Hair’s curl pattern and texture can determine hair type. The amount of curling is based on the hair follicle's shape. There are three different hair textures and four different hair types. Who would have known it was so complex! Each hair type can be divided into three subtypes. Hair classifications:
Type 1 – Straight hair
Fine/Thin – hair tends to be very soft, shiny and oily, and it can be difficult to hold a curl.
Medium – hair has lots of volume and body.
Coarse – hair usually is extremely straight and difficult to curl.
Type 2 – Wavy hair
Fine/Thin – hair has a definite “S” pattern. Usually, can accomplish various styles.
Medium – hair tends to be frizzy and a little resistant to styling.
Coarse – hair is also resistant to styling and usually very frizzy; it tends to have thicker waves.
Type 3 – Curly hair
Loose curls – hair tends to have a combination texture. It can be thick and full with lots of body, with a definite ‘S’ pattern. It also tends to be frizzy.
Tight curls – also tend to have a combination texture, with a medium amount of curl.
Type 4 – Very curly hair
Soft – hair tends to be very fragile, tightly coiled and has a more defined curly pattern.
Wiry – also very fragile and tightly coiled; however, with a less defined curly pattern – has more of a “Z” pattern shape.
Once you’ve identified your hair type, you’ll then be able to understand how to work with it.
