Hair Texture: Do You Know Your Hair Type?

Have you ever stopped to think about your hair texture? There are so many different types of hair, and each one needs its specific care. If you're not sure what type of hair you have, read on to find out more!

Knowing your hair type will help you take better care of it and achieve the best results possible. So, what's your hair texture? Let's find out!

What is hair texture?

Hair texture is the physical characteristic of hair that is determined by the hair's diameter and shape. Hair can be categorized into different textures. It may be coarse, fine or medium hair texture and the shape of each hair strand can be round, oval, straight or flat.

Fine or thin hair has two hair layers; cortex and cuticle while thick or coarse hair has all three hair layers; cortex, cuticle, and medulla.

Different hair types.

Hair texture is determined by hair density, hair diameter, hair porosity and hair elasticity. The thickness of the hair shafts makes your hair feel rough or smooth to the touch. The shape of the hair strand affects how light reflects off the surface of each strand. This in turn influences whether it's frizzy or not.

There are four hair textures discussed below:

1. Straight hair

Straight hair is hair that grows straight down from the root with little or no wave. It usually has a uniform diameter and can be fine or coarse. The hair strands are round in shape and reflect light evenly all over each strand of hair. This means it's not prone to frizziness!

Straight hair texture examples:

• Asian hair
• Caucasian hair
• Latin hair

Washing straight hair too frequently may cause your scalp to overproduce oils, so dry shampoo is essential for individuals with straight, oily hair.

2. Wavy hair

Wavy hair types are those having a natural wave or curl pattern. It usually falls in between straight and curly hair in terms of thickness and diameter. The hair strands are oval-shaped and have a rough texture. This hair type is prone to frizziness!

There are different types of wavy hairs which are:

1. Type A

The natural condition of type 2 hair is a smooth, tousled texture. Your hair is relatively straight from the roots to about chest height. A loose, undefined wave extends from eye level to the tips.

2. Type B

The Type B curl pattern begins at the hairline and works its way to the end. The curls are more defined, with an S shape formation. It might be more difficult to straighten, but a spritz of salt spray makes it simple to achieve that beachy look.

3. Type C

Type C waves are the most clearly defined S-shaped waves. The wave pattern may start near the crown and work its way down. Type C hair is often thick and prone to frizzing in damp weather.

3. Curly hair

Curly hair is hair that has a natural curl or wave pattern. It usually falls in between wavy and coily hair in terms of thickness and diameter. The hair strands are oval-shaped with a rougher texture than straight hair, which makes them more prone to frizziness!

There are different types of curly hair which are:

1. Curly hair type A

S-shaped curls form loose loops with type A hair. The curls measure slightly wider than the largest end of a taper candle. One crucial piece of hairstyling advice: Brushing this sort of hair can destroy curl definition and result in a matted mane.

2. Curly hair type B

The diameter of a type B curl is about the same width as a Sharpie marker. Ringlets spring from the roots and are thick in volume. These ringlets generally require moisture to maintain their spiral form.

3. Curly hair type C

These corkscrew curls are tightly coiled and springy, and they'd wrap effortlessly around a drinking straw. Take a hands-on approach to keep the definition in these very tight curls.

4. Coil hair

Coily hair is hair that has a natural coil or zig-zag pattern. It usually falls in between curly and kinky hair in terms of thickness and diameter. The hair strands are oval-shaped with a rougher texture than straight hair, which makes them more prone to frizziness!

There are different types of coil hair which are:

1. Coil hair type A

Type A hair has an S-shaped coil that can be wrapped around a chopstick curling pattern.

2. Coil hair type B

Type B hair curls zig-zag. Shingling is a popular way to shape and highlight your curls.

3. Coil hair type C

The narrowest and most delicate are Type C coils. If you comb them roughly or too often, they're easily broken, and it's critical to apply various chemical treatments to the hair regularly.

How do we identify our hair texture?

