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The Ultimate Guide to Hair Types: Wavy, Curly, Afro & More
Understanding your hair type is the first step toward better care, healthier styling, and choosing treatments that truly suit your strands. From identifying whether you have wavy, curly, or coily hair to choosing a perm or highlights that complement your natural texture, this guide will walk you through it all.
1.How to Figure Out Your Hair Type?
Source:Drheathermd
The Andre Walker Hair Typing System One of the most recognized classification methods, created by hairstylist Andre Walker, divides hair into four main types:
Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (kinky/coily), with subcategories A, B, and C that indicate increasing texture—from fine to dense curls.
Type 1A, B, C: straight hair, from fine and sleek (1A) to coarse and voluminous (1C)
Type 2: wavy (2A loose S‑waves → 2B defined S‑pattern → 2C wide waves)
Type 3: curly (3A loose ringlets, 3B tighter corkscrews, 3C very tight spirals)
Type 4: kinky/coily (4A defined coils, 4B Z‑shaped kinks, 4C dense tight coils).
2.Beyond the Chart: Texture, Porosity, Density, Elasticity
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The Walker system is widely used but has prompted critique within the curly hair community—pointing out its limitations and superficial value compared to assessments based on porosity, strand elasticity, and scalp-to-end variability.
For a more accurate understanding, consider: Porosity: how your hair absorbs and retains moisture Density: how full or thin your hair appears on your scalp Elasticity: how your strands stretch and bounce back.
3.Wavy Hair Types (Type 2A, 2B, 2C)
Source:Youtube
Wavy hair falls between straight and curly, with loose to defined S-shaped waves.
Type 2A: Fine, barely-there waves.
Type 2B: More defined waves with slight frizz.
Type 2C: Thick, coarse waves that start to form loose curls.
4.Curly Hair Types (Type 3A, 3B, 3C)
Source:Youtube
Curly hair has well-defined spirals, ranging from loose to tight corkscrews.
Type 3A: Big, loose curls.
Type 3B: Springy ringlets (pencil-sized).
Type 3C: Tight, dense curls with lots of volume.
5.Afro/Coily Hair Types (Type 4A, 4B, 4C)
Source:Youtube
Type 4 hair has the tightest curl pattern and is common in African hair textures.
Type 4A: Defined, S-shaped coils.
Type 4B: Z-shaped (less defined, more shrinkage).
Type 4C: Tightly packed coils with maximum shrinkage (may not form clear curls when dry).
6.What Is the Rarest Hair Type?
While straight hair (Type 1) is common, some rare types include:
Natural red hair (only 1-2% of the world’s population).
Type 1C (thick, coarse straight hair) – not as common as fine straight hair.
Extremely tight Type 4C coils with high shrinkage.
7.Types of Hair Perms
Source:Pinterest
Perms chemically alter hair texture to create curls or waves.
Traditional Perm: Creates tight curls (best for Type 1-2 hair).
Spiral Perm: Forms defined ringlets (great for adding volume to Type 3 hair).
Digital Perm: Uses heat for softer, natural-looking waves (popular in Asia).
Body Wave Perm: Loose waves for a beachy look.
Note: Perms can damage hair, so deep conditioning is a must.
8.Types of Hair Curls
Source:Youtube
Whether natural or styled, curls come in many forms:
Finger Coils: Small, defined curls created by twisting hair around fingers.
Twist-Outs: Two-strand twists unraveled into bouncy curls.
Bantu Knots: Small coiled buns that create spiral curls when undone.
Heat-Styled Curls: Achieved with curling wands or rollers.
9. Types of Hair Highlights
Source:Youtube
Highlights add dimension and brightness to hair.
Traditional Highlights: Foil highlights for a bold contrast.
Balayage: Hand-painted, sun-kissed effect (low maintenance).
Babylights: Subtle, fine highlights for a natural look.
Ombré/Sombré: Gradual color fade from dark to light.
10.Types of Hair Color Highlights
Source:Pinterest
Caramel Highlights: Warm tones for brunettes.
Platinum Blonde: High-contrast lightening.
Pastel Highlights: Fun, temporary colors (pink, lavender).
Root Shadowing: Dark roots blended with lighter ends.
11.Hair Care Tips by Type
For Wavy/Curly Hair:
Avoid sulfates & silicones (dries out curls).
Use a diffuser when blow-drying to enhance curls.
Sleep with a silk scarf to prevent frizz.
For Afro/Coily Hair:
Moisturize daily with leave-in conditioners.
Protective styling (braids, wigs) reduces breakage.
Trim regularly to prevent split ends.
For Permed Hair:
Use protein treatments to strengthen hair.
Avoid heat styling to prevent further damage.
Wash less frequently to maintain the perm.
12. Summary
Knowing your hair type helps you choose the right products and styling techniques. Whether you have loose waves, tight coils, or chemically treated hair, proper care keeps your locks healthy and vibrant. Experiment with perms, highlights, and different curl styles to find what works best for you!
