Hair types are divided into four main styles of hair: straight curly, wavy, and hair that is coily. Besides, each type has three subcategories. Each hair type has its own pros and drawbacks. Hair is not as simple as brushing and combing it; it is actually composed of two structures: a cortex and surrounding cells. Thick hair is the most common and includes a central medulla, which gives it its characteristic spiral curls.
The best way to distinguish each type is to look for characteristics that are common in the hair of the person you are interested in.
The Benefits of Using a Hair Type Chart
The Hair Type Chart is an important tool for any natural hair care routine. According to the chart, every hair type has different characteristics. Natural hair care routines should be tailored to fit your type of hair. However, it can be difficult to determine which products are best for you if you don’t know which category you fall into.
What Makes Type 1 Straight Hair Different from Other Types of Hair?
What makes type 1 straight hair different from other types of hair is easily distinguishable from other types. Besides, it’s much less prone to damage from the elements and elaborate styling. It’s also naturally shiny, giving natural oils a clear path to the ends. Taking proper care of this type of hair will help it maintain its glossy appearance. However, you should keep in mind that this type of hair needs extra care to avoid looking oily.
1A Hair Type
The top of the head tends to be oily and greasy, the ends tend to remain dry. A moisturizing hair care routine can help control these issues. This is because 1A hair is prone to be fine or thin with little volume.
1B Hair Type
This kind of hair is simple to keep and needs minimal maintenance. Also, it has a medium thickness and more volume than the 1A type.
1C Hair Type
1C hair doesn’t hold curls or waves very well, it is still manageable and can hold a heat style for a few days. However, if would like to design your own style, you can do so. Then, try using the lowest heat setting and a heat protectant product is the best way to manage your hair during heat styling. 1C type of hair is thicker and coarser than 1A, and 1B but still straight and keeps a shiny appearance.
Type 2: Wavy Hair Types
Type 2 hair is less dense than the other types, making it prone to flat waves and ringlets. However, because of its fine texture, it can be damaged by hair products and styling methods. Avoid using products that will add weight to your hair, as excessive brushing and styling will cause breakage and split ends. To avoid such problems.
2A Hair Type
This type of hair is flat at the roots but wavy at the hair ends. Additionally, it is considered the finer hair type of the three wavy hair categories. So, women who have this type of hair are always looking for the best hairstyles for fine hair.
2B Hair Type
If you have thick, wavy hair, you’ve probably heard of the 2B Hair Type. It has a manageable texture and shape and can be easily coaxed into tight, S-shaped curls. The volume and fullness of type 2B hair are a big plus. The texture is medium, and the strands are relatively straight but have enough bend to lift and add volume. This is a good type of hair for people who like to experiment with different styles. Also, this type of hair has some frizz.
2C Hair Type
This type of hair is curlier than the 2B hair type, which means it is more susceptible to damage from dryness and chemicals. If you have 2C hair, avoid using heat stylers as these will cause your hair to look flat and bulky. Instead, wrap your hair in a satin scarf or thin cotton T-shirt before bed so that it airs dries faster, and doesn’t lose its curls. In addition, this type of hair is prone to frizz.
Type 3: Curly Hair Types
A person with type three hair usually has a combination of two types of curl patterns – loose and tightly spiraled. While most people with type 3 hair have a mixture of these two types of curl patterns, this hair is also known to have a medium to thick texture and plenty of body. To manage it, you’ll need a good haircare routine. So, it is necessary to learn how to take care of curly hair?
3A Hair Type
This hair type has fine loose curls with little prone to frizz. To get a perfect curl, your 3A hair type should be moisturized. This type of hair is easily manipulated and versatile. When styling your hair, try to avoid using heavy products, as these can weigh your hair down. Most curly hair products are too heavy for this type, so try to use a dime-size amount of a medium-weight product instead. Those with drier hair should stick with a lightweight product.
3B Hair Type
This hair type is thicker than the 3A hair type with prone to frizz. Also, the springy curls of the 3B hair type are defined by a circular pattern that resembles an ‘S’. These curls vary in size, from loose ringlets to tight corkscrews. In addition, they tend to be coarse and dense, making them an excellent candidate for an air-dried style.
3C Hair Type
Curls with this type are typically thick, full, and have a lot of frizz. So, getting the right hair care products will help you manage 3C curls. Also, the best way to combat these characteristics is to use conditioners designed specifically for this type. Avoid using products with sulfates, because they may cause hair to become hair dry, frizzy, and coarse.
Type 4: Coils/Kinky Hair Types
The key to caring for this hair type is to apply moisture throughout the strands. These strands lose moisture very quickly, which is why it is crucial to hydrate them frequently. Using a leave-in conditioner that’s lightweight is a good option. You can try using Daily Dose Miracle Moisture Leave-In Conditioner. It will help keep the curls healthy and hydrated.
4A Hair Type
This hair type has springy tight coils. Besides, the best moisturizer for 4A hair is water, which is cheap and effective. Hairstyles with a protective style cannot last for more than two to five days. This means that 4A hair is prone to breakage and restyle frequently. Moisturizing your hair regularly can reduce breakage, make it softer and more manageable, and protect it from damage.
4B Hair Type
This type of hair appears as z-coils with tight curls. Additionally, this type of hair can grow into a gorgeous, long mane that you can wear all day long. You can also add hair extensions to achieve a funky look.
4C Hair Type
This type of hair has very tight and coarse coils. People with 4C hair should trim their locks at least twice a year to prevent breakage. Trimming your locks at this time will also keep them healthy and curly. Trimming off split ends every six to eight weeks will also help retain length. Losing an inch every two to three months can lead to thicker hair over time.