Ever wondered why some hair products work wonders for your friend, but the story is different with you? Or perhaps you struggle with styling your hair, yet it’s either too coarse or won’t cooperate? If you can relate to any of those instances, it’s probably because you’ve not been paying attention to the hair type chart.
This chart helps you understand the uniqueness of your locks, the right product to use, and how to style them properly to achieve your desired result. So, if you’ve been looking for a one-stop solution to improve your hair game, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, examine the hair type chart, which shows you how to identify your hair texture and gives tips for keeping it healthy.
What is a Hair Type Chart?
A hair type chat is a cheat sheet that helps determine if your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. It’s a visual and descriptive guide designed to categorize hair based on curl patterns and textures. Think of it as a way to decode what your hair needs to look and feel its best. It was popularized by Andre Walker, Oprah’s longtime hairstylist, back in the ‘90s when he created a system grouping hair into four main types with subcategories for more specificity.
Knowing your hair type helps you adopt a better hair care routine. From picking the right shampoo to avoiding products that do not work for you, this chart is your key to healthier hair.
ALSO READ: How to Figure out Your Hair Type with the Hair Texture Chart
What are the Categories in a Hair Type Chart?
Here’s a look at the categories in the chart:
Type 1 Hair Type Chart
This hair type is straight as a pin with no curls or waves. It’s usually super shiny but can get oily faster than other types. If this is your hair, lightweight products are your best friend; anything too heavy can weigh it down.
Type 2 Hair Type Chart
This hair type is wavy and between straight and curly. It has soft, beachy S-shaped waves that range from loose to more defined. It’s prone to frizz, but you can fight it with a good leave-in conditioner and avoid overbrushing it.
Curly Hair Type Chart
Otherwise known as curly hair, type 3 hair features bouncy, springy curls that range from loose loops to tight spirals. It has more volume but can get dry because the natural oils have difficulty traveling down the curls. If you have this hair type, look for creams and gels that help define your curls. Also, moisturizing is key.
Type 4 (Coily/Kinky Hair)
This hair type has tight, zigzag curls or coils that pack a ton of texture and volume. Although coily hair is gorgeous, it can be fragile and prone to dryness. For this hair type, deep conditioning and protective styles are your go-to for keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
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Subcategories of the Hair Type Chart
As we mentioned earlier, the four main categories are further divided into sub-categories:
- It has the loosest patterns of each type.
- It has more defined patterns of each type.
- It has the tightest patterns of each type.
For example, if you have 3B hair, you most likely rock bouncy, well-defined curls. If you’re a 4C, your coils are tight and springy.
How to Identify Your Hair Type
- Examine your hair when it’s clean and free of products.
- Observe the curl pattern, or lack thereof, and assess the thickness of each strand.
- Carry out a strand test by plucking a single strand of your hair and observing its shape.
- Then, match what you see to the categories (Type 1 to Type 4) and subcategories (A, B, C). For example, straight hair falls straight; wavy hair has a slight bend; curly hair forms an S-shape, while coily hair forms tight coils or a Z-shape.
However, don’t rely on only what you see, as factors like density (how thick your hair is) and porosity (how well your hair absorbs moisture) also matter.
Hair Texture and Porosity
Knowing your texture and porosity helps you customize your hair care routine, even after you’ve used a hair type chart. Let’s see the different types.
Hair Texture
- Fine hair: These are thin strands that feel soft and silky but can lack volume.
- Medium hair: They are not too thin and not too thick.
- Coarse hair: They are thick, sturdy strands that can feel rough but are super strong.
Knowing your hair texture is important because it affects how your hair behaves. If you’ve got fine hair, using heavy products will weigh down your hair.
Hair Porosity
- Low porosity: Your hair cuticles are tight, so moisture doesn’t get in easily. But once it’s in, it stays.
- Medium porosity: Your hair cuticles are slightly open, so moisture goes in and out easily.
- High porosity: Your hair cuticles are open, so moisture gets in quickly but escapes fast, too.
How to test your porosity
Drop a strand of clean hair into a glass of water. If it floats, you have low porosity. If it sinks slowly, you have medium porosity. If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity.
Hair Care Tips for Each Hair Type
Now that you know your hair type, here’s how to care for it:
Straight Hair
Use lightweight shampoo and conditioner to avoid weighing your hair down. When straightening or curling your hair, ask your stylist to use volumizing sprays for more volume and heat protectants. These tricks will keep your locks shiny and healthy.
Wavy Hair
Apply a leave-in conditioner to define your waves and skip heavy oils that make it look greasy.
Curly Hair Type Chart
Deep condition regularly and use curl creams to lock in moisture. Also, look for sulfate-free shampoos and gels that define your curls without crunch.
Coily/Kinky Hair
Focus on moisture and protective styles to prevent it from breaking. Also, apply sealants like shea butter or coconut oil to seal in moisture and keep your coils hydrated and healthy.
Hair Type Chart is Your Key to Healthier Locks
The hair type chart is your ticket to solving most of your hair problems. Besides figuring out your exact texture and porosity, it ensures you only shop for products and adopt routines peculiar to your hair. Go ahead and run the test already. But if you still feel lost, ask your stylist for help; they’re pros for a reason.
And don’t forget to share this guide with anyone having hair problems. The goal is to have better hair days, isn’t it?
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