The hair texture is determined by the hair's elasticity and diameter. The hair fiber can be classified into three groups based on cross-sectional shape (round, oval, flat), as well as four categories depending on hair shaft thickness (fine, medium, coarse or very coarse). Hair Texture is directly related to hair density and porosity.

Hair density is the hair's thickness. It refers to how many hair strands you have on your head, and it also determines hair volume. Hair porosity describes how well hair absorbs moisture (and other products). In addition, hair can be dry or oily and straight or curly in appearance.

For example The hair texture type A hair is fine hair, with a round hair fiber, which has a low density and high porosity. The hair texture type C hair is thick hair, with an oval-shaped cross-section of the hair fiber and medium to high density and porousness.

Can we change our hair type?

There are hair care and hairstyling techniques that you can use to adjust your hair type.

Long-lasting hair type change

Here are some of the long-lasting procedures for changing hair type:

• Permanent perming or straightening: This is a chemical procedure that changes the protein bonds in the hair. The protein bonds in the hair are altered. Depending on the chemicals used, the outcomes might last for several years. The new hair that grows would be of the same texture as natural hair.
• Chemical kits can be used to straighten or curl the hair at home. Some items may provide results that last a few months, while others may take longer.
• Keratin hair treatment, Brazilian blowouts, and other semi-permanent hair straightening procedures can help you straighten your locks. They're usually carried out at salons.

Temporary ways to change hair type

The effects usually endure until the following hair wash. Temporary treatments include:

• Blow drying: Hair is curled or straightened by blasting hot or cold air on it with a round or flat brush, which is known as blow-drying.
• Shampoos, conditioners, leave-in conditioning agents, hair serums and hairsprays are used to coat the hair strands, minimize frizz and curls, and improve moisture.
• Using essential oils: Natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil, or a combination of oils can help improve hair texture. They can be used all over the scalp and hair and washed out with shampoo and conditioner after 30 to 60 minutes. This may be done once or twice a week
• Hair straighteners, for example, are hair-straightening tools that use heated plates driven by electricity to quickly straighten or curl hair. These are simple and quick to use.

How do I care for my hair texture?

To keep hair healthy and well-cared for, hair texture is important. Wash your hair with a shampoo that's right for your hair type on a regular basis to remove dirt, oil and product build-up. Apply conditioner after washing your hair to add moisture back in. A leave-in conditioner can also be used if the hair is dry or damaged.

To improve textured hair, masks and hair oils may be used twice a week.

Care for straight hair

Since the hair strands are round and uniform, it's easy to style and doesn't require much maintenance. Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner that is designed for straight hair, and avoid using too many products in your hair as they can make it look greasy.

For hair that is fine and straight, use hair products that add volume or texture to your hair as this will help create more definition in the strands of hair. If you have curly hair but want it to be straighter, try using heat on your locks at least once every month so they don't get damaged.

Care for wavy hair

Wavy hair is thicker than straight hair and can be frizzy. The best way to take care of such hair type is by using a conditioner that will add moisture to the hair strands and help tame any frizz. Use a serum on wet hair before blow-drying it to help control the waves. If you have curly hair, try using a gel or mousse when your hair is wet to help define the curls and keep them from becoming frizzy.

Care for curly hair

Curly hair is usually dry and needs more moisture than other hair types. Use a conditioner that's designed specifically for curly hair types, and make sure to apply it throughout the hair shaft, not just on the ends. Apply a serum to wet hair before blow-drying it, and use a diffuser to help dry your hair slowly and evenly. If you have curly frizzy hair, apply an anti-frizz serum when your hair is damp.

When styling curly hair, use a gel or mousse to have defined curls and prevent them from becoming frizzy. If you have long hair, try using a one-inch curling iron to add waves or loose curls.

Care for coil hair

Coil hair is the kinkiest hair type and is usually very dry. Use a conditioner that's designed specifically for coil hair, and make sure to apply it throughout the hair shaft, not just on the ends. Apply a serum to wet hair before blow-drying it, and use a diffuser to help dry your hair slowly and evenly. If you have frizzy coil hair, apply an anti-frizz serum when your hair is damp.