Knowing your hair type is essential in order to properly care for and style your hair. However, figuring out your hair type can be a confusing and frustrating process. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to figure out your hair type, as well as some tips on how to care for and style your hair based on your type. Let's get started!
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Determine the Texture of Your Hair
- Step 2: Determine the Porosity of Your Hair
- Step 3: Determine the Density of Your Hair
- Step 4: Determine the Elasticity of Your Hair
- Tips for Caring for Your Hair Based on Your Type
- FAQs
- Hair Care Products for Your Hair Type
Step 1: Determine the Texture of Your Hair
The texture of your hair refers to the thickness or fineness of each individual strand. To determine your hair texture, take a single strand of hair and rub it between your fingers.
- If the strand feels thick and course, you have coarse hair.
- If the strand feels thin and fine, you have fine hair.
- If the strand feels somewhere in between, you have medium hair.
Step 2: Determine the Porosity of Your Hair
The porosity of your hair refers to how easily your hair is able to absorb and retain moisture. To determine your hair's porosity, take a strand of hair and place it in a glass of water.
- If the hair sinks to the bottom of the glass, you have high porosity hair.
- If the hair floats on top of the water, you have low porosity hair.
- If the hair sinks to the middle of the glass, you have normal porosity hair.
Step 3: Determine the Density of Your Hair
The density of your hair refers to how many individual strands you have on your head. To determine your hair's density, pull your hair back into a ponytail and take a look at how much scalp is visible.
- If you can see a lot of scalp, you have low density hair.
- If you can see some scalp, you have medium density hair.
- If you can't see any scalp, you have high density hair.
Step 4: Determine the Elasticity of Your Hair
The elasticity of your hair refers to how easily your hair is able to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking. To determine your hair's elasticity, take a strand of hair and stretch it gently between your fingers.
- If the hair stretches and returns to its original shape without breaking, you have high elasticity hair.
- If the hair stretches but doesn't return to its original shape, you have low elasticity hair.
Tips for Caring for Your Hair Based on Your Type
Now that you have determined your hair type, it's important to know how to care for and style your hair based on your type. Here are some tips:
- If you have coarse hair, use moisturizing products and avoid over-styling your hair with heat.
- If you have fine hair, use volumizing products and avoid heavy oils and conditioners.
- If you have low porosity hair, use lightweight products and avoid heavy oils and butters.
- If you have high porosity hair, use moisturizing products and avoid over-styling your hair with heat.
- If you have low density hair, use volumizing products and avoid heavy oils and conditioners.
- If you have high density hair, use moisturizing products and avoid over-styling your hair with heat.
- If you have high elasticity hair, use protein treatments to strengthen your hair.
- If you have low elasticity hair, use moisturizing products and avoid over-styling your hair with heat.
FAQs
Q: Can my hair type change over time?
A: Yes, your hair type can change due to hormonal changes, medication, and other factors.
Q: How often should I wash my hair?
A: It depends on your hair type and personal preference. Some people wash their hair every day, while others wash it once a week.
Q: What is the best way to detangle my hair?
A: Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush and start at the ends of your hair, working your way up to the roots.
Hair Care Products for Your Hair Type
Here are some recommended hair care products based on your hair type:
- Coarse hair: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
- Fine hair: OGX Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner
- Low porosity hair: Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner
- High porosity hair: Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner
- Low density hair: Aveda Invati Advanced Scalp Revitalizer
- High density hair: Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hair Sheen
- High elasticity hair: Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
- Low elasticity hair: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Figuring out your hair type is an important first step in properly caring for and styling your hair. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can determine your hair type and learn how to care for and style your hair based on your type.
