Hair-typing is a way of classifying your curls into groups. It is also a resourceful way to know how to care for your natural hair. It is important to understand why your hair responds positive to certain products and negative to others.
Type 4- Kinky Hair
Type 4 is kinky, or very tightly curled, with a clearly visible curl pattern:
- Circumference: Crochet needle or even smaller
- The hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very, very fragile
- Type 4 hair can range from fine/thin to wiry/coarse with lots and lots of strands densely packed together
- Type 4 hair has fewer cuticle layers than any other hair type, which means that it has less natural protection from the damage you inflict by combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening it
- Type 4 hair is known to shrink up to 75% of the actual hair length
4A-Coily Springy
Type 4a is tightly coiled hair that has an “S” pattern. It has more moisture than 4b; it has a definite curl pattern. The circumference of the spirals is close to that of a crochet needle. The hair can be wiry or fine-textured. It is very fragile with lots of strands densely packed together. Type 4 hair has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types, which means it has less natural protection from damage.
Tips
- Start your Coily Springy regimen with co-washing with a Type 4a recommended conditioner. This will cleanse and condition your coils without stripping out its natural oils
- Restore and renew your dry Coily Springy hair with a deep conditioner once a week.
- Hydrate, soften and nourish your Coily Springy hair with moisturizers
- Use styling creams, butters and oils for type 4 hair
- This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile
- Detangle hair with a lot of conditioner in your hair and use a comb or detangling brush
- Let hair air dry or use a hood dryer
- Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls
- Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrap hair in a satin cap
4B-Coily Crimpy
Type 4b has a “Z” pattern, less of a defined curl pattern. Instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter “Z”. Type 4 hair has a cotton-like feel. The hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled or bent and very, very fragile; you must take great care when working with it. Type 4 hair can range from fine/thin to wiry/coarse with lots and lots of strands densely packed together. Type 4b hair often shrinks up to 75% of the actual hair length.
Tips
- Use a heavy creamy cleanser to keep your coils healthy and moisturized
- Detangling your Coily Crimpy hair should be an essential part of your hair care routine. Detangle with a conditioner that has lots of slip and your favorite wide-tooth comb
- Seal in moisture and add shine to your dry fragile Coily Crimpy hair with hair milks and styling butters. Deep condition weekly to ensure strong healthy and hydrated coils. To intensify your deep treatment add heat
4C-Coily Ziggy
Type 4c hair is composed of curl patterns that will almost never clump without doing a specific hair style. It can range from fine/thin/super soft to wiry/coarse with lots of densely packed strands. 4c hair has been described as a more “challenging” version of 4b hair. Some say 4c looks identical to 4b except that the curls are so tightly kinked, there is seemingly no definition. 4c hair can shrink more than 75%.
Tips
- Limit your cleansing to heavy co-washing conditioners
- Use products like oils, creams and butters to moisturize and seal your coils
- Use heavy pudding and creams to help elongate your Coily Ziggly hair. Don’t forget to deep condition every 3 days to ensure healthy strong coils
TYPE 3- Curly
Type 3 hair includes lightly curly to very curly hair patterns that are well-defined and springy. Curly hair has a lot of body and can be easily styled in its natural state or straightened with a blow-dryer. Despite its appearance, type 3 curls are soft and fine rather than coarse.
3A- Twirly
Type 3a curls show a definite loopy “S” pattern. Curls are well-defined and springy. Curls are naturally big, loose and often very shiny. 3a curls’ circumference are sidewalk-chalk size. Generally, this hair type can be easily straightened. Type 3a hair is very much affected by the climate. Type 3 curlies can use a variety of styling products to achieve curl formation and definition.
Tips
- Use a moisturizing sulfate-free cleanser to get the most definition for your Curly Twirly hair
- Hydrate and moisturize your curls with a leave-in conditioner
- Tame unruly frizz and create defined ringlets with a dependable styler. Use gels and creams that offer light moisture and curl definition
3B – Spiral Curls
People with Type 3b hair have well-defined, springy, copious curls that range from bouncy ringlets to tight corkscrews. 3b curls’ circumference are Sharpie size. Type 3b hair can be straightened, but it’s definitely a chore. Type 3b hair generally isn’t particularly shiny and its texture can be quite coarse. Gels and creams work best to reduce frizz and add definition.
Tips
- Use a moisture balancing cleanser on your Curly Spirally hair
- Revitalize parched curls with a hydrating leave-in conditioner
- Use stylers like gels and creams that promote curl definition and offers serious frizz control
3C – Curly Coily
Type 3c hair has voluminous, tight curls in corkscrews, approximately the circumference of a pencil or straw. The curls can be either kinky, or very tightly curled, with lots and lots of strands densely packed together. Getting this type of hair to blow dry straight is more challenging than for 3a or 3b, but it usually can be done. The very tight curls are usually fine in texture.
Tips
- Hydrate and repair your Curly Coily hair with a moisturizing cleanser
- Use rich and nourishing conditioners to protect your fragile Curly Coily hair
- Use stylers that offer maximum moisture: creams, butters and oils. Hair milks are a great hydrating styler that will keep your curly coily hair manageable all day
Type 2 – Wavy Hair
Type 2 hair includes light to very wavy hair patterns. The waves and curls in type 2 hair form in the shape of an “S” and typically stick close to the head. Wavy hair won’t bounce up, even when layered.
2A – Wavy Swavy
Type 2a is gently, slightly “s” waved hair that sticks close to the head; it won’t bounce up, even when it is layered. 2a hair tends to be fine, thin and very easy to handle. It is also generally easily to straighten or curl. Type 2a hair tends to have quite a bit of sheen. Your best bet is to use lighter products such as mousses, lotions or gels that enhance the curls, but don’t weigh them down.
Tips
- Use a sulfate-free gentle cleanser to get the most body for your Wavy Swavy hair
- Use a light, silicone-free conditioner that won’t weigh your waves down
- Finish your style with a volumizer that will keep your hair full while reducing frizz
2B – Wavy Curls
With this hair type, the wave or curl forms throughout the hair in the shape of the letter “s”. Type 2b hair sticks close to the head; it won’t bounce up, even when it is layered. Type 2b hair often has a nice sheen. It has a bit more wave in it than Type 2a has. This hair type is a little resistant to styling, and it has a tendency to frizz. Use lighter products such as mousses or gels that enhance the curls, but don’t weigh them down.
2C – Wavy Whirly
Type 2c is thicker, coarser wavy hair that is composed of a few more actual curls, as opposed to just waves. Type 2c hair tends to be more resistant to styling and will frizz easily. Type 2 wavies tend to use a lot of gel to style and manage frizz. Many with 2c hair have an underlayer of straight hair, while others have an underlayer that’s more ringlet-y and curly.
Tips
- Use a cleansing cream or a sulfate free cleanser on your Wavy Whirly hair
- Create defined curls with a frizz-reducing thick conditioner
- Use a lot of curl enhancing gel. Scrunch in styling products with a microfiber towel
Source: NaturallyCurly.com
