environmental humidity or chemical processing.
To avoid product buildup that could weigh down and dull your hair, wash with a clarifying shampoo weekly and choose lighter products, like hair milks and mousses, to create volume.
You may find that products work better if you use a blow dryer. The heat can open up the tight cuticle and allow moisture to seep in.
Hair porosity test
- Lay a few strands of your hair in a bowl of water.
- After a few minutes, take a look.
- Hair that floats has low porosity. Hair that sinks has high porosity.
Density
Hair density refers to the number of hairs on your head. If you can’t see your scalp clearly, you probably have dense hair. If you can see your scalp even without parting your hair, you probably have low hair density.
Your hair’s density can be affected by a number of factors, including stress, hormones during pregnancy or menopause, and nutrition.
It’s a good idea to take stock of the products you’re using if your hair density has changed.
Heavy products can flatten low density hair. Look for texture sprays and light mousses to add volume and lift. High density hair can benefit from thicker creams and butters to add shine and control.
Wherever you are on your hair journey, others have probably been there before, too.
One of the most helpful things you can do is use social media to find and follow someone whose hair type is similar to yours. Try products they recommend. Use techniques that worked for them. You’ll save time and money and find a supportive community.
Hair type is all about your hair’s curl pattern. Type 1 hair is straight. Type 2 is best described as wavy. Type 3 hair is curly, and type 4 is coily. You may have different curl patterns on different parts of your head.
To keep curls healthy, bouncy, and defined, you’ll need to experiment with products to find the ones that work best for your hair. The curlier and more porous your hair is, the more likely you are to need intense, regular moisturizing to keep it healthy.
If you’re not sure where to start, consult a professional who specializes in your type of hair, or follow someone with your hair type on social media.
FAQs
Type 1 hair is straight. Type 2 is best described as wavy. Type 3 hair is curly, and type 4 is coily.
What are the 5 hair types? ›
We will go over the 5 hair types: Straight, Wavy, Curly, Coily and Locs. Hair is beautiful and unique. Each person has hair that is special to them. Hair type and texture is the shape of one's hair.
How do I care for my natural hair? ›
8 Tips to Properly Care for Natural Hair, Straight From the Founder of Miss Jessie's
- Understand Your Hair. ...
- Find Your Wash Routine. ...
- Gather Your Essentials. ...
- Experiment with Protective Styles. ...
- Upgrade Your Night Routine. ...
- Reduce Heat Usage. ...
- Trim Your Hair Regularly. ...
- Invest in a Salon Visit.
Hair care is important for not only our appearance, but also for our overall hygiene. Having healthy hair allows us to look our best and ensure our hair and scalp is healthy. It is important to visit a reputable salon and utilize quality hair care products to ensure your hair is as healthy as possible.
What's my hair type? ›
If it dries straight without a bend or curl then you're Type 1. If it dries with a slight curve or S-shape patterns then you're Type 2. If it dries with defined curls or loop patterns, then you're Type 3. And if it dries with tight curls, spirals or zig-zag patterns then you're Type 4.
What are the 6 types of hair? ›
Forensic scientists distinguish six types of hair on the human body: (1) head hair, (2) eyebrows and eyelashes, (3) beard and mustache hair, (4) underarm hair, (5) auxiliary or body hair, and (6) pubic hair. Each hair type has its own shape and characteristics.
What are the 12 major hair types? ›
These 4 types of hair are further categorized into A, B, and C subtypes creating 12 total categories:
- Type 1A Straight Hair.
- Type 1B Straight Hair.
- Type 1C Straight Hair.
- Type 2A Wavy Hair.
- Type 2B Wavy Hair.
- Type 2C Wavy Hair.
- Type 3A Curly Hair.
- Type 3B Curly Hair.
Since your hair texture is hardwired in your DNA, there isn't much you can do to change your hair texture from one type to another. What you can do however is improve the current texture of your hair to guarantee that it's the healthiest possible.
How many types of hair did we have? ›
Hair can be straight, wavy, curly, or coily. According to one 2020 article , hair consists of two structures: the strand of hair itself, or the hair shaft, and the hair follicle.
What is Type 7 hair? ›
Texture Type 7, is often characterized with tightly coiled or tight afro. If your Texture tends to, have distinct, spring coils closer to the scalp this keep your curl type into this category.
At a glance, type 4 hair appears as a mass of tight coils brimming with vitality. This hair type comes with a spongy hair texture that can feel soft and fine or rough and coarse, depending on individual hair thickness.
Is my hair type 1 or 2? ›
Hair Texture
If it dries straight without a bend or curl, then you have straight hair (or type 1 hair as it is commonly referred to). If it dries with a slight curve or “S” shape, then it's considered wavy hair (type 2). If your hair dries with a defined curl or loop pattern, you have one of two curl types.
How do you care for fine hair? ›
How Do You Keep Fine Hair Healthy?
- Don't wash with hot water. Turn down the temperature dial when you bathe. ...
