Types of Hair: 

Struggling with frizz, dryness, or limp hair? The secret to luscious locks lies in understanding the different types of hair and tailoring your care routine accordingly. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair—or struggle with porosity issues—this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From how to determine your hair type to DIY fixes for high porosity hair, let’s transform your hair care game!

What Are the Different Types of Hair?

Hair types are categorized based on texture, curl pattern, and structure. The most widely used system divides hair into four main types (1-4), with subcategories (A, B, C) for precision. Let’s decode them:

Understanding Types of Hair and Hair Porosity

Hair type classification helps in choosing the right products and care routine. Hair types are categorized based on texture, curl pattern, and how the hair reacts to moisture and styling. Additionally, hair porosity plays a crucial role in determining how hair absorbs and retains moisture.

What is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is determined by the condition of the cuticle layer—the outermost layer of the hair shaft. The cuticle is made of overlapping scales that control the movement of moisture in and out of the hair. Hair porosity is categorized into low, medium, and high porosity.

Types of Hair Classification

Hair types are classified into four main categories: Straight, Wavy, Curly and Coily/Kinky.

Straight Hair (Type 1)

Straight hair is characterized by a lack of natural curls or waves. The hair strands fall flat from root to tip without forming any bends.

Characteristics:

• Naturally smooth and shiny because scalp oils easily travel down the hair shaft.
• Tends to look greasy quickly, especially at the roots.
• Lacks volume, making it harder to hold curls or styles.

How to Care for Straight Hair:

• Use lightweight, volumizing shampoos to prevent hair from looking flat.
• Avoid heavy oils and creamy conditioners that can weigh down the hair.
• Use dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil and add volume.
• Always apply a heat protectant before using styling tools to prevent damage.

Wavy Hair (Type 2)

Wavy hair has a natural S-shaped wave pattern that is less defined than curly hair but more textured than straight hair.

Characteristics:

• Prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions.
• More volume than straight hair but can still get weighed down with heavy products.
• Falls between straight and curly, forming different wave intensities:
  • 2A: Loose, barely-there waves.
  • 2B: More defined, beachy waves.
  • 2C: Deep waves that may have some curls.

Wavy Hair Care Tips:

• Use a curl-enhancing mousse or gel to define waves and prevent frizz.
• Dry hair with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to reduce friction and frizz.
• Avoid sulfates in shampoos, as they strip natural oils and cause dryness.

Curly Hair (Type 3)

Curly hair has a spiral or ringlet curl pattern that varies in tightness and definition.

Characteristics:

• Struggles with moisture retention, leading to dryness and frizz.
• Defined curls that can lose shape if not properly maintained.
• Prone to shrinkage, meaning the hair may look shorter than its actual length.

Curly Hair Routine:

• Co-wash (conditioner-only washing) to keep hair hydrated and avoid stripping oils.
• Apply leave-in conditioner and styling gel to enhance curl definition and hold.
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage.

Coily/Kinky Hair (Type 4)

Coily or kinky hair consists of tight curls or a zig-zag pattern, often appearing more compact.

Characteristics:

• Most fragile hair type, prone to breakage if not handled gently.
• Requires intense hydration, as it has difficulty retaining moisture.
• Significant shrinkage, meaning the hair may appear much shorter than it actually is.

Coily Hair Care:

• Deep condition weekly with rich, nourishing masks to maintain hydration.
• Detangle with a wide-tooth comb and apply conditioner for slip to avoid breakage.
• Protective styles (braids, twists, etc.) help retain length and moisture.

For a detailed breakdown of different hair types, you can refer to this comprehensive guide.

Hair Porosity Classification

Hair porosity is divided into three main categories: Low, Medium, and High Porosity.

Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair has tightly packed cuticles, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft.

Traits:

• Water and products sit on the surface instead of being absorbed.
• Takes longer to dry after washing.
• Prone to product buildup due to poor absorption.

Care Tips:

• Use heat while deep conditioning (e.g., warm towel wrap or steamer) to open the cuticle.
• Opt for lightweight, water-based products, as thick creams tend to sit on the hair.
• Avoid heavy butters and oils that can cause buildup.

Medium Porosity Hair

Medium porosity hair has a moderately open cuticle, allowing for balanced moisture absorption and retention.

Traits:

• Absorbs moisture well without drying out too quickly.
• Holds styles well and is easy to maintain.
• Requires minimal maintenance compared to other porosity types.

Care Tips:

• Use protein treatments monthly to maintain strength and elasticity.
• Avoid product overload, as too much moisture or protein can disrupt the balance.

High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair has widely spaced or damaged cuticles, allowing moisture to enter easily but  escape quickly.

Traits:

• Dries rapidly after washing but also becomes dry quickly.
• More prone to frizz and breakage due to moisture loss.
• Common in chemically treated or heat-damaged hair.

Care Tips:

• Seal in moisture with heavier products like shea butter or coconut oil.
• Use protein treatments to help rebuild and strengthen damaged strands.
• Apply leave-in conditioners followed by oils and creams to lock in hydration.

How to Determine Types of Hair & Hair Porosity

Step 1: The Strand Test (To Identify Hair Type)

• Wash your hair and let it air dry without any products.
• Observe your curl pattern:
  • Straight (Type 1) – No bends or waves.
  • Wavy (Type 2) – Loose “S” shape.
  • Curly (Type 3) – Defined spirals or ringlets.
  • Coily (Type 4) – Tight curls or zig-zag patterns.

Step 2: Porosity Check (Water Test)

• Drop a clean, dry strand of hair into a glass of water.
  • Sinks quickly → High porosity.
  • Floats midway → Medium porosity.
  • Stays afloat → Low porosity.

By understanding your hair type and porosity, you can tailor your routine for stronger, healthier, and more manageable hair!

Looking for the best ingredients for your hair care routine? Explore various hair care ingredients that can enhance your hair routine.

FAQs: Your Hair Questions Answered

Q1: Can my hair type change over time?

A: Yes! Hormones, aging, or chemical treatments can alter texture and porosity.

Q2: How often should I wash curly hair?

A: 1-2 times weekly to prevent dryness. Use co-wash between shampoos.

Q3: What’s the best product for frizzy hair?

A: Serums with silicones (temporarily smooth) or aloe vera gel (natural hold).

Q4: Does hair porosity affect dye results?

A: High porosity hair absorbs color faster but may fade quicker.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Hair Type!

Whether you’re battling oily roots or thirsty curls, understanding your hair type and porosity is the first step to healthier hair. Stick to a consistent routine, experiment with tips above, and watch your locks thrive. Got questions? Drop them below—we’re here to help!

“Which hair type do you have? Share your biggest hair struggle in the comments!”