Complete Guide to Textures & Patterns

So, you’ve asked yourself, “What’s my hair type?”

Maybe you’re scrolling through Instagram, eyeing a new hairstyle or product, and wondering if it’ll work for you. Or maybe you’re just trying to decode what all these numbers, letters, and categories mean.

Don’t worry—you’re in the right place.

This guide is your ultimate cheat sheet to understanding hair types, from straight-as-a-pin strands to beautifully coiled textures.

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Why Knowing Your Hair Type Matters

Understanding your hair type isn’t just about vanity; it’s about finding what works best for your unique hair. The wrong products or styling techniques can lead to frizz, breakage, or a style that just doesn’t hold.

Once you know your type, you can choose better shampoos, conditioners, and styling products tailored to your hair’s needs.

Plus, you’ll save time and money by avoiding products that simply don’t work for your hair.

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The Hair Type Chart: 1A to 4C

The most common way to classify hair types is by using the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which ranges from 1A (the straightest hair) to 4C (the tightest curls). Let’s break it down:

Type 1: Straight Hair

• 1A: Super straight, fine, and silky. This hair type lacks volume and struggles to hold a curl. Think: glass-like strands that are incredibly smooth.
• 1B: Straight but with a bit more body. You might see slight bends near the ends, giving the hair some texture.
• 1C: Straight with more noticeable waves or bends, especially toward the ends. Often thicker and prone to frizz.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

• 2A: Loose, beachy waves that are fine and easy to style. This hair type can often look straight if brushed out.
• 2B: Waves with a more defined S-shape. It tends to frizz and needs lightweight products for definition.
• 2C: Thick, coarse waves with noticeable volume. This type can border on curly and needs extra moisture to tame frizz.

Type 3: Curly Hair

• 3A: Loose, spiraled curls that are large and springy. This hair type is prone to frizz but can hold a curl beautifully with the right products.
• 3B: Medium to tight curls with more volume and density. Often coarse and needs lots of hydration.
• 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls that are densely packed. This type is prone to shrinkage and requires heavier creams or gels to maintain definition.

Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair

• 4A: Tight coils with a defined curl pattern. This hair is often soft but requires plenty of moisture to combat dryness.
• 4B: Z-shaped curls that are less defined. This type tends to shrink a lot and thrives on thick creams and butters.
• 4C: The tightest curl pattern with little to no definition. It’s highly fragile and benefits from protective styling and consistent hydration.

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Fine, Medium, and Coarse Hair

Now that we’ve talked about curl patterns, let’s dive into another important aspect of hair type: texture. Hair texture refers to the thickness of your individual strands.

• Fine Hair: Each strand is small in diameter. Fine hair can feel soft and silky but often lacks volume. It’s prone to oiliness since it doesn’t hold onto products well.
• Medium Hair: Medium hair is the most common texture; it’s neither too thick nor too thin. It’s easier to style and holds curls and waves well.
• Coarse Hair: Thick strands that are strong and often feel rough to the touch. Coarse hair is more resistant to heat and chemical treatments but can also be prone to dryness.

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Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Beyond

While the 1A-4C system is a great starting point, it doesn’t cover everything. Hair can have multiple textures and characteristics that make it unique. Here are some additional terms you might encounter:

• Low-Porosity Hair: Struggles to absorb moisture. Water tends to sit on top of the strands rather than soaking in.
• High-Porosity Hair: Absorbs moisture easily but also loses it quickly. Often caused by damage from heat or chemicals.
• Thick Hair: Refers to the density of your hair—how many strands you have. Thick hair can be challenging to manage but is great for voluminous styles.
• Thin Hair: Fewer strands, often associated with fine texture. Thin hair benefits from lightweight products that don’t weigh it down.

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How to Identify Your Hair Type

If you’re still wondering, What’s my hair type?, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start With Clean Hair: Wash your hair and let it air dry without any products. This gives you a true picture of your natural pattern and texture.
2. Observe the Pattern: Look at your hair’s natural state. Is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily? Use the 1A-4C chart as your reference.
3. Feel the Texture: Rub a strand between your fingers. Is it fine, medium, or coarse? Fine hair feels silky, while coarse hair has a rougher texture.
4. Check for Porosity: Drop a clean strand of hair in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity. If it floats, your hair is low porosity. Medium porosity hair will hover in the middle.

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Caring for Each Hair Type

Now that you’ve identified your hair type, let’s talk care tips.

Type 1 (Straight Hair)

• Use lightweight, volumizing products to avoid weighing your hair down.
• Dry shampoo is your best friend for managing oiliness.
• Avoid heavy conditioners that can make hair look greasy.

Type 2 (Wavy Hair)

• Look for products that enhance waves without adding stiffness.
• Avoid over-brushing to prevent frizz.
• Try sea salt sprays for a natural, beachy look.

Type 3 (Curly Hair)

• Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to retain moisture.
• Opt for a diffuser when blow-drying to preserve curl definition.
• Apply leave-in conditioners and curl creams while your hair is damp.

Type 4 (Coily/Kinky Hair)

• Moisturize religiously with creams and oils.
• Protective styles like braids or twists can help reduce breakage.
• Incorporate deep conditioning treatments weekly to combat dryness.

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Common Hair Care Mistakes

No matter your hair type, some habits can damage your strands. Avoid these mistakes:

• Over-washing: Stripping your hair of natural oils leads to dryness. Most hair types only need to be washed 2-3 times a week.
• Skipping trims: Regular trims prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy. Even if you’re growing your hair out, a trim every 6-8 weeks is essential.
• Using the wrong products: For example, heavy creams can weigh down fine hair, while lightweight sprays won’t hydrate coarse textures.
• Ignoring your scalp: A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair. Use gentle scrubs or scalp treatments to remove buildup.

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Tips for Multi-Textured Hair

Some people have multiple textures in their hair, especially those with mixed curl patterns. Here’s how to care for multi-textured hair:

• Section Your Hair: Treat each section according to its specific needs. For example, looser waves might need lightweight products, while tighter curls need heavier creams.
• Layer Products: Start with a leave-in conditioner and then apply styling products based on the texture of each section.
• Detangle Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a 1A with silky straight locks, a 3C rocking tight curls, or somewhere in between, understanding your hair type is the first step to loving and caring for it.

So next time you ask yourself, “What’s my hair type?” you’ll have all the tools to answer confidently. Remember, your hair is as unique as you are, and it deserves products and care routines tailored to its needs.

Armed with this guide, you’re now ready to show off your best hair days, every day.

Until next time,

🌟 Your Turn: What hair type do you have? Do you have any tips for others with the same type? Drop them in the comments section below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

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