What’s My Hair Type? Discover the 4 Hair Types in 4 Easy Steps

What’s My Hair Type? Discover the 4 Hair Types in 4 Easy Steps

POSTED ON May 22, 2025

There’s no such thing as the perfect hair type, only the perfect way to care for your own. Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the same goes for your hair. Understanding your hair type isn’t about fitting into a box, it’s about embracing your natural texture, working with your hair instead of against it, and bringing out its healthiest, most radiant self.

Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, it’s uniquely yours, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Once you learn to appreciate your hair’s natural shape and texture, you can care for it in a way that truly supports its needs.

This guide will walk you through how to identify your hair’s type, texture, volume, and porosity, so you can create a routine that brings out the very best in your hair.

What Is Hair Type?

Hair type refers to your hair’s natural shape and texture, which is primarily determined by the shape of your hair follicles. The most widely used classification system is the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which divides hair into four major types:

Type 1: Straight
Type 2: Wavy
Type 3: Curly
Type 4: Coily

Each category is further divided into subtypes (A, B, C) to reflect differences in curl pattern tightness and definition. For example, Type 1A is very straight and tends to be fine and flat, while Type 4C has the tightest coils and often appears dense and voluminous, though strand thickness can vary in all types.

Understanding the Four Main Hair Types

Type 1: Straight Hair

1A: Very straight and fine; lacks volume, can get oily quickly.

1B: Straight with more body and volume; holds styles better.

1C: Straight but coarse; may have slight bends or waves.

Care Tips: Use lightweight shampoos and conditioners to avoid weighing down hair. Regular washing helps manage oiliness. Avoid heavy styling products. Use lightweight serums or sprays for shine.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

2A: Fine, loose waves; easy to style but may lack volume.

2B: Medium-textured waves with defined “S” shapes; prone to frizz.

2C: Thick, defined waves; may show some curl patterns; more resistant to styling.

Care Tips: Use sulfate-free shampoos to reduce frizz. Lightweight styling creams enhance wave definition without heaviness. Avoid over-washing to keep natural oils.

Type 3: Curly Hair

3A: Loose, large curls; shiny and bouncy.

3B: Tighter curls with more volume; may be frizz-prone.

3C: Very tight curls or corkscrews; dense and voluminous.

Care Tips: Deep conditioning is essential. Use leave-in conditioners and curl creams. Diffuse hair when drying for enhanced curl shape.

Type 4: Coily Hair

4A: Tightly coiled with an “O” pattern.

4B: Z-shaped or angular curls; less defined.

4C: Extremely tight coils or kinks; may lack curl definition.

Care Tips: Regular deep conditioning is crucial. Use heavy creams and oils to lock in moisture and reduce breakage. Regular trims and moisture treatments are vital.

Hair Type Comparison Table

Here’s a quick reference table to help you understand your hair type at a glance:

Hair Type	Pattern	Volume	Porosity	Recommended Products
1A	Straight	Low	Low	Lightweight shampoo, dry shampoo
1B	Straight	Medium	Low	Volumizing spray, light serum
1C	Straight	Med-High	Medium	Anti-frizz cream, smoothing serum
2A	Wavy	Low-Med	Low-Med	Curl cream, light mousse
2B	Wavy	Medium	Medium	Sulfate-free shampoo, anti-frizz spray
2C	Wavy	High	High	Curl-enhancing cream, deep conditioner
3A	Curly	Medium	Medium	Leave-in conditioner, curl gel
3B	Curly	High	High	Curl Cream, moisturizing shampoo
3C	Curly	Very High	High	Deep conditioner, curl butter
4A	Coily	High	Medium-High	Heavy cream, oils, leave-in
4B	Coily	High	High	Moisturizing cream, protective styles
4C	Coily	High	Very High	Oils, intense deep treatment

Pattern: How tight or loose the curl/ wave is | Volume: How full or thick the hair looks | Porosity: How well the hair absorbs/ retains moisture

How to Determine Your Hair Type

To accurately identify your hair type, assess these four key characteristics:

1. Curl Pattern

Observe clean, air-dried hair. Is it flat, wavy, curly, or coily?

2. Texture

Feel a single strand. Is it fine (thin), medium, or coarse (thick)?

3. Porosity

This refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture:

Low: Resistant to moisture | Medium: Balanced absorption and retention | High: Absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast

4. Volume (Density)

Assess how full your hair looks overall:

Low: Sparse or thin | Medium: Average fullness | High: Thick or dense appearance

Conclusion

Identifying your hair type is more than a beauty trend, it’s the foundation for effective hair care. By understanding your hair’s natural texture, pattern, and needs, you can create a routine that truly works for you.

It’s also important to know that many people have more than one hair type on their head. For example, the hair on top might be straighter while the hair underneath is curlier. This is completely normal and may require slightly different care in different areas.

Keep in mind, your hair type can change over time due to factors like age, hormonal changes, or chemical treatments, so reassessing it regularly is a smart move.

Book An Appointment

If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone! And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. A professional hairstylist can take a closer look, explain things you may not notice on your own, and recommend the right care to help your hair look and feel its best.

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