Knowing your hair type is the first step toward achieving healthy, shiny hair. If you’re asking yourself what is my hair type or how to tell what hair type you have, this guide will help you identify it.
So keep reading.
How to Determine Your Hair Structure and Texture
Before you learn how to identify your hair type, it’s essential to first know the structure and texture of your hair. Hair consists of various components that contribute to its appearance and texture.
What Is Hair Made Of?
Hair is made of three layers:
- Cuticle: The protective outer layer of your hair
- Cortex: the middle layer, which provides hair with its strength, color, and texture.
- Medulla: The innermost structure that might not be present or helps in thickening up your hair.
Common Hair Texture Patterns
The shape of the hair follicles determines your hair texture. It could range widely, from straight to tightly coiled. Here are the main types:
| Hair Texture | Description |
| Straight | Straight strands with no waves or curls |
| Wavy | Soft waves that create loose “S” shapes |
| Curly | Defined curls that take the shape of spirals |
| Coily | Tightly coiled or “kinky” strands in zig-zag patterns |
What Are the Different Types of Hair?
Understanding the four key hair types will help you figure out your hair’s needs, and the most effective care routine.
Type 1: Straight Hair
This is the most straightforward hair to handle. It has no curls or waves, though it can sometimes be a little flat. It tends to be shiny but can also be dry and frizz-prone.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has a gentle, “S” shape. It’s more voluminous than straight hair, but it can also get frizzy easily. Staying properly hydrated is essential to keeping it in check.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curly hair grows in defined ringlets or spirals. The texture can differ from loose curls to tighter coils. Moisture is vital to keeping your locks healthy, especially curly hair.
Type 4: Coily Hair
Coily hair features fine, defined curls, that become smaller when dried. It’s more likely to break and requires moisturizing products to remain intact.
Understanding Hair Porosity & How it Affects Your Hair Care Routine
Porosity is another essential aspect of hair type assessment. Hair porosity is simply how well your strands absorb and retain moisture.
Why does this matter — because it guides you in choosing the right products to meet the needs of your hair. Knowing your porosity level is important for maintaining hydration and good health of your hair.
Types of Hair Porosity:
- Low Porosity: Low porosity hair is hair that is resistant to moisture. Products tend to just sit on the surface and get build up. And if you have low-porosity hair, you thrive on lightweight, water-based products.
- High Porosity: High-porosity hair takes in moisture quickly, but also sequesters it just as quickly. It tends to go frizzy and can get damaged. Moisturizing products with protein seal in moisture and help to prevent damage.
- Normal Porosity: Normal porosity is the ideal condition for hair care. This hair type is able to absorb moisture easily and retain it. You shouldn’t complicate your hair routine, just apply nourishing products.
How To Check Your Hair Porosity
It is easy to test your hair’s porosity. A simple “float test” at home will do the trick.
- Take a clean, dry piece of hair and place it in a glass of water.
- If it sinks immediately, your hair is likely high porosity.
- If it floats on top, your hair is low porosity.
- If it sinks slowly, your porosity is not good.
Learning your porosity will help you select the best products to maintain healthy, moisturized hair.
How Porosity Affects Your Routine
- Low Porosity Hair: Since this hair type resists moisture, use light leave-in conditioners or water-based sprays. Avoid heavy oils and creams, which can leave your hair greasy and weighed down.
- High Porosity Hair: This hair type tends to lose moisture quickly, so it needs more intense hydration. Choose deep conditioners, oils, and creams that help seal the moisture in.
- Normal Porosity Hair: With balanced porosity, you can use a wide range of products. A good mix of moisturizing and strengthening products will work wonders.
Why Hair Density and Thickness of the Strand Matters
Next, let’s get into hair density and strand thickness, which also can be a factor in your hair type! These features indicate how much hair you have on the head and how thick they are. All of these factors allow you to select an ideal hair care routine and products.
How to Check Hair Density
Hair density refers to how many strands of hair are on your scalp. To test it:
- Part your hair in the middle and look closely at your scalp.
- If you see a lot of scalp, you have low density.
- If your scalp is hard to see, you have high density.
- If you see some scalp, you have medium density.
How to Check Strand Thickness
The thickness of your hair strands tells you if your hair is fine, medium, or thick. Here’s how you can figure it out:
- Take a single strand of hair.
- Rub it between your fingers.
- If it feels thin and delicate, your hair is fine.
- If it feels thicker and stronger, you have thick hair.
- If it feels in between, your hair is medium.
Why Density and Thickness Are Important
- Fine Hair: Fine hair gets oily quickly and can appear flat without volume. Are there any particular products you recommend for volume?
- Thick Hair: Thick hair can endure heavier products and requires additional moisture. Opt for rich creams and oils that ensure the hair is plump, moisturized, and healthy.
- Medium Hair: Medium hair generally needs a little of both.
How to Determine Your Hair Type: Short Recap
To sum it up, determining your hair type is about viewing a few key factors:
- Texture: Is your hair straight, wavy, curly, or coily? Each texture requires a different kind of care.
