To determine what type of hair you have, you need to consider several factors including hair texture, formation (curl pattern), and density.
How to Identify Your Hair Type
1. Hair Texture (Strand Thickness):
- Fine: You barely feel the strand when rolled between fingers.
- Medium: You can slightly feel the strand.
- Coarse: You clearly feel the strand and it feels thick
2. Hair Formation (Curl Pattern):
- Straight (Type 1): Hair dries without bends or curls.
- Wavy (Type 2): Hair forms an “S” shape wave.
- Curly (Type 3): Hair forms defined curls or ringlets.
- Coily (Type 4): Hair forms tight coils or zig-zag patterns
3. Subtypes Based on Curl Tightness and Texture:
Each main type has subtypes A, B, and C that describe the tightness and
texture more specifically. For example:
- Type 1A: Pin-straight, very fine and soft.
- Type 2B: Defined “S” waves starting mid-length, thicker strands.
- Type 3A: Loose curls about the size of a quarter.
- Type 4C: Very tight zig-zag coils, dense and fragile
How to Check Your Hair Type at Home
- Let your hair air dry without product to see its natural pattern.
- Observe if it lies flat, waves, curls, or coils.
- Feel a single strand to assess texture.
- Consider density by how much scalp shows through your hair
Tools to Help You
You can also take online hair type quizzes that guide you through questions about your hair’s appearance and feel to identify your type accurately
. In summary, your hair type is classified by its curl pattern (straight, wavy, curly, coily) and strand texture (fine, medium, coarse), with further subtypes that describe the curl tightness and thickness. By observing your hair’s natural state and texture, you can identify your type and choose the best care routine accordingly
