Have you ever stood in the hair care aisle, completely overwhelmed by the choices? You pick up a bottle for “curly hair,” but your friend with curls says you need something for “coily hair.” It can feel like you need a secret decoder ring just to buy shampoo. The truth is, knowing your hair type is the first step to giving your hair exactly what it needs to look and feel its best.
Think of it like finding the perfect pair of jeans. When you know your size and cut, shopping becomes so much easier and the results are far better. Your hair type is your personal guide to effective, loving hair care.
Start with the Hair Typing System
You’ve probably heard people refer to their hair as type 2, 3, or 4. This system, popularized by Andre Walker, categorizes hair from straight to coily. Type 1 is straight, Type 2 is wavy, Type 3 is curly, and Type 4 is coily. Each type is then broken down into subcategories (A, B, C) that describe the tightness or looseness of the wave, curl, or coil. This gives you a great starting point for identifying your hair’s basic pattern.
The Simple Wash and Air Dry Test
The most effective way to see your natural pattern is to start with a clean slate. Wash your hair with a gentle, non-styling shampoo and conditioner. Then, without brushing or combing it, let it air dry completely. Avoid touching it or putting it up while it dries. Once it’s fully dry, take a look in the mirror. What is its natural state? Is it mostly straight with a slight bend? Does it form distinct ‘S’ shapes? Are the curls springy and defined? This observation will point you toward your type.
Consider Your Hair’s Texture and Porosity
Your curl pattern is only one piece of the puzzle. Your hair’s texture—how thick each individual strand is—also matters. A quick test is to take a single strand and roll it between your fingers. If you can barely feel it, you likely have fine hair. If you can feel it distinctly, it’s medium. If it feels thick and robust, you have coarse hair.
Porosity, or your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture, is another key factor. To test it, place a single clean strand in a glass of water. If it floats for a while, you have low porosity. If it sinks quickly, your hair has high porosity and absorbs moisture easily.
Why Your Hair Type Matters for Your Routine
Knowing these details changes everything. Low porosity hair, for instance, can be easily weighed down by heavy creams, while high porosity hair drinks them up. Fine, wavy hair might need a light mousse to hold its shape without going flat, while thick, coily hair often thrives with richer butters and oils. Your unique combination of type, texture, and porosity tells you which products will work in harmony with your hair, not against it.
Getting to know your hair type is a journey of observation and a little experimentation. Pay attention to how your hair behaves on its own and how it responds to different products. This knowledge is the foundation for a hair care routine that finally makes sense, leading to healthier, happier hair every day.