When it comes to hair care, knowing our hair type is the first step in understanding how to best care for our unique strands. Hair type isn’t just about how curly or straight your hair is; it encompasses texture, porosity, density, and more. Identifying your hair type allows you to choose the right products, styles, and routines that will keep your hair healthy and looking its best. In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of hair typing and offer tips on how to care for each type.
The different hair type categories
The Andre Walker Hair Typing System is one of the most widely recognized methods for classifying hair types. Created by Andre Walker, a renowned hairstylist, the system was developed to help individuals and stylists better understand the diverse range of hair textures and how to care for them effectively.
Who is Andre Walker?
Andre Walker is an award-winning hairstylist who has been a prominent figure in the beauty industry for decades. His career took off when he became Oprah Winfrey's personal stylist, a role he held for over 25 years. During his time working with Oprah and other celebrities, Walker encountered a wide variety of hair types and textures. This experience led him to create the Hair Typing System, which was first introduced in the 1990s.
Understanding the system
The system categorizes hair into four main types—straight, wavy, curly, and coily/kinky—each with its own subcategories. This classification allows individuals to better identify their specific hair type, which in turn helps them select the most suitable hair care products and techniques.
Walker’s system has been influential in the hair care industry, particularly within the Black community, where understanding natural hair textures has often been overlooked by mainstream beauty standards. By providing a simple yet comprehensive framework, the Andre Walker Hair Typing System has empowered countless individuals to embrace their natural hair and take control of their hair care routines.
The hair types
Type 1: Straight Hair
- Type 1A: Very straight and fine, with no curl or wave. This hair type tends to be shiny and can often be prone to oiliness.
- Type 1B: Still straight, but with a bit more volume and texture.
- Type 1C: Straight with a slight wave or body, often more coarse and prone to frizz.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
- Type 2A: Loose, waves that are easy to straighten or curl.
- Type 2B: More defined waves that can be frizz-prone, often requiring more moisture to maintain shape.
- Type 2C: Thick waves that form a more prominent S-shape, often with some ringlets.
Type 3: Curly Hair
- Type 3A: Loose, well-defined curls with a lot of shine and bounce. This type can be prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions.
- Type 3B: Tighter curls with more volume and less shine. These curls can range from ringlets to corkscrews.
- Type 3C: Very tight, springy curls that are densely packed. This hair type often experiences more shrinkage (the difference between hair’s stretched length and its natural length).
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
- Type 4A: Tight coils with a visible S-pattern. This type holds moisture well but can be prone to dryness and shrinkage.
- Type 4B: Z-shaped coils with less defined curl patterns. This type is often dense and requires significant moisture and gentle handling.
- Type 4C: The tightest coils, often with no defined curl pattern. This hair type is very delicate and prone to shrinkage, dryness, and breakage.
How to identify your hair type
- Start with clean hair: Shampoo and condition your hair, then let it air dry without applying any products. This will give you the most accurate representation of your natural hair type.
- Examine your hair texture: Is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily? Look at the pattern and shape of your strands.
- Assess your hair’s thickness: Feel an individual strand between your fingers. Is it fine, medium, or coarse?
- Consider your curl pattern: If your hair is curly or coily, observe how defined and tight your curls or coils are.
- Test for porosity: Take a strand of hair and place it in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, your hair has a high porosity. If it floats, you have low porosity.
What is hair porosity, density, and elasticity?
Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Low porosity hair resists moisture, while high porosity hair absorbs it quickly but can also lose it just as fast. Knowing your hair’s porosity helps in choosing the right products for moisture retention.
Hair density refers to how closely packed your hair strands are. High-density hair appears fuller, while low-density hair may look thinner.
Elasticity measures how much your hair can stretch and return to its original shape without breaking. Elasticity gives insight into the health of your hair and can guide how you handle and style it.
How to care for your hair type
Type 1a: Use lightweight, volumizing shampoos and conditioners to prevent hair from looking flat. Avoid heavy oils and serums that can make your hair look greasy. Dry shampoo can help manage oiliness between washes and add volume at the roots.
Type 1b: Opt for balancing shampoos and conditioners that won't weigh your hair down but still provide moisture. Use light styling products like mousses or sprays to add texture and lift without making your hair greasy.
Type 1c: Look for moisturizing yet lightweight products to manage frizz and dryness. Use anti-frizz serums sparingly to maintain smoothness without weighing your hair down. Occasional deep conditioning can help keep your hair manageable.
Type 2a: Use light moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to enhance your natural waves without weighing them down. Opt for light mousses or sprays to define your waves and control frizz, but avoid heavy creams.
Type 2b: Use frizz-fighting shampoos and conditioners to keep your waves defined. Gels or curl-enhancing creams can help hold your waves without making them stiff. Avoid heavy oils that can weigh your waves down.
Type 2c: Use rich, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to control frizz and maintain moisture. Gels or creams with more hold can help define your waves. Regular deep conditioning treatments will help keep your hair hydrated and manageable.
Type 3a: Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to keep curls hydrated. Curl creams or light gels can help define your curls without weighing them down. Regular deep conditioning is important to maintain curl health and minimize frizz.
Type 3b: Use rich moisturizing products, including curl creams and leave-in conditioners, to keep your curls hydrated and defined. Gels can help with curl definition and hold. Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential to prevent dryness.
Type 3c: Use thick, hydrating products like curl creams and butters to lock in moisture and define curls. Gels with strong hold can help reduce frizz and keep curls in place. Deep conditioning is essential to prevent dryness and breakage.
Type 4a: Use moisturizing shampoos and rich conditioners to keep hair hydrated. Curl creams, gels, and butters can help define coils while adding moisture. Regular deep conditioning and protective styling can help retain length and reduce breakage.
Type 4b: Use ultra-moisturizing shampoos and thick, rich conditioners to maintain moisture. Butters and creams are essential to keep your coils defined and hydrated. Protective styling can help minimize manipulation and prevent breakage.
Type 4c: Use very thick, hydrating products like butters and creams to lock in moisture. Regular deep conditioning treatments are crucial to maintaining hair health. Protective styles can help minimize manipulation and preserve length.
Every hair type is the best type
Every hair type has its own beauty and charm. By understanding your hair type, you can embrace your natural texture and provide it with the care it deserves. At Obé, we’re dedicated to helping you protect and celebrate your hair, whether you’re in the water, on the go, or enjoying your daily routine. Your hair is unique, and so are you—let’s embrace that together.