Hair is one of many common characteristics of the human body. Due to cultural and biological differences between various people, hair also consists of several variations. Discovering one’s natural hair type can help one to not only gain knowledge about one’s hair but to also give ways to effectively keep one’s hair healthy and strong. In today’s society, it’s easy to see a person’s hairstyle and desire our own hair to be able to duplicate similar results. However, variations in hair types are a reason why everyone’s hair can’t achieve the same exact hairstyle or haircut. Although hair types vary, it has been categorized in four different classifications and 3 different levels of distinction to better understand advantages, disadvantages of one’s hair type, and how to take care of it.
The first and simplest hair type is type one, Straight hair. Unlike the other three distinct curl patterns, type one hair has no variations due to the lack of natural bends and curls.
Type two is wavy hair. It is better described as having an “S” shaped curl pattern. Type 2A has a slight bend in which the hair lies down against the face. Although it has a curl pattern, it also carries features similar to type one, straight hair. Both type one and type 2A are very
light (in weight), thin but doesn’t bounce. Type 2B is the same as Type 2A, but can be more resistant to styles such as curling or straightening. It’s also more likely to frizz. So rainy days may not bethe best.
Unlike the other hair types that were previously described, type 2C has the most curly-like texture out of the 3 levels of distinction. It is best described as thick, coarse wavy hair that resembles more Shirley Temple-like curls than deep waves. Due to its thickness, it is much more difficult to avoid frizz than the previous hair types. Some women who have type 2C hair, have a blended texture, which causes their curls to have a loose or tighter ringlet-shape. Light products work best with type two hair because it enhances the curls without adding weight to one’s hair.
For those who are reading this article and think they know that their hair is definitely type 2C, you may not be so sure after reading the next paragraphs. Type three is better known as curly hair. Type 3 hair is not coarse but it’s very soft. The curl pattern is defined and can be easily compared to the shape of an iron spring.
Type 3A has a similar curl pattern to type two, wavy hair types. However, the curls are very big and can be shiny as well. Although this hair type may seem difficult to style, it is said to be very simple to straighten.
Type 3B has smaller curls that look more like corkscrews than springs. Due to its full and coarse texture, straightening this type of hair takes a lot of patience, so it may not be a good idea to make this an everyday task.
Type 3C is much different than the other two previous hair types. It is very close to type four hair but it still has defined curls, which is why it falls under the third category. Type 3C is a cross between curls which resemble the shape of a loose spring and a loose corkscrew. Due to this blend, the curls can be tight or kinky. Good luck to trying to use a blow dryer to get this hair type to straighten! It’s not impossible but it is quite a challenge. One thing that type three hair lacks is moisture. Therefore, it is necessary for people with type three hair to make sure they use products that will moisturize their hair from the roots to the ends.
Finally, the fourth and last hair type is kinky hair. Many ethnic or mixed individuals have kinky hair and it usually can be identified as a description of African-American’s natural hair texture. Although kinky hair looks like its coarse and untamed, it has a soft texture. Kinky hair also shrinks in length. This means the real length of hair can be shown by pulling down the ends. Once the strand of hair is released, it will bounce back and shrink again. Type 4A hair consists of tightly, defined, coiled curls. However, the curls are very fragile due to its constant tendency to link together. Type 4A is my natural hair type and I am embracing it to the fullest.
I have type 4A hair, which consists of really tightly coiled curls, but I must be very gentle or I can cause breakage. I don’t straighten my hair because the process is time-consuming but I usually wet it to show off my defined curls or twist it to make bigger curls.
Type 4B is more kinky-like than type 4A. Kinky hair usually resembles a Z-shape compared to the S-shape, which is found in the wavy and curly hair types. Type 4C has a tight Z-shape and looks more bushy or fuzzy than any other hair type.
According to Naturally Curly, a website that specializes in encouraging when to embrace their natural hair texture type 4C is the most challenging hair type to manage. Like type three hair, type 4 lacks moisture. It is crucial that the hair is moisturized and air-dried.
No matter which hair type you are, each hair type shares one commodity: a desire to be healthy. In other words, take care of your hair. Brush and comb it when it’s wet, and make shampoo and conditioner a part of your regular routine. Find products that work for your hair and share them with others that may have a similar hair type.
Learning about my hair type has helped me to pay more attention to what products are good to use for my hair. What works for one person, may not work for another. However, taking care of your hair is a working-process full of trial-and-error periods. Do your research and you will be surprised of what you can find. Hope this helps all you Beauty-lovers!
Want more information?
Check out this helpful site: www.NaturallyCurly.com
