TEXTURES

A guide for distinguishing, learning about & caring for your curly hair type

Type 1: Straight Hair

Definition: Hair is typically straight without the presence of any significant curl or wave. It appears sleek, shiny, and relatively easy to manage.

Type 1a hair (generally fine and thin without curl definition),

Type 1b hair (medium-level thickness with some element of curl without uniformity),

Type 1c   Hair: 1C (coarse and thick with minimal bending).

Type 2: Wavy

Definition: Type 2 hair has a slight wave pattern and falls in the middle of the straight and curly categories. This hair type easily ranges from loose to gentle waves. 

Type 2a hair: the presence of more defined, tousled waves throughout the hair,

Type 2b hair: deep, well-defined S-shaped waves that are more prone to frizzing,

Type 2c hair: Type 2 hair can vary in thickness and texture and is the frizziest of the Type 2 hairs.

Type 3: Curly

Definition: Type 3 hair is generally characterized by well-defined "S" curls that form spirals or ringlets. It ranges from loose curls with a great definition that require limited effort to

Type 3a Hair: It ranges from loose curls with a great definition that requires limited effort.

Type 3b hair: springy curls that are prevented from frizzing with the right hair

Type 3c Hair: tight, corkscrew-like curls that look their best with deliberate manipulation 

Type 3 on whole hair tends to be most prone to frizz and requires researched and tested ways to impart moisture and care compared to straight or wavy hair.

TYPE 4: Coily or Kinky

 

Definition: Type 4 hair is known for its tight coils or kinky texture. 

Type 4a Hair: It ranges from tightly coiled, densely packed curls

Type 4b hair: tightly coiled with an obvious zig-zag pattern

Type 4c hair: densely packed, tightly coiled hair that easily becomes poofy and shrinks significantly

Final Thoughts

It's important to note that individuals may have varying combinations of hair types or variations within a particular type, and hair care practices (hair products and techniques utilized) may vary based on the unique characteristics of each person's hair.