Understanding your hair type is essential for choosing the right hair care products and routines. Whether you have curly, straight, fine, thick, dry, or oily hair, each hair type has its own unique characteristics and specific needs.
Understanding your hair type will help you embrace your natural texture and make the most of your hair. You’ll be able to explore different hairstyles and styling techniques that highlight your curls, waves, or straight texture.
In this article, we’ll help you figure out your hair type. So, dive in and explore your hair type to discover what makes your hair unique!
1. Hair texture:
The first step in determining your hair type is to assess its texture. Take a strand of hair between your fingers and determine whether it is fine, medium, or thick.
You can also try the sewing thread test: Take some sewing thread, like the kind found in sewing kits. Then, place the sewing thread next to a strand of your hair.
- If your hair is thinner than the sewing thread, then you have fine hair.
- If your hair is about the same thickness as the thread, your hair is of “normal” thickness.
- Finally, if your hair is thicker than the thread, your hair is thick.
- Your hair texture can affect how well products and hairstyles work for you. For example, if you have fine hair, you should avoid using products that are too rich or oily, as they can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy too quickly.
2. Curl shape:
If you have curly or wavy hair, it’s important to understand the shape of your curls. Curls can be loose, tight, spring-like, or have a wavy texture.
Observe your natural hair to determine the dominant shape of your curls. This will help you choose the products and styling techniques that will enhance the definition of your curls.
Your curls may have trouble forming on their own; in this case, we recommend “helping” them form with simple techniques like “scrunching.” You can find many online tutorials with complete washing and drying routines for curly hair.
3. Sebum level:
The amount of sebum your scalp produces can indicate whether you have oily, normal, or dry hair.
If your hair gets oily quickly between washes, you probably have oily hair.
But don’t panic—it’s not a foregone conclusion. You can gradually space out your shampoos by using the right products, especially a pure boar bristle brush, a must-have for making the transition. Just like with skin, if you over-stress your hair with products or wash it too frequently, it will react—often by producing more sebum.
If your hair stays dry even after several days without washing, you have dry hair. If you fall somewhere in between, you probably have normal hair.
4. Hair elasticity:
Your hair's elasticity is an indicator of its health. Take a strand of damp hair and gently stretch it. If it returns to its original shape without breaking, your hair has good elasticity. This is often a sign of healthy hair. If the hair breaks easily or doesn't return to its original shape, your hair is likely brittle or damaged. You’ll need to take special care of it, and above all, avoid bleaching and heat-styling tools like flat irons and curling irons.
5. Hair density:
Assess your hair density by looking at the amount of hair on your scalp. If you have thick hair with many strands distributed evenly, you have high density. If your hair is thinner, you have medium to low density. Keep in mind that hair density and texture are two different things; you can have very fine hair but still have high hair density.
6. Porosity level:
Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. To determine your hair’s porosity level, take a strand of clean, dry hair and observe how it reacts when submerged in a glass of water. Low-porosity hair will float, while high-porosity hair will absorb the water.
Understanding your hair type is an essential step in caring for your hair properly. By assessing your hair’s texture, curl pattern, oiliness, elasticity, density, and porosity, you can determine its specific needs. You can then choose the right products and styling techniques. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to nourish, protect, and enhance your hair. This will give you a healthy, radiant, and vibrant hairstyle.
You should also know that there is a classification system for your hair type based on its thickness and texture. This classification ranges from 1a to 4c.
By knowing your hair type, you’ll know which products to use to maintain moisture, control excess oil, or add definition to your curls. You’ll also be able to avoid common mistakes, such as using unsuitable products that could damage your hair. You can also take our hair assessment to find out which brush is best for you.
Finally, remember that everyone’s hair is unique. It’s important to experiment and tailor your hair care routine to your own needs.