What is your hair type/texture?
Knowing your hair type is important so that you can choose the right products, styling techniques and tools to care for it.
To determine your hair type, you need to look at four key elements: porosity, texture, curl pattern and density.
Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and holds moisture – high or low porosity. High porosity hair absorbs liquid quickly and easily but can be difficult to keep moisturized. Low porosity hair doesn’t absorb liquids easily and is less prone to build-up.
Texture indicates the thickness or fineness of your hair strands. Fine hair strands are thin, whereas thick strands feel more like a rope when you pinch them between two fingers.
Curl pattern is related to texture but it also has to do with the shape of your strands. Curls can range from loose waves to corkscrews, and the shape will determine how easy it is to style your hair.
Finally, density refers to how many hairs you have per square inch of scalp – high or low density. High density hair (lots of strands) tends to be thicker, while low density hair (fewer strands) is usually finer.
Armed with this information, you can start to identify your hair type and determine the best products, styling techniques and tools to use.
The four main categories are:
Type 1: Straight Hair
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 3: Curly Hair
Type 4: Kinky/Coily Hair
Each of these categories is further broken down into subcategories. For example, Type 2 hair can range from 2A (loose waves) to 2C (heavier waves).
It’s important to remember that no two heads of hair are the same. You may find that you have strands of different types on one head. For example, some people have 2C curls at the top and 3A curls at the bottom. This is why it’s important to experiment with different product formulas, styling tools and techniques to find what works best for you.
Knowing your hair type can also help you create a haircare routine that’s tailored to your specific needs. Everyone has different needs when it comes to haircare, so being aware of your hair type is key in finding products that are right for you. You may need to adjust your routine as it evolves over time or if you switch up your styling products.
So, how do you determine your hair type?
1. Straight Hair: This hair type is the most common and can range from thin to thick. It is usually shiny, smooth, and relatively easy to manage.
2. Wavy Hair: This hair type has a slight wave when pulled straight and can range from fine to coarse in texture. It's best for people with active lifestyles, as it's relatively low-maintenance.
3. Curly Hair: This hair type is characterized by tight curls or ringlets and tends to be more prone to dryness and frizz than other types. Deep conditioning treatments are a must for maintaining this hair type.
4. Coily Hair: This hair type is very tightly curled with an S-shaped or zigzag pattern. It's the most prone to dryness, so it needs extra moisture and regular deep conditioning treatments.
5. Kinky Hair: This hair type is also known as African-American hair, and is characterized by its extreme tight curl patterns. It's the most fragile type of hair, so it needs extra attention to keep it healthy. Protective styles and regular moisturizing treatments are important for this hair type.
6. Mixed Hair: Mixed hair is a combination of two or more of the different types of hair and usually has a range of textures throughout the head. It can be difficult to manage, so it's important to use products specifically designed for mixed hair.
7. Chemically Treated Hair: This type of hair has been altered through chemical treatments such as bleaching, coloring, perming, or straightening. It can be difficult to maintain if not cared for properly and is more prone to damage than untreated hair. Specialized products are essential for protecting chemically treated hair.
No matter what type of hair you have, it’s important to use products specifically designed for your hair type. Regular conditioning treatments and a healthy diet can also help keep your hair looking its best. With the right products and care, you can be sure to maintain beautiful, healthy-looking locks!
What is hair porosity?
Hair porosity is the measure of how easily moisture and oils can pass through the hair shaft. Porosity levels range from low to high, depending on your individual hair type. Low porosity hair has cuticles that are tightly bonded together, making it difficult for moisture and oils to penetrate the hair shaft. This results in a buildup of product, making it difficult to style and keep the hair hydrated. High porosity hair has cuticles that are loosely bonded together, allowing moisture and oils to easily penetrate the hair shaft. This leads to over-absorption of water and products, making it easy to style but more prone to drying out quickly. Knowing your hair's porosity can help you determine the best products to use and techniques to employ when styling your hair. With the right knowledge and product choices, you can make sure your hair stays healthy and beautiful!
Understanding hair porosity can help you better care for your locks and give them the treatment they deserve. If you're looking to optimize your haircare routine, it's important to determine your hair porosity. This helps ensure that you use the right products, techniques and treatments for your individual hair type. With the right knowledge and product choices, you can keep your locks healthy and beautiful!
If you're unsure of your hair's porosity level, there are a few ways to determine it. One way is to perform a simple strand test. Take a single strand of hair and place it in a bowl of water. If the strand sinks, your hair has low porosity; if it floats, it has high porosity. You can also examine the texture and appearance of your strands for clues about their porosity level – for instance, if your hair appears to be dry or is prone to tangling, it's likely that your hair has low porosity. On the other hand, if your strands feel overly soft and are easily weighed down by product, you likely have high porosity hair.
Once you've determined your hair's porosity level, you can take steps to ensure it stays healthy and well-maintained. Low porosity hair may require more frequent deep conditioning treatments to keep the strands hydrated, while high porosity hair might need lighter products that won't weigh the strands down. Additionally, using light oils or serums can help seal in moisture for either type of hair. With the right knowledge and product choices, you can make sure your hair stays healthy and beautiful!
By understanding your hair's porosity level, you can better care for it with the right products and techniques. Doing so will help keep your locks looking their best – so don't forget to check yours! With the right knowledge and product choices, you can make sure your hair stays healthy and beautiful.
How to care for low, medium and high porosity hair
Low Porosity Hair: Low porosity hair is quite unique in that it has a closed cuticle layer. This means that it requires special care and attention. The best way to care for this type of hair is to avoid using products with heavy oils as they will weigh down the hair, instead opting for lighter leave-in conditioners or styling products. Additionally, it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks as this will help to remove any build-up on the strands and keep hair looking healthy. Lastly, deep conditioning treatments should be done regularly in order to ensure that the cuticle layer remains intact and doesn’t become damaged over time.
Medium Porosity Hair: Medium porosity hair requires a different approach than low or high porosity hair. This type of hair is more porous and therefore can be somewhat fragile, so it’s important to use products that are hydrating yet lightweight. A good rule of thumb is to avoid using heavy oils or creams as these can cause build-up on the strands. Instead, opt for lightweight leave-in conditioners or styling products that will keep hair looking healthy without weighing it down. Additionally, a weekly deep conditioning treatment is recommended to ensure that the cuticle layer stays intact and doesn’t become damaged over time.
High Porosity Hair: High porosity hair is the most fragile type of hair and therefore requires special attention. For this type of hair, it’s important to use products that are specifically made for high porosity strands. These products should include ingredients such as jojoba oil and shea butter, which help to moisturize and protect the cuticle layer.
Additionally, a weekly deep conditioning treatment is recommended to further hydrate the strands and keep them looking healthy. Lastly, it’s important to avoid using heavy oils or creams as these can cause build-up on the strands, instead opting for lightweight leave-in conditioners or styling products.
Hair care is an essential part of overall wellness and beauty. Healthy hair helps to maintain a person’s appearance and can boost self-esteem. By following these tips and using the right products, all types of hair can look healthy and stay strong for years to come.