Learning My Natural Hair | What Is My Hair Type?

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Hair Type

Refers to the amount of wave or curl in hair

Hair typing is the amount of curl or bend your hair has. It is possible to have only one or numerous types.

Here are two different kinds of Hair Typing Systems to help determine what hair type you have to better understand your hair:


Andre Walker Hair Typing System

Learning My Natural Hair | What Is My Hair Type?
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This hair typing system was created by Andre Walker, who is Oprah's hair stylist and the author of Andre Talks Hair!. He created a chart using a combination of letters and numbers, from 1 as straight hair to 4c as extremely kinky hair, without manipulation to determine the wave or curl pattern.

1 - Straight - 2a - Wavy Swavy - 2b - Wavy Curvy - 2c - Wavy Whirly - 3a - Curly Twirly - 3b - Curly Spirally - 3c - Curly Coily - 4a - Coily Springy - 4b - Coily Crimpy - 4c - Coily Ziggly

Learning My Natural Hair | What Is My Hair Type?
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Lois Hair System

A chart using the shape of the hair based on it being straight, wavy, curly, and kinky.

L - Bends in right angles with little to no curve
O - Curls in the shape of a spiral formation
I - Straight hair that lies flat with no curve or bend
S - Waves in the shape of hills and valleys

How do I test for my hair type?

Here is how to test your hair:

1. Cleanse your hair - Make sure to rinse your hair of your shampoo/conditioner
2. Let hair dry - Allow your hair to air dry and don't blow dry, which could change your hair texture.

What is MY hair type?

My hair type is an absolute 4a. I would continuously say 4a/b; but as my hair continues to retain the growth, my hair is definitely 4a.

What product should I use for my specific hair type?

Type 1 and 2 - Your hair has no waves or a few waves, which can cause your hair to be oily from your natural sebum from your scalp. It is best to use a shampoo that will cleanse your hair thoroughly from the product buildup and oils. If need be, cleanse your hair 2-3 times a week to keep your hair cleansed. Your hair has the tendency to frizz, so use mousse, gels, and light leave-in conditioners that will enhance your hair without weighing it down.

Learning My Natural Hair |
What Is My Hair Type?

Use:

DevaCurl Line

Mop Top Line

Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Shampoo

Jessicurl Daily Conditioner

Curl Junkie Daily Conditioner

AG Hair Cosmetics Mousse Gel

Type 3 - Your hair type is full of spiral curls, so you would need to use a moisturizing cleanser to not strip your hair of your natural oils. It is also best to use deep conditioners with a steamer, hooded dryer, or from the steam of your shower. Once you add your leave-in conditioner, use oils and cream to seal in your moisture.

Use:

Mixed Chicks Line

Jessicurl Line

Jane Carter Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo

Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Nectar

As I Am Curling Jelly

Type 4 - Since your hair is full of tight coils and kinks, it would be best to use a moisturizing shampoo or even a co-washer. Your hair is very fragile and washing your hair over and over can cause your hair to dry out. It is best to deep condition with heat once a week to keep your hair moisturized. After your leave-in conditioner, make sure to use creams and butters to seal in the moisture.

Use:

Shea Moisture Shea Butter Raw Retention Line

As I Am Line

Shea Moisture Coconut And Hibiscus Line

Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel

Cantu Leave-In Conditioner

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Unrefined Shea Butter

Learning My Natural Hair | 
What Is My Hair Type?

Do hair types change over time?

I would think that it can based on 3 instances: age, length, and chemicals.

Age - As you get older, your hair changes in everything. Your hair will not be the same in 30 years and will not be the same in 70 years.

Length - As your hair gets longer, the weight of your hair has the possibility to change it's curl pattern to less wavy and curly. If you look at the beginning of your hair journey pictures to years later, you can definitely tell that your curls have loosen up a bit.

Chemicals - Whether you use texlax, relaxer, or color, your hair type will definitely change. Since relaxing your hair breaks up the protein bonds from natural curly to chemically relaxed, you wouldn't call your hair natural anymore. For example, your hair would go from 4b to 2a.

Check out all Learning My Natural Hair Articles:
Learning My Natural Hair | How Do I Learn My Natural Hair? 
Learning My Natural Hair | What Is My Hair Type?
Learning My Natural Hair | What Is My Hair Texture?
Learning My Natural Hair | What Is My Hair Density? 
Learning My Natural Hair | What Is My Hair Porosity?  
Learning My Natural Hair | Protein and Moisture Balance, Part 1: All About Protein 
Learning My Natural Hair | Moisture and Protein Balance, Part 2: All About Moisture 
Learning My Natural Hair | What Is Your Hair Archetype?
Learning My Natural Hair | Do You Know Your Natural Hair? Take A Hair Quiz


Natural hair says: hair typing may not be important to some people, but it can definitely help with what products you should use and how to care for your specific hair type..

Always Desire Your Natural,

Christina J