What Are the Different Types of Hair?
The type of hair is based on the curl pattern of the hair. The amount of curl in the hair is determined by the hair follicle. The more oval or irregular the hair follicle is, the curlier the hair will be. The hair type is determined mainly by genetic factors.
Based on the shape of the hair follicle, hair is classified into four major types:
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Straight.
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Wavy.
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Curly.
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Coily.
These are further subdivided based on the looseness or tightness of the curls and coils. A person can have different types of hair in different regions. Heat or chemical treatment, hormones, and medications can temporarily change the curl pattern of the hair, but during the growth phase, the new hair growth retains its original curl pattern in the DNA.
What Are the Features and Care For Different Hair Types?
Type 1: Straight
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Type 1A Hair: Completely Straight - Type 1A hair is completely straight, extremely flat, fine or coarse, thin, and falls without waving from root to tip. It is common in Asian women. Type 1A hair tends to become oily. Hence, dry shampoos are suggested. Avoid hair care oils and sprays, as it makes the hair greasy and oily to the already oily hair type.
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Type 1B Hair: Straight with Some Texture - Type 1B is straight but not like that of 1A. It can be curled at the ends with more body and texture. Avoid heavy hair butter, serums, and frequent shampooing, especially when the hair is fine.
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Type 1C Hair: Straight with Soft Bends - Among type 1 hair, 1C has the most body and soft bends. It easily holds a curl, and the texture is loose. Less shampooing and products help retain fresh and healthy hair.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
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Type 2A Hair: Tousled Hair - Type 2A hair is a gentle, tangled texture and has beautiful beach waves. It is almost straight near the scalp and a loose, undefined wave from near the eye level. The texture of 2A hair is not frizzy as other types 2 hair and can be styled either straight or curly. Light mousses and gels will help define the waves, and hair powder adds fullness to the roots.
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Type 2B Hair: S-Shaped Waves - Type 2B is defined as waves with a bit of frizz. Similar to the 2A type, hair is flatter at the roots with more refined curls starting from an eye area. The curls are more defined “S” shape and require a little more effort to straighten. Mousses, gels, cream gels, or sea salt sprays help define and enhance the texture of hair texture.
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Type 2C Hair: Wavy Hair with a Few Actual Curls - Type 2C is the frizziest hair among type 2, which is coarse, thick, tight wavy, and curls around itself. The hair looks bouncy, and there is no difference between wavy and curly hair patterns. These are the most well-defined S-shaped waves with a wavy pattern close to the crown and fall downward. A diffuser, a toothy device, helps eliminate the frizz. Lightweight mousses containing anti-humidity ingredients with moisture help enhance and control their waves.
Type 3: Curly
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Type 3A Hair: Large, Loose Curls - Type 3A hair forms S-shaped loose loop curls. Because the hair is loose, it gives the hair more shine. This type does not require many products or styling to look great. But, lack of proper care can make the curl dull and damaged, and brushing can ruin the curl definition and make it frizzy. Crease curls with a cream or curl refresher to boost the bounciness.
- Type 3B Hair: Springy Ringlets - These hairs are either bouncy spiral ringlets or tight twisted curls as corkscrews. They easily become dry and frizzy. Curls spring from the hair roots and have abundant volume. Styling gels or hair creams are applied on wet hair to avoid frizz. Avoid products that contain silicone and sulfates, as it may result in extra dryness and hair breakage. Instead, deeply condition the hair on a regular basis.
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Type 3C Hair: Tight Corkscrews - Type 3C hair is tight, highly textured springy curls, and voluminous. Curls are reasonably defined and cause dryness. Moisturize with leave-in conditioners on wet hair and ensure good haircuts. Avoid blow-drying and combing the hair.
Type 4: Coils
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Type 4A Hair: Dense Springy Coils - Type 4A hair involves tight coils that, when stretched, form an “S” pattern and can be wrapped around a chopstick. The curls are cylindrical and springy in nature, more -defined, loose, and highly voluminous. Type 4A hair is more fragile and prone to damage. As the hair is highly curled, the oils produced from the hair follicle do not exceed more than one or two inches from the hair shaft. Apply deep conditioning masques, creams, and butter to maintain hair health. Adequately moisturize the curls and protect hair during chemical and heat treatment.
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Type 4B Hair: Z-Shaped Curls - Type 4B hair is tighter, and crimpy textures form a zig-zag “Z” pattern when stretched. The ends of the hair shaft are more clearly defined than the roots. Protective hairstyles can damage type 4B coily and kinky hair. Tangles begin with wet hair. Gently detangle with fingertips, and use generous amounts of leave-in conditioner to moisturize and condition the hair. Separate hair into four sections, use curling gel or cream along the length of each curl in the four sections, twisting the strands around the index finger when proceeding.
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Type 4C Hair: Curls with Zigzag Pattern - Type 4C is zigzag-patterned curls with very little or no definition. Type 4C hair tends to reduce a little more than half of its length when dry. As it is the most fragile of all types, much nourishment with leave-in conditioners, natural oils, and shea butter may be needed.
Conclusion
While hair structure largely defines the hair care products to be used, some factors such as hair thickness, the diameter of the hair strand, and the ability of hair to absorb moisture are considered. The type of hair treatment and the self-care process depends on the hair type. Different types of hair require different hair formulations. Thus, start figuring out the unique hair type and learn to nurture it rather than fighting it.
