Wondering what your hair type is? It’s hard to identify it if you don’t know where to start. In this blog, read more about what a hair type is, what hair types exist and how to identify your hair type. So be sure to read on.
What is a hair type?
A hair type describes how curly, wavy or coily a person’s hair is using 4 categories. This hair typing system is known as the “Andre Walker Hair Typing System” which was created by Andre Walker, a hairstylist and former hairstylist for Oprah Winfrey.
However, this is not the only hair typing system out there. The lesser-known LOIS system defines hair by three characteristics: pattern, hair thickness and texture. There’s also the FIA hair type system which builds on Andre Walker’s hair type system and also includes elements of the LOIS hair type system. This blog will mainly look at Andre Walker’s well-known hair type system used by many.
What are the 4 hair types?
There are four hair types and they are straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair and coily hair. These are the most commonly used categories to categorize hair. We will discuss the 4 categories further.
Hair type 1: Straight hair
Type 1 hair is straight hair. It is characterized by a smooth, straight texture and often has little volume. This hair type is very shiny and is also the most resilient of all hair types. This hair type has a hard time holding curls and tend to get oily.
💡 Did you know type 1 hair is the rarest hair type?
Hair type 2: Wavy hair
Type 2 hair is wavy hair and falls between type 1 and type 3 hair. So it is not straight, but also not curly. This hair type is also more likely to get frizzy than straight hair.
2A
Type 2A hair is fine and thin. It is relatively easy to style because it can be straightened or curled easily.
2B
Type 2B hair typically has waves that tend to adhere to the shape of your head.
2C
Type 2C hair frizzes easily and is quite coarse.
Hair type 3: Curly hair
3A
Type 3 hair is a term used to describe curly hair. Curly hair textures have a distinct “S” shaped curl pattern. It can range in varying degrees of curl, from loose waves to stiff curls.
3B
Type 3B hair has a narrower outline of curls, ranging from spiral curls to spiral corkscrew curls.
3C
Although type 3C hair is not part of Andre Walker’s hair type system, it is generally defined as tight spiral curls. These curls are even tighter than 3B hair.
Hair type 4: Coily hair
Type 4 hair also known as coily hair, is very tightly curled hair.
4A
Type 4A hair is full of tight spirals. It has an “S” pattern when stretched, like type 3 curly hair.
4B
Type 4B hair has a less defined curl pattern and looks more like a “Z” because the hair bends with very sharp angles.
4C
Type 4C hair is very versatile and has the tightest curls of all hair types.
How do I identify my hair type?
Look at your hair in its natural state, that is, without styling products or heat treatments. If it is straight, you probably have type 1 hair. If it has light waves, you probably have type 2 hair. If it has curls, you probably have type 3 hair. If it is frizzy or has afro texture, you probably have type 4 hair. You can also take a strand of hair from the brush and compare it to a hair type chart.
Is it normal to have multiple hair types?
Of course! Having a variety of textures in your hair is completely normal. Its’s actually common for people to have different hair textures.
Is knowing my hair type important?
Yes and no, hair typing is not a scientific classification but rather a general categorization that helps people understand the unique characteristics of their hair and its needs.
It is not always easy to classify hair into a specific category, and one person’s hair can have characteristics of multiple types. It is also important to understand that hair type can change over time due to factors such as age, hormonal changes and general health. Therefore, more scientific methods such as hair- porosity, thickness, density and elasticity will better help you understand and then care for your hair.
