How To Tell What Kind Of Hair Type You Have A Comprehensive Guide

Are you struggling to determine what kind of hair type you have? With so many different hair textures and types out there, it can be challenging to figure out exactly what kind of hair type you have. However, understanding your hair type is crucial when it comes to finding the right hair care routine and products. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to tell what kind of hair type you have.

Table of Contents:

1. Description
2. How to Determine Your Hair Type
3. Step-by-Step Guide
4. Tips for Caring for Your Hair Type
5. FAQs
6. Hair Care for Different Hair Types

Description

Before we get started, it's important to understand that there are generally four different types of hair: straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Within each of these categories, there are also different subtypes that can affect the texture, thickness, and overall appearance of your hair. Determining your hair type will help you understand how to care for and style your hair, which can ultimately lead to healthier, more beautiful hair.

How to Determine Your Hair Type

The first step in determining your hair type is to take a close look at your hair's texture. Is your hair straight, wavy, curly, or coily? If you're not sure, try running your fingers through your hair to feel its texture. You can also look at pictures of different hair types online to compare your hair to others.

The next thing to consider is your hair's thickness. Is your hair fine, medium, or thick? You can determine this by looking at individual strands of hair. If your hair is fine, the strands will be thin and delicate. If your hair is thick, the strands will be thick and strong. If your hair is somewhere in between, you likely have medium thickness hair.

Another factor that can affect your hair type is its porosity. Porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. If your hair has high porosity, it means that it absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it just as fast. If your hair has low porosity, it means that it's more difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. To test your hair's porosity, try placing a strand of hair in a glass of water. If it sinks to the bottom quickly, you likely have high porosity hair. If it floats on top, you likely have low porosity hair.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you determine your hair type:

1. Wash and condition your hair as you normally would.
2. Allow your hair to air dry without using any styling products.
3. Take a close look at your hair's texture. Is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily?
4. Examine your hair's thickness. Is it fine, medium, or thick?
5. Test your hair's porosity by placing a strand of hair in a glass of water. Does it sink quickly or float on top?
6. Compare your hair to pictures of different hair types online to determine your specific hair subtype.

Tips for Caring for Your Hair Type

Once you've determined your hair type, it's important to find the right hair care routine and products to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for different hair types:

Straight Hair:

Straight hair tends to be oily and can easily become weighed down by heavy products. Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using too much product. You can add volume to straight hair by blow drying it with a round brush or using a volumizing mousse.

Wavy Hair:

Wavy hair is prone to frizz and can benefit from products that help define curls and reduce frizz. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and try using a curl defining cream or gel to enhance your natural waves.

Curly Hair:

Curly hair needs plenty of moisture to stay healthy and defined. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and consider using a leave-in conditioner or oil to give your curls extra hydration. Avoid brushing curly hair, as this can cause frizz and breakage.

Coily Hair:

Coily hair is the most fragile of all hair types and requires gentle handling. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. Coily hair benefits from regular deep conditioning treatments to keep it healthy and hydrated.

FAQs

How often should I wash my hair?

This depends on your hair type and personal preference. Some people can wash their hair every day, while others only need to wash their hair once a week. Experiment to find out what works best for you.

What kind of brush should I use?

The type of brush you use will depend on your hair type. Use a wide-tooth comb for curly or coily hair, and a paddle brush for straight or wavy hair. Avoid using brushes with metal bristles, as these can damage your hair.

How can I protect my hair from heat damage?

Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. If you must use them, use a heat protectant spray or serum to minimize damage. Try air drying your hair instead of using a blow dryer, and use a diffuser attachment if you do use a blow dryer.

Hair Care for Different Hair Types

Here are some additional tips for caring for different hair types:

Straight Hair:

• Use a dry shampoo to extend the time between washes.
• Avoid using heavy oils or serums, as these can make your hair look greasy.
• Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup.

Wavy Hair:

• Try using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance your natural waves.
• Avoid using a brush on wet hair, as this can cause frizz.
• Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair hydrated.

Curly Hair:

• Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to dry your hair instead of a regular towel, which can cause frizz.
• Avoid using products that contain alcohol, as these can dry out your hair.
• Use a satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage while you sleep.

Coily Hair:

• Use a detangling brush or comb to gently remove tangles.
• Avoid using heavy butters or oils, as these can weigh down your hair.
• Deep condition your hair once a week to keep it healthy and hydrated.

By using the tips and information provided in this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to tell what kind of hair type you have and how to care for it. Remember, everyone's hair is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the right routine and products for your specific hair type. With patience and persistence, you can achieve healthy, beautiful hair!