How to Identify Your Hair Type?
When it comes to hair, each individual has a unique hair type that requires specific care and attention.Understanding the different types of hair is essential for proper maintenance and styling, and you can gently pluck out one strand of your hair and examine it closely under a bright light.
It is important to note that hair typing is just a guide and not an absolute rule, as individuals may have multiple hair types on their head.
Type 3 hair is characterized by well-defined curls and typically has S-shaped curls, ranging from loose and bouncy loops to tight and springy textures similar to corkscrews. The hair follicles are oval, resulting in each strand’s curl. but not everyone with type 3 hair has the same curl pattern. These curl patterns are divided into three main categories: 3a, 3b, and 3c hair types.
Hair Type 3a
Hair Type 3a hair is characterized by large, loose curls. These curls are about the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Hair Type 3a tends to have a bit of a sheen and is prone to frizz.This hair type is more common in individuals with a slight wave in their hair texture.
Type 3a curls are more fit for wash-and-go styles since they are loose and easy to manage.you don’t need so many hair products to keep your curls.
Still, type 3a hair has certain drawbacks.For example, you constantly have to deal with dryness, and your curls could easily go flat. but a good hair care routine can fix, which includes washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo every two to three days, air drying your hair, and styling it with lightweight products.
Hair Type 3b
Type 3b hair features medium-sized curls that are springy and voluminous. These curls are about the circumference of a Sharpie marker. Type 3b hair is prone to frizz and can be a bit coarse. This hair type is common in individuals with a more defined curl pattern.However, this is not set in stone since type 3b hair can combine several textures.For instance, a person could have a combination of 3b and 3a curls, which means that the person would have medium-sized corkscrews and wavy curls simultaneously.
Compared to 3a curls, 3b hair type has thick density, high porosity, and medium thickness.As a result, you could require a lot of moisture to maintain your hair nourished and healthy.
Hair Type 3c
Type 3c hair consists of tight corkscrew curls that are about the size of a pencil or straw. This hair type is the stiffest and tightest of the three hair categories, prone to shrinkage, and can be quite dense. Type 3c hair is common in individuals with a tighter curl pattern and requires extra moisture to prevent dryness and breakage.
Because of its high maintenance, most people attempt to straighten type 3c hair. However, this is nearly impossible, as chemical treatment is the only way to achieve a curl-free look.So, it's always best to work with your curls by looking for products that will help revive your curls and provide the moisture your hair requires.
Afro Hair Types
Type 4 hair has a more tightly coiled pattern, which is characterized by a kinky Afro hair texture ranging from tight coils to Z-angled coils. This Afro hair category, as largely seen in the curl pattern of black people, is naturally very wet and dry, making it extremely fragile, and the longer your kinky hair grows, the more prone it is to shrinkage.Therefore, type 4 hair wearers will need extra care in growing their hair to avoid breakages.
Hair Type 4a
Hair Type 4a is part of the Type 4 category, which includes coily hair textures. 4a hair is tightly coiled with an S-shaped pattern, making it prone to dryness and shrinkage. This hair type is common among black people.
Individuals with 4a hair often have densely packed coils that are fine and wiry. This hair type tends to have a high density, meaning there are a lot of hair strands on the scalp. Hair Type 4a is known for its versatility, allowing for various styling options such as twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash-and-gos.
Due to its coily nature, Hair Type 4a requires regular moisturization to prevent dryness and breakage. Using hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments can help keep 4a hair healthy and manageable. Protective styles like braids and twists can also help retain moisture and protect the hair from damage.
When styling Hair Type 4a, it's essential to use products that provide moisture and hold without weighing the hair down. Opt for natural oils like coconut oil or shea butter to seal in moisture and define curls. Avoid using heat styling tools frequently, as they can cause damage to the delicate coils of 4a hair.
Hair Type 4b
Unlike 4a, 4b curls are less defined and smaller, with texture ranging from wiry and coarse to fine and thin due to the bends on the hair strands.
Hair Type 4b is characterized by a tight coil pattern that forms a "Z" shape. This hair type has a high density with strands that are fine and delicate. Type 4b hair is known for its shrinkage, which can make it appear shorter than it actually is.Studies show this hair category is 70 percent prone to breakage.Often, it can form single-strand knots, tangling into a bird’s nest.So you need a lot of moisturizing oil to keep your hair’s shiny nature. Argan, coconut, and grapeseed can all be good oil examples for your hair.
Gentle Handling: Avoid harsh brushing or combing, as this can lead to breakage. Opt for finger detangling or wide-tooth combs to gently work through knots and tangles.
Protective Styling: Protective styles like braids, twists, or buns can help minimize manipulation and protect the hair from damage. Be sure not to make these styles too tight, as it can cause tension on the hair shaft.
Hair Type 4c
The appearance of the 4C hair type is tough to pin down. Hair Type 4c stands tall as the ultimately thickest, often appearing in a zigzag pattern. You may see small springs or coils instead of dense curls like 4a and 4b hair types.
Type 4c hair may also look shorter than it actually is because of its heavy shrinking feature. It has a shrinking capacity of about 70 percent when the hair is not stretched out.Additionally, it is the most fragile of the Type 4 hair categories and requires gentle handling to prevent breakage. Additionally, it is the most fragile of the Type 4 hair categories and requires gentle handling to prevent breakage.Using silk and sating caps or a silk scarf when sleeping due to the hair’s breakage rate.
Also, it tends to be very dry and requires regular moisturization to maintain its health.
When caring for Hair Type 4c, gentle detangling techniques, such as finger detangling or using a wide-tooth comb, are recommended to prevent damage.
Protective styles, such as braids or twists, can help minimize manipulation and protect the hair from environmental stressors. Regular trims are also important to prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of Hair Type 4c.
When styling Hair Type 4c, it is best to work with the natural texture of the hair. Avoid using heat styling tools frequently, as this can lead to heat damage. Opt for styles that require minimal manipulation, such as buns, twists, or bantu knots.
Styling hair can be a fun and creative process once you understand your hair type.
Type 3 hair can be styled with twist-outs or braid-outs to enhance curl definition, while Type 4 hair shines with protective styles like braids or twists. Type 3C and 4C hair can be styled in a variety of ways, from wash-and-gos to bantu knots.
By understanding the different types of hair and how to care for them, you can embrace and celebrate the natural beauty of your hair. Whether you have any type of hair, there are endless possibilities for styling and maintaining healthy, gorgeous locks.
