What is your Hair Type?

Choosing the right hair product is dependent on what hair type you have. It’s the same with knowing what skin type you have—you won’t buy a facial cleanser for oily skin if you have dry skin. The same concept applies here, knowing your hair type can make a difference in you daily life since you’ll rarely have a bad hair day. Also, you’ll not only look good but you’ll save a lot of money as well.

 

Hair types and their sub categories

The hair types below are based on Andre Walker’s hair typing system. It’s easier to understand and remember.

 

Straight Hair (1)

You have a straight hair if your hair doesn’t have any curls. And, there are three subcategories under straight hair:

• 1A– Your hair is straight, soft and the hair strands are fine
• 1B– Your hair is straight and the hair strands are thicker and has more body/volume
• 1C– Your hair is straight and the hair strands are coarse much thicker than 1B

Wavy Hair (2)

Wavy means that your hair is between curly and straight. It also has three subcategories:

• 2A– The strands of the hair has some bends and look like the letter S.
• 2B– The waves are more defined and the hair is a bit coarse
• 2C– The hair has the thickest waves and the texture is the coarsest amongst compared to the other two.

Curly Hair (3)

• 3A– This subcategory has the largest diameter of the curl. The diameter of the curl is almost the same as a sidewalk chalk.
• 3B– The curls are medium sized. The diameter of the curl is almost the same as a sharpie.
• 3C– The curls are close to each other. The diameter of the curl is almost the same as a pencil and it’s also called as a corkscrew curl.

Kinky Hair (4)

• 4A – The curls are very tight and the diameter is almost the same as a needle.
• 4B – The curls resemble to a letter Z and have a zigzag pattern.
• 4C – The curls doesn’t have any specific pattern

Aside from the categories above, you should also consider the following:

Texture

This refers to the diameter of the strands of your hair. When you have fine hair, it means that it is susceptible to dryness and breakage. Medium hair texture, which is usually the normal hair is a bit thicker than fine hair and is more flexible compared to a coarse hair texture which is more brittle.

Porosity

Porosity refers to how well your hair maintains moisture. Low porosity means that your hair has a difficulty of getting moisture. While high porosity hair means that your hair has a hard time in maintaining moisture. The moisture just goes in and out of your hair. Medium porosity gets enough moisture and retains the moisture very well.

Elasticity

Elasticity refers to how much your hair can stretch and can return to its normal form. When your hair is easy to style using hair curlers or hair straighteners, it means your hair has good elasticity. But when it easily breaks, it means your hair is brittle and lacks elasticity.

These are the basic hair types. If you don’t believe you fall into one of the categories mentioned you may have a combination of two or more types.

It is sensible to make sure to use hair products that are specifically made for your hair type. If you have sensitive scalp or skin you can try using AQI Sensitive Everyday Shampoo. It soothes and calms dry, itchy and sensitive scalp.

You can also read more on Tips on Choosing the Right Hair Conditioner.