Hair Types

Hair Classification:

The first step to understanding your hair and how to better care for it is to know the type of hair you have. According to celebrity hairstylist Andre Walker, there are four hair types. Below I will list them and provide you with their characteristics and what you can do to take care of it.

Type 1

Straight Hair

• Type 1a- (Fine/Thin)- Hair tends to be very soft, shiny and difficult to hold a curl. Hair also tends to be oily, and difficult to damage.
• Type 1b – Straight (Medium) – Hair has lots of volume & body.
• Type 1c – Straight (Coarse) – Hair is normally bone straight and difficult to curl. Asian women usually fall into this category.

Hair care tips for Type 1’s:

• It is recommended that you brush out your hair before shampooing.
• Shampooing should be done every other day, or at least twice per week.
• Always use a conditioner
• See a professional stylist every six weeks for a trim; for straight hair is susceptible to split ends.

Type 2

Wavy Hair

• Type 2a – Wavy (Fine/Thin) – Hair has a definite “S” pattern. Normally can accomplish various styles.
• Type 2b – Wavy (Medium) – Hair tends to be frizzy, and a little resistant to styling.
• Type 2c – Wavy (Coarse) – Hair is also resistant to styling and normally very frizzy; tends to have thicker waves.

Hair care tips for Type 2’s:

• Shampooing every day is not necessary. Instead, use cool water and conditioner every time you shower.
• You may also use a leave-in if needed.
• Over-brushing may cause hair to dry out.
• Hair can be air dried, a blow dryer, or a diffuser attachment can be used to minimize frizz.

Type 3

Curly Hair

• Type 3a - Curly (Loose Curls) – Hair tends to have a combination texture. It can be thick & full with lots of body, with a definite “S” pattern. It also tends to be frizzy.
• Type 3b - Curly (Tight Curls) – Also tends to have a combination texture, with a medium amount of curl.

Hair care tips for Type 3’s:

• Don’t use towels to dry your hair.
• Air dry your hair. If you use a blow dryer, use a diffuser attachment to avoid frizzing.
• Sleep with silk or satin cap.
• Get a professional trim on a regular basis.

Type 4

Kinky Hair

• Type 4a – Kinky (Soft) – Hair tends to be very fragile, tightly coiled, and has a more defined curly pattern.
• Type 4b/c – Kinky (Wiry) – Also very fragile and tightly coiled; however with a less defined curly pattern -has more of a “Z” pattern shape.

Hair care tips for Type 4’s:

• Wash this type of hair once weekly or every two weeks.
• Apply deep conditioner from root to tip and leave it in for 15-30 minutes.
• Comb only while the deep conditioner is applied.
• Avoid using excessive heat
• Pat dry your hair with a towel. Handle your hair with care.
• Comb your hair only when it is wet while the deep conditioner is still in it.
• Air dry your hair. Try not to use any direct heat as it will dry out the hair.
• Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil with tea tree oil to apply to the scalp to help (i)stimulate hair follicles and (ii) as a scalp grease. Also apply it to your edges and roots daily to keep them smooth and moisturized.
• Use Raw Shea Butter as a moisturizer for the hair itself, as needed