- Use reparative formulas. The key to healthy-looking hair is keeping it strong and well-nourished. ...
- Don't skip conditioner. ...
- Don't apply conditioner to your scalp. ...
- Fortify your strands with a serum.
also haircare. uncountable noun. Hair care is all the things people do to keep their hair clean, healthy-looking, and attractive.
What is hair made of? ›
Hair is composed of 95% keratin, a fibrous and helical protein (in the shape of a helix), which is part of the composition of the skin and of all the phanera (hair, nails, etc.). Synthesized by keratinocytes, keratin is insoluble in water, thus ensuring waterproofing and protection for hair.
What does healthy hair look like? ›
What are the signs of healthy hair? Healthy hair strands have a sheen and a luster, little breakage, minimal shedding, are moisture rich (so not dry), reflect light, do not break when brushed, and do not contain dandruff.
What are the 3 main types of hair? ›
Humans have three different types of hair:
- Lanugo, very thin, soft usually unpigmented hair that covers the unborn or newborn human.
- Vellus hair, the short, fine, “peach fuzz” body hair that grows in most places on the human body in both sexes. ...
- Terminal hair, longer, coarser, thicker and darker fully developed hairs.
What is Type 3 Hair? Type 3 hair is a unique type of curly hair that can have loose waves or tight corkscrews. These types of curvy, bouncy ringlets need more moisture to keep their curls defined and well-maintained. Once you understand all these factors about your natural locks, it becomes easier to take care of them.
What are the types of natural hair? ›
There are three main natural textures: wavy, curly, and coily hair. If you're well versed in the natural hair world, you know to refer to these textures as Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (coily).
What is the most common type of hair? ›
Medium or Normal hair texture is the most common hair type and it is not as fragile as fine hair. It can feel silky to the touch when it is straight and in healthy condition. Medium textured hair tends to hold style well, but can be prone to damage from high heat styling tools.
Level 1 haircolor is black, level 2 haircolor is the second darkest black, 3 is brown/black, level 4 haircolor is dark brown, level 5 haircolor is light brown, level 6 haircolor is dark blond, level 7 haircolor is dark blond, level 8 haircolor is medium blond, 9 is light blond and 10 is white/platinum.
How do you style Type 2 hair? ›
Styling tips:
A clean, scalp-supporting dry shampoo can keep your roots lifted between washes. You'll want to encourage the waves post-wash to help them get a bit of definition. Find a light-hold curl cream that you enjoy, and scrunch it throughout your hair when damp.
Who has Type 1 hair? ›
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair (Type 1) lies flat, or straight on the scalp. As the hair's natural oils are able to travel from the scalp to the ends, Type 1 hairs reflect the most sheen. There are three subcategories for straight hair: Type 1A hair is very straight and fine, with no hint of wave or curl.
Who has Type 3 hair? ›
Type 3: Curly Hair
African American female with brownish type 3 curly hair. Type 3 Curly Hair: Curly hair textures have a definite “S” shaped curl pattern. Since the cuticle doesn't lay flat, you will notice that curly hair isn't nearly as shiny as Type 1 (straight hair) or Type 2 (wavy hair) hair types.
What is normal hair type? ›
What Does it Mean to Have Normal Hair, Exactly? Normal hair is regulated by the natural oils on your scalp, resulting in consistently shiny and healthy looking hair. This hair type tends to be easy to manage, soft to the touch, and absent of many hair woes common in other hair types.
Can you have 2 types of hair? ›
Multitextured hair is just hair that isn't all one curl pattern, so instead of having just curly hair, you might have wavy curls at the front of your head with a tighter pattern in the back. Or if you're a new natural, you could be growing out your chemically straightened hair before cutting it off completely.
Why are there different types of hair? ›
Hair type is largely determined by genetics. Chances are, if your grandma had wavy hair, you will too. Your hair type is also determined by the shape of your hair follicle. If your follicles are symmetrical, or round in shape, your hair will be straight.
Does everyone have a hair type? ›
Not many people do, of course, you probably know the basics like whether your hair is straight or curly. But did you know that there are twelve distinct types of hair? Everyone's hair type falls into one of those twelve categories. There are four main types, and each type has three subcategories.
How to grow hair faster? ›
14 Ways to Help Your Hair Grow Faster and Stronger
- Cool It Down. 1/14. Heat styling can break and damage hair. ...
- Let Wet Hair Be. 2/14. Wet hair is super-stretchy. ...
- Take Care With Color. 3/14. ...
- Meds Can Help or Hurt. 4/14. ...
- Get a Trim. 5/14. ...
- Stress Less. 6/14. ...
- Handle With Care. 7/14. ...
- Take Care With Extensions and Braids. 8/14.
Knowing your hair texture, porosity, and curl pattern are key to healthy hair. Products that may work for a certain curly hair type might be damaging to others, and knowing your hair type can determine how much you should be using shampoo or even how heat products need to be incorporated.
Hair grows because matrix cells shed some of their structure as they reach the upper follicle. The shed structure combines with keratins to form hair strands that exit your skin's surface.
