Hair Types

Hair Types

How to Find Your Hair Type

Talking about hair types can be controversial, I know not everyone wants to put their hair in a category. And of course, as soon as you put people in a group, someone will point out all the differences between the individuals you have put together. However, it can sometimes be useful to describe yourself as a 4b or follow the example of someone who calls themselves a 3a, knowing that what works for her is likely to work for you too.

So, here goes…

Hair types
Hair can be broken down into roughly four types with some smaller subdivisions.

Type one
Straight Hair with no wave or curl to it at all. Type one hair is usually shiny and can sometimes be oily.

Type two
Wavy hair that couldn't really be described as curly. Type two hair generally has a coarser texture than type one hair.

Type three
Type three hair has a defined ‘S’ shaped wave or curl. When wet, it may straighten out or form ringlets and it will shorten into a tighter curl as it dries. This type of hair is often thought of in connection with people of bi-racial heritage.

Type four
Type four hair is twisty and coiled. It will form ‘O’ or ‘L’ shaped rings or kinks unlike the ‘S’ shape of type three. This is the type most closely associated with afro or african american hair. This hair type is coarse, and usually has less shine than the other hair types, as the curls and kinks make it difficult for sebum from the scalp to travel along the hair to the ends. The bends in the hair also make it more fragile and prone to breakage. Type four hair tends to be drier than the other hair types. It may look tough, but it needs tender Loving Care!

Find out more about caring for afro hair at http://www.afro-haircare.com

About the Author

I am a busy mother of two who runs an afro haircare website.

Find Your Hair Type