Understanding your hair type and curl pattern is the first step to embracing your natural beauty. By knowing your specific hair type, you can select the cuts, colors, styles, and products that best enhance your hair’s natural texture and health.
Why Hair Type Matters
You might think you know your hair type, but it can change over time due to factors like age, environmental exposure, or damage. Perhaps you’re finding it tricky to distinguish between strong wavy (2C) and subtle curly (3A) hair. Maybe you’re on a quest to discover the best products to keep your coils hydrated or your waves defined and frizz-free in humid weather. Whatever the case, identifying your specific hair type and texture will guide you in choosing the right care routine.
How to Identify Your Hair Type and Curl Pattern
Your curly hair type starts at the follicle. For instance, oval-shaped follicles produce curly hair, which structurally differs from straight hair. The thickness of your strands also plays a role, as thicker strands come from thicker follicles.
To determine your curl pattern, try washing your hair and letting it air dry naturally without using any products. You can also cut a few strands of wet hair and observe how they dry. Consulting with your hairstylist can also provide valuable insights, especially if your hair texture has changed recently and you’re unsure about the best styling approach.
Curly hair types and textures are generally categorized into four main groups: Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (coily). These groups are further divided into subgroups (A, B, and C) based on the diameter of the wave or curl. Once you identify your exact curly hair type and pattern, you can choose the right products and styling routines to bring out the best in your hair.
Exploring Hair Types and Patterns
Type 1: Straight Hair
- Characteristics: Dries straight with no bends, waves, or curls.
- Subtypes: None for straight hair.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
- 2A: Subtle waves with a slight S-shape. This hair type is often fine and can be easily weighed down by styling products. It’s easy to straighten.
- Product Recommendation: Volumizing tonic spray to add body without weighing down your waves.
- 2B: Medium waves with a consistent S-shape starting from the mid-lengths. Perfect for beachy looks.
- Product Recommendation: Texture tonic to define those effortless, beachy waves.
- 2C: Strong waves that look more like curls, starting right at the root. This type is prone to frizz and dryness.
- Product Recommendation: Be Curly Advanced™ curl enhancer to protect from frizz and enhance wave definition.
Type 3: Curly Hair
- 3A: Big, loose, loopy curls about the circumference of sidewalk chalk. These curls benefit from a good scrunch to enhance shape.
- Product Recommendation: Nutriplenish™ leave-in conditioner for conditioning and thermal protection.
- 3B: Springy, medium curls that can be prone to breakage. It’s best to dry these curls with a microfiber towel or T-shirt to reduce frizz.
- Product Recommendation: Nutriplenish™ overnight serum to hydrate and protect your curls while you sleep.
- 3C: Voluminous, tight corkscrew curls that crave moisture and nourishment.
- Product Recommendation: Be Curly Advanced™ curl enhancer cream and coil definer gel for defined, protected curls.
Type 4: Coily Hair
- 4A: Subtle coils with a defined spiral pattern, about the circumference of a crocheting needle. This hair type requires consistent moisture.
- Product Recommendation: Nutriplenish™ deep moisture treatment masque for deep conditioning.
- 4B: Medium coils with a mix of spirals and Z-shaped curls. These are more prone to breakage.
- Product Recommendation: Be Curly Advanced™ coil definer gel to strengthen fragile strands.
- 4C: Strong, tight coils with a hairpin-sized circumference. This type is more prone to shrinkage and needs frequent moisture.
- Product Recommendation: Nutriplenish™ multi-use hair oil and daily moisturizing treatment to keep your coils hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Identifying your hair type and curl pattern is crucial for choosing the right products and styling methods that will keep your hair looking its best. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your waves, define your curls, or nourish your coils, knowing your specific hair needs is the key to achieving beautiful, healthy hair.