What is hair called? ›
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Strands of hair originate in an epidermal penetration of the dermis called the hair follicle.
What is Type 5 curly hair? ›
Texture Type 5, is often characterized as very curly, define curls with s-shapes forming into coils. Also, known as Curl Type 3A. If your Texture tends to,grow down from the scalp then curls in defined S-shapes keep your strands in this category.
How to style curly hair? ›
How to Style Curly Hair
- Comb wet hair from the bottom up. ...
- Deep condition once a week. ...
- Dry with a T-shirt or microfiber towel. ...
- Find the right hair products. ...
- Trim your hair regularly. ...
- Protect your curls at night. ...
- Use a curling iron. ...
- Use a curl-refreshing spray.
Type 2A Hair
Typically, this wave type is flat at the roots before gently curling at eye or ear level. When wet, it can pass for straight hair, which is why it transforms easily into sleek, smooth locks under the influence of a flat iron. That said, type 2a hair often lacks volume and is the flattest type of wavy hair.
How do you take care of 4 types of hair? ›
What are some tips for keeping 4C hair healthy?
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. To no surprise, 4c hair, like all curly hair types, is naturally dry. ...
- Be gentle. 4c hair is the most fragile hair type. ...
- Take advantage of protective styling. ...
- Don't neglect scalp care. ...
- Give your ends a little TLC. ...
- Trim regularly.
A simple breakdown: Type 1s are straight, Type 2s are wavy, Type 3s are curly, and Type 4s are coily.
What is type 2A 2B 2c hair? ›
Wavy Hair can be classified by three curl types; 2A - A slight wave to your hair. 2B - Medium Wave form in the hair. 2C - Wavy hair that starts to form ringlets, especially when hydrated (wet) and styled correctly.
What does 2 C hair look like? ›
Like all type 2 hair, 2c hair is wavy, but that often feels like a technicality. Your S-bend hair is thick and the waves start at the roots. If you've ever been confused about whether your hair is wavy or curly, it's likely you have the 2c hair type.
What is 2 C hair type? ›
Type 2c hair is the apex of waviness. Its ultra-defined natural waves are not easily ignored or erased. Through wind, rain, or shine, it's wavy texture will not lose its shape— though it may experience a little frizz or excess volume.
Moisturize every day with a leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, or steam to keep your curls soft and hydrated. Use oils to seal moisture into your hair at the ends to enhance your curls and keep frizz at bay. Apply oils to the roots to keep them in optimal health.
How should I take care of my hair daily routine? ›
Daily Hair Care Routine
- Step 1: Shampoo or Dry Shampoo. It's not healthy to wash your hair every day, especially if you have thick or curly hair. ...
- Step 2: Conditioner. Conditioner is a must-have, regardless of your hair type. ...
- Step 3: Leave-in Conditioner. ...
- Step 4: Styling. ...
- Step 5: Drying.
Very short hair, such as a Pixie, is often easy to style, however requires frequent haircuts to maintain it. Long, straight hair is low maintenance as it can easily be put in a ponytail or braid and doesn't require frequent trims, however it takes longer to blow-dry and curl.
How do you take care of Type 2 hair? ›
Styling tips:
A clean, scalp-supporting dry shampoo can keep your roots lifted between washes. You'll want to encourage the waves post-wash to help them get a bit of definition. Find a light-hold curl cream that you enjoy, and scrunch it throughout your hair when damp.
How do you treat Type 3 hair? ›
Because type 3a tends to be naturally smooth and soft, it's best to work with its natural shape and not overwhelm it with heavy styling products meant for tighter coily hair. Instead, type 3a hair types should use a simple lightweight leave-in conditioner for hydrating, smoothing, and improving damaged-looking hair.
What is Type 2 hair? ›
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair (Type 2) hair types are naturally wavy and form an “S” shape. It is thicker than Type 1 hair types, and can be considered a medium between straight and curly hair. Because of its slight texture and shape, it is not as oily as Type 1.
What is good habits for hair? ›
One of the most important steps in keeping your hair healthy begins with using a sulfate-free shampoo daily, or at least every other day. Sulfates, which are detergents found in many shampoos, can weaken hair follicles over time, making your hair susceptible to breakage and the appearance of thinning.
What are the 12 hair types? ›
These 4 types of hair are further categorized into A, B, and C subtypes creating 12 total categories:
- Type 1A Straight Hair.
- Type 1B Straight Hair.
- Type 1C Straight Hair.
- Type 2A Wavy Hair.
- Type 2B Wavy Hair.
- Type 2C Wavy Hair.
- Type 3A Curly Hair.
- Type 3B Curly Hair.
Thick (Coarse)
Thick or coarse hair texture is the strongest hair texture and typically feels coarse or thick to the touch. Coarse hair contains all three hair layers – the cortex, cuticle and medulla.
Which hair type is more beautiful? ›
Interestingly, wavy hair was judged more attractive than straight hair (p < 0.05).
