What is your Hair Type?

Whether you have been natural for a few months, thinking of transitioning or have already transitioned but your hair is giving you problems; this might be the post for you. One thing i wish i knew when i decided to go natural almost 6 years ago, is how IMPORTANT knowing your hair type is! Some people say its not necessary, but they probably don’t mind wasting money on hair products that don’t work on their hair and then having them sit on their shelf for years. I don’t know about you, but my coin is the most precious thing that i hold dear to my soul. Yes my soul; not my heart.

Where do I start sis?

To be able to achieve the best look, style, obtain growth and retain length; the first step is to know your hair type. Down below are descriptions of hair types. This is ESSENTIAL to know before you start styling or adding products into your hair. By knowing your hair type, you can purchase the best products to get a juicy wash and go, flexi rod set, etc. as well as, the base for hair growth and seeing length retention.

Type 1: Straight Hair

This hair type is the most curl resistant out of the bunch.

1A: Shiny, fine, soft, oily, and can’t hold a curl

1B: Shiny, medium, oily, and difficult to curl

1C: Shiny, thick, coarse, oily, and can hold some of a curl

Type 2: Wavy Hair

This hair type offers a wider range of shapes but generally lays flatter at the root.

2A: Fine, thin, extremely loose and tousled waves that remain smooth

2B: Medium density, moderate frizz, lax S-shaped wave starting a few inches from the scalp

2C: Thick, coarse, prone to frizz, starts out wavy and gets curlier from the ears down

Type 3: Curly Hair

This hair type is characterized by light to springy tendrils that offer volume and height. Some heads of hair may be a combination of textures.

3A: Shiny, well-defined, big and loose curls that are the width of sidewalk chalk

3B: Voluminous, coarse, dense, corkscrew curls that are the width of a permanent marker

3C: Voluminous, compact shrinkage, coily telephone wire curls that are the width of a pencil

Type 4: Kinky Hair

This hair type is fine, thin, wiry, coarse, and is densely packed with coils—all of which contributes to a fragile hair texture that’s prone to dryness and tangling.

4A: Tight, S-shaped pattern that is the width of a crochet needle.

4B: Tighter, less-defined, Z-shaped pattern that is the width of a pen.

4C: Tightest, densest, highest shrinkage, most delicate, kinky coils

Now we got that out the way.. What’s next?

Now comes the fun part, PRODUCTS! We all know we need a shampoo and conditioner etc. but are they the right type? Based off your type above, did you know your curl pattern/ texture actually determines which type of product you need, whether you need more of one product than another, or if you hair is even capable of holding moisture and how often you might need to apply water to keep your hair hydrated.

Keeping your hair moisturized and hydrated is by far the main and only key element in seeing hair growth. If your hair is as dry as a tumble weed… just know your hair isn’t going anywhere girl. 

SHAMPOO/ CONDITION to cleanse that scalp Honey

Shampoo is the main base in achieving the best wash day for your hair. Cleansing your scalp is and removing build up will allow your scalp to gain oxygen- which in turn promotes blood flow – which finally helps the hair fascicle grow. By knowing your type, this can help you purchase the correct shampoos and conditioners. If you purchase the wrong types of products for your hair, you can end up with the opposite effect. (weighing down your curls, not letting the product penetrate your hair shaft and preventing the hair growing stimulant “sebum” travel down your hair shaft.

Shampoo Types:

Volumizing shampoo is best for fine hair like type 1 and 2

Strengthening shampoo is best for damaged or brittle hair

Hydrating shampoo is best for dry or frizzy hair like type 2, 3 and 4

Clarifying shampoo is best for getting rid of product buildup

Conditioner Types:

Smoothing conditioner is best for frizzy hair like type 2, 3 and 4

Fortifying conditioner is best for weak or damaged hair

Moisturizing conditioner is best for dry hair like type 2, 3 and 4. If time permits, thirsty hair can also benefit from a deep conditioning treatment

Balancing conditioner is best for fine and oily hair like type 1 and 2

Hair Porosity

Last important factor is knowing your hair’s porosity. There is Low, Medium(in between) and High Porosity. My hair when i first started my journey was high porosity. Now that my hair is healthier, i am more of a medium or in between both low and high porosity. I found this fun quiz from one of my favorite You-tubers that i think will be a great exercise for each of you!  Share your results in the comments below!

Click on this link to her “knowing your porosity quiz”

In Conclusion

As a result, to now knowing your hair better, i guaranteed once you put this information to use, you will see better results in your styles and hair growth journey.

Above all, I hope you found this post helpful and enlightening! Later this week i will post my wash-and-go routine that i have been doing for YEARS!!!! So stay tuned my loves