How To Identify Your Hair Type To Better Care For Your Curls!
Identifying your hair type is one of the first orders of business when it comes to caring for your natural hair. Of course you will have to decide how you will transition, but knowing your hair type is just as important.
Your curls can be classified under four different types and three different textures. There is type 1 and then types 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C.
It can be a bit confusing if you are not sure what to look out for and are new to the natural community.
Keep reading to learn how to identify your hair type so that you can better tailor your hair routine and products!
Type 1: Straight Hair
Type 1 is exactly what you are thinking: straight hair. Type 1 hair is usually described as having no natural curl in it, although it is still able to hold a curl.
Those with type 1 hair are encouraged to use lighter products with less oils and butters because it can weigh down on the hair. Type 1 hair also becomes oily rather quickly and needs to be washed more often.
We know we mentioned that each hair type has three sub-categories for texture (a, b, and c), but typically we just refer to type 1 hair as straight, with no textures attached.
In conclusion, type 1 hair is strictly straight hair and does not have a natural curl pattern.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 2 hair is typically classified as wavy hair. This is the loosest hair texture and has a natural wave to it. It is not quite curly how we think about natural hair, but it does have three different textures: type 2A, 2B, and 2C
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 2 hair is typically classified as wavy hair. This is the loosest hair texture and has a natural wave to it. It is not quite curly how we think about natural hair, but it does have three different textures: type 2A, 2B, and 2C
Similar to type 1 hair, you want to wash type 2 hair often so that it does not get too oily. Type 2 hair is also prone to frizz when in humid climates. A little goes a long way with products and lightweight natural products should be used.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Type 3 hair is the 'S' shaped curly hair of the bunch. 3A, 3B, and 3C type hair have a looser curl pattern than type 4 hair but tighter than type 2 hair.
Type 3A
This is the larger of the curls of type 3 hair. Naturals with type 3A hair should not use lighter products as not to weigh down their hair. Typically 3A naturals have less volume than 3B naturals. Altering this specific hair type too much can ruin how much definition you have and promote frizz.
Type 3B
Type 3B naturals have a tighter curl pattern than type 3A and instead of an 'S' shape are a ringlet shape. This means that there are many more curls visibly present with type 3B hair. Type 3B hair can be high maintenance and really requires moisture to thrive. It is best to stay away from heat tools, but specifically with this hair type you should avoid too many harsh chemicals.
Type 3C
Type 3C hair are corkscrew shaped curls and are even tighter than 3B curls. This hair is prone to experience a bit of breakage and should be detangled with care on wash days. Because of the way 3c curls are shaped, your hair's natural oils have a hard time penetrating all of the hair from the root to the tips of the strands. This can lead to dry ends and thus breakage, so it is important to keep type 3C hair extremely moisturized with great natural shampoos and styling creams.
Type 4: Coily Hair
Type 4A
Type 4A hair is the loosest of the this hair type. The curls are coily and have a lot of definition. You may experience a bit of shrinkage and dryness with type 4 hair, so it is important to keep up with moisturizing it on wash day and refreshing throughout the week. A lot of type 4 naturals have difficulty penetrating their strands and keeping moisture in, but with the right products and a set hair care routine, you can achieve definition, moisture, and overall growth.
Type 4B
Type 4B hair is classified as the "zig zag" curl type. This curl is tighter but less defined than type 4A hair. Shingling is a method used to care for this hair type in order to avoid breakage and keep all of the strands moisturized. You want to use heavier natural products the tighter your curl pattern gets. Our Mango Moringa Moisture Max System is great for all hair types and free of sulfates, parabens, and petroleum.
In the winter months, it is important to incorporate light oils and butters to retain the moisture that can be affected by the cold, dry air.
Type 4C
Type 4C hair is the tightest of the hair types and can be fragile in terms of breakage. It tends to dry up quicker and feel drier to the touch compared to other hair types. Because of this, you need to incorporate steaming and small amounts of heat to your strands so that the products can successfully be absorbed.
Our CurlDefiner Natural Hair Dryer is a great addition to wash day for naturals in order to elongate curls, lock in moisture, and reduce breakage.
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