How to Identify Your Hair Type—and Why It’s Important

Knowing your hair type can help you meet your unique needs, much like you should obligingly determine your skin type so you can get the best cosmetics. You wouldn't want to apply the same products you use for coily or curly hair to fine hair, and you wouldn't use the same method for color-treated hair as you would for thinning hair. In order to better understand the various hair varieties and how to accommodate them, we questioned hairstylists.

The Importance of Understanding Your Hair Type

"Kari Williams, PhD, a trichologist and director of education for Cécred, says that knowing your hair type helps you understand your hair's natural tendencies, including how it reacts to moisture, styling products, and humidity." Additionally, your hair type and its requirements may change over time, just like your skin. According to Dr. Williams, "your hair type can change due to factors like aging, hormonal shifts, heat damage, or chemical treatments."

The 4 Main Types of Hair (as well as Their Subtypes)

Four main categories of hair types can be distinguished (1 through 4). Emilio Uribe, a celebrity hairstylist, argues that each hair type typically has three subcategories based on the curl pattern and texture. "Each subcategory reflects a change in the curl or wave's tightness." For instance, whereas 2C has greater definition, 2A is a loose wave.

We requested that Uribe provide us with the complete overview, including expert advice on the finest hair products for each type of hair.

Type 1 straight

With little to no natural wave, this hair type lies flat. Given how easily the natural oils from the scalp can move down the hair shaft, it can frequently get greasy more rapidly.

1A: Flat, thin, and glossy. Use texturizers and volumizers to control oil and provide lift.

1B: Straight, slightly textured, and more substantial. The best way to add volume without getting greasy is with lightweight products.

1C: Frizzy but straight with bends that retain curls. Refrain from using thick creams.

Type 2 Wavy

Waavy hair is defined as having a natural "S" shape. It is not as tightly coiled as curly hair, but it usually has more texture than straight hair.

2A: Soft, loose waves that are likely to become flat. Hair is raised at the roots with the use of volumizers.

2B: Beachy waves that could go flat at the top. Texture is added with curl creams and dry shampoos.

2C: The curliest; frizz and S-pattern. Use hair-plopping and moisturize to add definition.

Type 3 Curly

This hair type produces distinct ringlets or curls. Its tightness and size might change, and it frequently needs more moisture to maintain the curls' health and bounce.

3A: Frizz-prone curls that are loose and bouncy. Apply soothing curl creams.

3B: Dryer, tighter, and springy ringlets. Don't use thick silicones to moisturize.

3C: Dry and gritty, tight corkscrews. Breakage can be avoided with routine conditioning.

Type 4 Kinky/Coiled

The coils or curls of this hair type are tight. This type of hair is the most sensitive and frequently needs to be hydrated constantly and handled carefully to avoid breaking.

4A: Holds moisture and forms tight S-coils. Curl creams can be used to define hair.

Zigzag coils with high shrinkage (4B). To avoid dryness, use rich moisturizers.

4C: Slightly defined, tightest, and most delicate coils. The secret is to use thick moisturizers and detanglers.

How to Identify Your Hair Style

According to Uribe, you should wash your hair and let it air dry naturally or with a blow dryer without using any brushes or style products in order to accurately determine your hair type. Next, look at your hair's natural texture and structure while consulting the previously mentioned recommendations. You may also pose the following queries to yourself:

1. Is it naturally curly, wavy, straight, or tightly coiled?

2. Is it dry at the ends, brittle, or frizzy?

3. What is the effect of humidity on my hair?

4. Does my hair benefit from or become weighed down by deep conditioner?

You can identify your hair type and choose the best products by visually inspecting your hair and responding to these questions. In addition to understanding your hair type, Dr. Williams says it's critical to take into account your hair's current needs, or what she calls its "need state." This aids in determining whether your hair needs extra care to address problems like thinning, color fading, strengthening, and hydration.

During your next salon appointment, Uribe advises speaking with a professional hairstylist if you're still unsure about your hair type or its requirements. They will be able to respond with more specificity and even provide some expert advice on how to perfect your hair care regimen.

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