First of, it is important you know every type of hair is beautiful no matter the shape, size or texture.
Decoding your hair type, curl pattern, porosity etc. is key to strengthening your hair health ad daily styling routine. Whether thick, straight, glossy, curly, long, short, matte – there are factors you must consider identifying your hair type.
What are the different hair types?
Based on hair curl type which is determined by the shape of hair follicle – your hair could either br
- straight
- curly
- wavy or
- coily
Your hair type is determined by genetics aka DNA – though you can change your curl pattern with heat o chemicals (like Hair relaxer)
The detailed classification of Hair Type according to curl patterns
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The subclassifications of A to C are based on the tightness of your curls.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Women with Type 1 hair are more likely to have greasy, oily, frizzy hair. And while straight hair can easily be taken care of – it lacks volume and can be hard to style. Keep dry shampoo on hand and avoid thick conditioners that could potentially weigh down your hair, giving your hair strands a greasy look.
Type 1A (fine hair)
1A hair is straight hair with no indication of curl or wave. In fact, women with !A hair find it difficult to even hold a coily. It is commonly seen in Asian women.
Celebrity examples: Dakota Fanning
Pro Tip: Common complaints include oiliness and a stiff look. Avoid thick conditioners as they can give hair srands a greasy loook. use a dry shampoo to reduce oil, grease and dirt.
Product Recommendations:
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
OUAI HAIRCARE – Dry Texture Foam
For an instant sexy look that you can blow dry sweep hair to the side. For a more depth appearance get a hairstyle with layers.
Type 1B (medium)
Type 1B hair tends to be thicker, more volume that type !A hair. Unlike fine hair, medium straight hair is very easy to manage.
Celebrity examples: Freida Pinta, Kendall Jenner.
Pro tip: To give this type volume and texture, use a dry texturing spray at the roots before styling with a flat iron. A sleek ponytail is perfect for this hair type
Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Shampoo
Chi
G2 Ceramic & Titanium 1.25” Hairstyling Iron
Type 1C (Coarse Hair)
The type 1c hair type is super thick and very prone to frizz. Although being capable of holding curls, it can be a little too hard to handle.
Celebrity example: Sienna Miller
Pro tip: Use a smoothing serum and a cool-shot setting on your blowdry to avoid a frizz look. Go for layered cuts that are long in length. Take advantage of its coarseness and go for a long and parted in the middle look.
Product Recommendations:
John Frieda
Frizz Ease Original Hair Serum
T3 Volume Round Brush 2.5”
Bio Ionic
10X Pro Straightening & Styling Iron
Type 2 (Wavy Hair)
Type 2 hair is completely curly and bendable. This hair type is typically not too oily or too dry
Type 2A
Celebrity example – Kate Hudson
Type 2a hair is wavier than straight hair but not curly. Women with this type of hair can either strengthen their hair to get a sleek style or add extra bend to bring out its natural wave but also avoid using thick styling products can easily make your strands heavy leaving it weak and bleak. Use a water based mouse to make your hair fuller.
Product Recommendations:
Drybar
The Wrap Party Styling Wand
Living Proof
Full Thickening Mousse
Type 2B
Celebrity example: Kate Middleton
Type 2B hair have a more defined curl S shape. Since they have a thicker diameter than 2A they are prone to frizz, but with proper styling using the right products (mousse + diffuser) the waves tend to look their best. For a more beachy look a spritz of salt spray would do the trick.
Product Recommendations:
Ouidad
VitalCurl+ Soft Defining Mousse
Type 2c
Celebrity example: Lorde
Type 2C hair have thicker waves – wave patterns start too close to the crown and fall downwards. People with 2c hair are more prone to frizzing than 2a and 2b in damp weather. Just like other curlier hair types, type 2c benefit from moisture and finger styling.
Pro tip: Use a non-lathering sulfate free cowash so as not to strip essential moisture from the strands, A deep conditioning treatment layered over a lightweight mousse will lock in your hair’s natural pattern along with moisture.
Product Recommendations:
Moroccanoil intense hydrating mask
Design Essentials
Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
Briogeo
Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Quinoa Co-Wash
Type 3 (Curly hair)
Curly hair ranges from tight, bouyant loops to loose, light curls. type 3 curly hair is often described as having more true curls than wavy hair.
Type 3a
Celebrity example: Zendaya
3A strands are S-shaped form from loose loops and also have a mix of wavy peces. The size of curls make it the easiest to manage and less susceptible to frizz. To get an utmost curl definition – the scrunch method should be used to style. Apply product then start scrunching it with towel/microfiber to soak as much of the water as possible while pushing strands up towards the scalp.
Pro tip: Avoid touching with your hands to avoid a halo full frizz. Spritz your hair with a curly refresher to maintain juicy springs.
Product Recommendations:
DevaCurl
DevaTowel Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel
Briogeo
Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme
Type 3B
Celebrity example: Halle Berry
Hair type 3B usually have a spring ringlets with a circumference similar to your finger. The curls aren’t too thick or too delicate. Using a light gel mixed with leave-in conditioners help create smooth curls that bounce with o sticky residue. Apply products when wet and allow to air dry.
Product Recommendations:
SheaMoisture
Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Type 3c
Celebrity example: Tracee Ellis Ross
type 3c curls are a blend of bouncy and thick cork screws that range in circumference for a straw to pencil giving your hair major volume. They are prone to frizz, to avoid crunchy curls, washing with a cleansing conditioner will prevent flyways an maintain sheen, Instead of combing, rake through wet hair with finger tips after applying conditioner.
Product Recommendations:
Not Your Mother’s
Curl Talk Defining Cream
Type 4(Coily Hair)
Kinky or coily hair or Afro textured hair is a mix of textures from a tightly coiled, spring-like pattern (s-shape) to a zigzag pattern right from the scalp. Coily hair is naturally very dry and spongy also very prone to shrinkage.
Type 4A
Celebrity example: Issa Rae
The curl pattern for 4A hair is an s-shaped coil and can often appear curly. The cols can lose definition and moisture fast, the wash-and-go method works well on this hair type. A blow dryer with a diffuser helps stretch the curls to their maximum capacity.
Product Recommendations:
Drybar The Bouncer Diffuser
tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner
Type 4B
Celebrity example: Solange Knowles
4B hair type are densely packed and have more z-shaped patterns. This hair type is soft to touch but also more fragile with varying thickness. 4b hair is more prone to shrinkage when wet. Light gels and styling butter help for more defined look.
Product Recommendations:
Maui Moisture
Curl Quench+Coconut Oil Curl SMOOTHIE
Type 4c
Celebrity example: Lupita Nyong’o
4c’s Z-shaped pattern is very similar to 4bs but way tighter and more fragile. The dense curls makes the hair have a distinct shape. The hair cuticles retain hydration meaning it requires hydration. Using a leave-in moisturizer will increase the length of those strands.
Product Recommendations:
SheaMoisture
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque Packette
