Understanding your hair type is the foundation of every healthy routine. It explains why some products work beautifully while others fall flat, why humidity affects you differently, and why two people with “curly hair” might need completely opposite routines. This guide breaks it all down in a way that feels practical, friendly, and genuinely helpful.
Why Hair Typing Matters
Hair typing is not about labels. It is about clarity.
Once you know your pattern, density, and porosity, you can choose products that support your natural texture instead of fighting against it. When you understand the way your hair behaves, your routine becomes lighter, easier, and more predictable.
The Four Main Hair Families
Hair types fall into four broad categories: Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily.
Each category includes three sub-types that show how loose or tight the pattern is.
Below is the complete chart with simple descriptions you can actually use.
Type 1: Straight
Straight hair does not form visible waves or curls. Oils travel from the scalp easily, which often leads to quicker greasiness.
1A
Very straight, very fine, ultra smooth.
Often appears silky but flat. Needs lightweight products only.
1B
Straight with a little volume.
Slight body, not too fine, not too thick. Easy to style.
1C
Straight with subtle bends.
Thicker, more textured, can hold shape better.
Type 2: Wavy
Soft S-shapes. Prone to frizz. Loves lightweight hydration and careful definition.
2A
Loose, beachy waves.
Fine texture, light movement. Easily weighed down.
2B
Waves start closer to the root.
More texture, more frizz, more structure.
2C
Deep, strong S-waves.
Borderline curls. Naturally voluminous and full.
Type 3: Curly
Full of spirals, spring, and bounce. Needs moisture, definition, and protection.
3A
Loose, defined curls.
Light and bouncy. Responds beautifully to curl creams and gels.
3B
Ringlet curls with tighter spirals.
More shrinkage, more volume. Needs layered hydration.
3C
Corkscrew curls.
Very tight and full of texture. High definition potential.
Type 4: Coily
Tightly coiled, fluffy, delicate, and incredibly versatile. Needs deep moisture, gentle handling, and protective styling.
4A
Defined S-shaped coils.
Tight, springy, and soft.
4B
Z-shaped pattern.
Sharp bends, less defined pattern, sensitive to dryness.
4C
Very tight coils with little visible pattern.
Maximum shrinkage and maximum softness. Needs consistent nourishment.
But Pattern Is Only One Part Of Your Hair Type
Most people stop at curl pattern, but your “hair type” actually includes three more characteristics. These matter just as much.
1. Porosity
How easily your hair absorbs water.
Low porosity
Cuticle lays flat. Water sits on top. Needs lightweight moisture and heat to help absorption.
Medium porosity
Balanced and predictable. Accepts most products well.
High porosity
Cuticle is more open. Absorbs fast, loses moisture fast. Needs richer creams, leave-ins, and sealing oils.
2. Density
How many strands you have on your head.
Low density: scalp peeks through easily. Needs lightweight products, soft volume techniques.
Medium density: balanced. Works with most routines.
High density: very full. Needs product distribution and structured styling.
3. Thickness (strand width)
How thick each individual strand is.
Fine: breaks easily, gets weighed down.
Medium: balanced strength.
Coarse: strong, often feels dry without moisture.
How To Identify Your Type
Use these steps:
Step 1: Examine dry hair
Look at your curl pattern without product.
Straight? Wavy S-shape? Spiral? Coil?
Step 2: Check porosity
Spray water on a strand.
Absorb slowly? Low.
Absorb instantly? High.
Step 3: Look at density
How easily do you see your scalp?
Step 4: Feel strand thickness
Roll a strand between your fingers.
Step 5: Combine your results
A real hair type looks like:
2C, high porosity, medium density, fine strand width.
This combination is what creates your real-world hair behaviour.
What Your Hair Type Means for Your Routine
Straight (Type 1)
Prefers lightweight formulas, movement-friendly products, gentle cleansing.
Wavy (Type 2)
Thrives with lightweight hydration, gel for definition, and reduced friction.
Curly (Type 3)
Loves moisture, gentle detangling, creams, and curl-defining products.
Coily (Type 4)
Needs deep moisture, protective styles, rich formulas, and sealing oils.
The Takeaway
Hair typing is not about perfection. It is about understanding.
When you know your pattern, density, porosity, and strand width, everything becomes easier: your routine, your product choices, your expectations, and your relationship with your hair.
This guide is your starting point. From here, you can tailor your washday, pick products that truly serve you, and build confidence in your natural texture.