Know Your Hair Type

 What is your hair type? Understanding your hair type may not supply you all the information about your hair, however, having knowledge of your hair type would solve half of your hair challenges. It will give you a direction on what hair product is suitable for your hair, and what product is a no go for your hair. Knowing your hair typing would also give you an insight into your hair styling. Not every style works well with your hair type.  So much for end rhymes. Another advantage you get from knowing your hair typing is that it equips you on how best you care for your hair. Talking of ‘red alert’ function, knowing your hair type will go a long way to alert you on hair products that are no go for your hair.... Are there times you seem disappointed that your hair doesn’t give you the effect that you desire? Chances are you are applying the wrong styling for yourself or should I say your hair. Like you trying to twist your kinks into curls or make your curls look straight and seamless? The best way to know your hair type with your natural hair is simply have your hair washed in water without any conditioner or styling products and examine how it looks. If you are very observant you would have a clue, but if you still don’t seem to have a clue, then we have put together this for your guide. Know your hair type or types as the case may be and best styling tips.  Let’s dig in...

General Hair Type Chart 

Type 1: The Straight Hair

Greasy, oily, limp, lifeless, frizzy and boring, you can think of more adjectives for this hair type.  This requires daily washing of the hair and conditioning with dry shampoo. Despite its not so encouraging adjectives, the type 1 hair can appear lovely when applied with the right styling product. 

 Hair type 1A

The typical baby fine straight hair, void of curls and has difficulty styling. Naturally have an oily and a limp look.

Tip:

Keep dry shampoo on hand to revamp hair look and avoid the use of thick conditioners. This would weigh your hair down and give its strands a greasy look.

 

Type 1A hair

 Hair type 1B

In type 1B, straight hair, isn’t all straight anyways. This hair type has fuller strands with a slight bend at the end, with no real curl.  

Tip;

Use dry texturizing spray at the roots before styling with a flatiron, to give it volume and texture.

 

Type 1B hair 

Hair Type 1C

Type 1C has got a primarily straight hair with few waves hiding in the underbrush. It is prone to frizz and really thick. But the good news is, it sure can hold down curls pretty well.

Tip:

To keep from looking like a fuzz ball after stepping outside, make use of a smooth serum and the cool-shot setting on your blow dryer and you are free to hit the road.

 

Type 1C hair 

Type 2: Wavy Hair

Don’t feel jealous when you see them girls with the natural waves. Sure they do have the perfect happy medium curls in between and a straight hair in the blend. But it sure can be a whole lot of works to have the waves behave. And a combination of the wrong hair products can make the strands fall flat. You certainly don’t want that for your hair. So why not we highlight this hair type and possible tip to give you that beautiful looking hair you desire.

Hair Type 2A                           

Characterized by an occasional bend at the end of the hair strand, the 2A type hair can be made to achieve a straight sleek look.

Tip:

To rock this hair in its natural style and texture, air-dry it and use a curling iron to bend any limp pieces.

 

Type 2A hair

Hair Type 2B

It is all wavy and all natural. You do less to achieve the waves, because if you have a type 2B hair, you have got them natural wavy textured hair. 

Tip:

To get the best looks of your waves, finger style your hair with a mousse and a diffuser. Ensure to reduce the frequency of contacting your hair with your hands. Reason: the more you touch the hair, the lesser the waves you’d have at the end. And avoid the crunch by finishing your dry style with a few drops of hair oil.

 

Type 2B hair 

Hair Type 2C

Here it gets even better and prettier. Yeah! Imagine thicker waves with sporadic curls throughout the head. Hmmmm!  Sounds like the perfect wavy hair?  You don’t have to answer that. Lets get back to it. Similar to the curlier hair types, these waves is easily achieved from a good moisture and finger-styling.

Tip:

Ensure you schedule your deep-conditioning treatment at least once a week, and viola, you up to a big bouncy hair style.

 

Type 2C hair 

Type 3: Curly Hair

Have you got a type 3 Hair, you need not worry about moisturizing your hair frequently. Although all hair type requires moisturizing the type 3 hair, requires less moisturizing activities so as not to make the hair heavy, weighed down and oily.

                                                                     

Hair Type 3A

This curl type is largest in diameter and can also have a mix of wavy pieces.  This texture is easy to achieve straightening, but it’s also susceptible to heat damage.

Tip:

For a perfect curl texture, style with the scrunch method. Apply product to wet hair. Use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to squeeze curls while pushing strands up and toward the scalp.

 

Type 3A hair

Hair Type 3B

Curls stretched out in spirals that fall down toward the shoulders. To get the best approach for this hair types add stylers while soaking wet, then let it air-dry.

Tip:

Light gels mixed with leave-in conditioners can create smooth curls that bounce without the sticky residue.

 

Type 3B hair

Hair Type 3C

This hair type has the thickest of curls and most prone to frizz.

Tip:

To avoid crunchy curls, consider washing strands with a cleansing conditioner. This will cut down on flyaway and maintain the hair shine.

 

Type 3C hair

Type 4: Coily Hair      

Talk of kinkiest, coarseness and driest; the type 4 hair has got all these qualities. And the reason is not so far-fetched. It has got many twists and turns in its texture. Difficult to get moisture down to the scalp and keep the hair shining in check; the type 4 hair, also tend to shrink down, making it very hard to determine the actual length of the locks. Despite these extremities, the type 4 hair will blow you off your feet anytime, with its oversize afro.  Lets dig into this hair type.

 

Type 4A, 4B and 4C hair

Hair Type 4A

It is Characterised by small curls all around the hair. its diameter  can range from that of a pen coil to a pencil.  The type 4A hair can shrink down to less than half its length when it’s dry. unlike 4B and 4C, this hair type retains water.  This is possible because the bends in your hair make it harder for your hair to receive the moisture you put into it.

Tip:

You would want to stick to the wash and go method for this hair type. However, you would want to have a blow dryer with a diffuser on hand as it helps stretch curls to their maximum capacity.

Hair Type 4B

When wet the type 4B hair reveals the Z-shaped kinks and S-shaped coils. But without the right product regimen, frizz can quickly overcome any natural curl definition. It also has the attribute of not retaining water.

Tip:

Turn to light gels and styling butters to twist hair damp, then release the style for a more defined look.

 Hair Type 4C

This hair type has no distinct curl pattern, which makes it extra hard to detangle. Its dense texture makes it even difficult to get any definition.  It also does not retain water, hence its hardened nature. However, this hair type makes the perfect Afro.

 Like it is possible to have multiple in borne talents or abilities, it is also possible to have multiple hair type. Shaking your head! Sure it is! You may have the edges of a 4b, while a larger proportion of your hair is 4a type. Other possibilities could be you having a 4A hair with strands of a 3C.

Hope this helps you figure out your hair typing? Do keep tabs on this space for more hair related articles you certainly could use...