What type of hair do you have? There are actually several different hair types broken into four main categories — straight, wavy, curly and kinky. Does it matter what your hair type is?
Before I answer that question, let’s first consider the hair type classification system (HTCS) created by Andre Walker (Oprah’s longtime hairstylist) as discussed in his book Andre Talks Hair.
TYPE 1: Straight
- Type 1a is straight (fine/thin). Has no curl pattern, is soft, shiny, hard to hold a curl, and hair tends to be oily/hard to damage.
- Type 1b is straight (medium). Has lots of body (more volume/full)
- Type 1c is straight (coarse). Hard to curl, bone straight (most Asian women fall in this category).
TYPE 2: Wavy
- Type 2a is wavy (fine/thin). Can accomplish various styles, has “S” pattern.
- Type 2b is wavy (medium). Resistant to styling, somewhat frizzy.
- Type 2c is wavy (coarse). Hair has thicker waves, resistant to styling and somewhat frizzy.
TYPE 3: Curly
- Type 3a is curly (loose curls). Thick and full with lots of body. Definite “S” pattern. Hair tends to be frizzy and can have a combination texture.
- Type 3b is curly (tight curls). Medium amount of curls, can have a combination texture.
TYPE 4: Kinky
- Type 4a is kinky hair (soft). Tightly coiled, very fragile with a more defined curly pattern.
- Type 4b is kinky (wiry). Tightly coiled, very fragile with a less defined curly pattern, with more of a “Z” shaped pattern.
Determining your hair type is important in knowing how to properly care for it. We can unknowingly do damage by using the wrong products. Since most black women have hair types 2-4, I’ll provide hair care tips based on those hair types.
For those with wavy hair, use light products that won’t weigh your hair down and don’t brush or comb dry curls.
For curly hair, use gels and creams that offer light moisture and curl definition and provide frizz control.
Kinky hair needs extra moisture so use styling creams, butter and oils. When detangling, use lots of conditioner and a detangling brush or comb.
My hair type is 4a. What’s your hair type?
Barbara Llarena is a high-tech public relations consultant with a passion for fashion, music and travel. Follow Barbara on Twitter at @aahsomepr, connect on Facebook and visit her site at www.aahsomepr.com.
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