- Porosity: How well does your hair soak up moisture or is it a struggle? Low, high or normal porosity require different treatments.
- Density: How dense is your hair? Density, whether low, medium or high, can shape the products you require.
- Strand Thickness: is your hair fine, medium or thick? It tells you how your hair behaves and the hydration it requires.
Myths & Misunderstandings About Hair Types
There seem to be a lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to hair care, which is why it can be difficult to determine what your exact hair type is. So, let’s bust some of the common myths!
Myth #1: You Can’t Have Two Different Hair Types
One of the biggest myths is that you can have only one hair type. The reality, however, is that you can have more than one texture and type on one head of hair. For instance, you might have straight hair at the roots but curly hair at the ends. It’s particularly true for those with mixed or multi-textured hair.
What to do: If you have an uneven texture in your hair, give each section the treatment it requires. Have different products or styles catered towards each section of your hair.
Myth #2: Curly Hair is Dry and Hard to Control
Most assume that curly hair is perpetually dry, frizzy, untameable. Although curly hair is typically more susceptible to dryness due to its shape making it difficult for natural oils to run down the strand, it doesn’t have to be — always.
What to do: Curly hair needs moisturizing products. Seek products like leave-ins, oils or creams that are formulated for curly beards. Consistently deep-conditioning also helps in moisture retention.
Myth #3: Straight Hair Does Not Require Moisture
Straight hair may not appear brittle like curly or coily strands, but it still needs moisture! Even straight strands can suffer dryness and damage, often from heat styling or harsh weather.
What to do: Do not skip the moisturizer! Apply a lightweight conditioner or a hydrating serum to maintain your hair shiny and soft. Consider using a heat protectant before styling to prevent harmful effects.
Myth #4: Oily Hair Doesn’t Need Conditioner
Those with greasy hair sometimes believe they should skip conditioner, worried it will make their hair even greasier. But this isn’t the case! Yes, even if you have oily hair, conditioning is essential.
What to do: Use a lighter-weight conditioner for oily hair. Concentrate on the ends, not the roots, where oil naturally accumulates. This will also maintain moisture in your hair without adding extra weight to them.
Myth #5: You Should Use One Type of Product Only for Your Hair
Another popular myth is that you must use the same type of product for all steps of your hair care routine. The truth is that different products do different things and combining products that target directly to your needs is usually a better approach.
What to do: Play around with various products like shampoos, conditioners, serums and oils. Select products for your hair’s needs, whether that’s moisture, volume or frizz control. Don’t be afraid to blend and contrast!
Tips for Caring for Your Hair Type
Becoming aware of hair necessities can be a game changer. General advice doesn’t fit in every case, so let’s be specific.
Straight Hair
- Shampoo More Often: Grease collects quicker on silkier hair. Frequent washing maintains freshness, but don’t overdo it and strip essential moisture. Balance is crucial.
- Manage Heat Damage: Sleek styles may lure you to reach for that straightener every day. Brittleness is caused by the weakening of the structure by excessive heat. Use a protective serum over your hair prior any styling always.
Wavy Hair
- Less Weight, More Volume: Heavy products crush the waves and take away their natural movement. Choose light leave-ins or foams that boost texture.
- Mold the Curl Pattern: Say no to towel-dry it roughly. Squeeze with a microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt to help keep waves but cut down on frizz. Sea salt sprays help give definition.
Curly Hair
- Keep It Moist: Curly hair needs hydration. A weekly deep-conditioning ritual seals in softness, and curl creams keep things bouncing and holding shape.
- Wash Less, Style More: Washing more often strips essential oils, and curls lose their life. Cleanse gently, leaving two to three days between washes. In between washes, refresh with a hydrating mist.
Coily Hair
- Nourishment Above All: Coils require intense moisture. Butters and oils sink in and discourage breakage, both making hair stronger.
- Sleep Smart: Friction is the enemy. While cotton pillowcases drain moisture, leading to pointless frizz. Use silk or satin alternatives, or cover hair in a protective scarf overnight.
Last Words
Your hair type influences everything from styling to products, so understanding it is key to healthy hair. Try the tests above to determine your hair type and adjust your hair care routine accordingly.
FAQs
Can my hair type change over time?
Yes, your hair type can change due to factors like aging, hormonal shifts, diet, stress, or excessive heat and chemical treatments. Pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical conditions can also impact hair texture.
How can I tell if my hair is damaged?
Signs of hair damage include excessive dryness, split ends, frizz, dullness, and breakage. If your hair absorbs water quickly but dries out fast, it might have high porosity, indicating damage.
How can I prevent hair damage from heat styling?
Always apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools. Limit heat styling to a few times a week and opt for lower temperature settings to minimize damage.
How do I know if my hair needs protein or moisture?
If your hair feels limp, stretchy, or breaks easily, it may need protein. Dry, brittle hair often requires moisture. Balancing both is key for healthy hair.
How often should I wash my hair based on my hair type?
- Straight & fine hair: Every 1-2 days to prevent oil buildup.
- Wavy & curly hair: Every 2-3 days to retain moisture.
- Coily hair: Once a week or as needed to avoid dryness.
