When talking about hair texture we must address hair typing also so I will be discussing both in this article.
Hair Texture is the degree of fineness or coarseness of hair strands. This is also referred to as the hair’s diameter, meaning how thick the hair strand is, the thicker the hair the higher the porosity.
Hair types are the curl/coil pattern or lack thereof if you have straight or wavy hair.
Although many people use hair typing it is not a great system. First because it is just a way for company to make another buck marketing certain products for certain curl types. Second because the typing systems are unreliable. One person could have multiple hair types making it harder for them the determine their hair pattern.
Also, hair typing does not help determine which types of products will work for your hair because what might work for one person may not work for another, but a lot of people like the typing system so why not use it and have some fun with it.
Just remember that there are many things that you need to know to determine the best way to care for your hair. Hair typing is not the be all end all, and you can properly take care of your hair without ever knowing your hair type.
So how do I determine my hair type?
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT CURLY HAIR TEXTURES
Below, finds a breakdown of each curl family.
TYPE 2A: This curl type is much closer to a straight texture and may curl slightly and the ends.
TYPE 2B: Starts out straight at the roots and turns into waves toward the middle of your hair’s length. This is a clear indicator that you have Type 2B hair! It is easy for you to go from luscious waves to sleek hair.
TYPE 2C: Has defined waves and ringlets. This texture is coarser than the other textures in the Type 2 family. Meaning you will have to put in more work to make your strands straight, using hair styling products and heat tools helps.
TYPE 3A: This curl type sports well-defined curls with a spiral or ringlet shape.
TYPE 3B: If you have a head full springy and voluminous curls and your strands have a smaller width the Type 3A, you may fall into the 3B category.
TYPE 3C: Think your curls resemble tight corkscrews? Then, you are more than likely dealing with Type 3C hair. This curl type features thicker strands with a tighter curl pattern, given you tons of volume, body and movement.
TYPE 4A: Has a more visible curl pattern and features small and tight coils that resemble a zig-zag pattern. This coily texture begins at the scalp and continues through the ends unlike other that may start mid-length.
TYPE 4B: Type 4B hair is in a class of its own because it does not have a defined curl pattern like the other types. These strands have a ‘Z’ shaped pattern that tends to bend in sharp angles instead of curling.
TYPE 4C: Last but certainly not least, there is Type 4C hair! This curl type offers a range of thin to coarse textures and has super-tight zigzag pattern and is often prone to major shrinkage with less definition.
So now that I know may hair type, how do I care for my care?
TYPE 2: You have gorgeous waves, and you want to be able to flaunt it. The key to maintaining your curls is to use hair care products that will not weigh your curls down.
TYPE 3: One of the biggest worries for curly-haired gals is the lack of definition! & to achieve definition, you NEED moisture. So, your best bet is to use products that work to define your texture and provide endless hydration.
TYPE 4: As beautiful as type 4 textures are, tangles and breakage can easily become a factor. To stay ahead of the game, you will want to incorporate deeply moisturizing products into your routine.
Now was not that fun? Or confusing?!
I know at first, I was simply confused. It took me a little while to get the types down. If it is all confusing to you and you would rather not deal with hair typing, then don’t. It is not necessarily important for you to know your hair type to maintain healthy natural hair growth. Developing a healthy hair care regimen that works best for you is what most important.