How to find out what your hair type is and how to get the most out of it — not all hairdressers know this

For any woman this sounds familiar: when your hair is straight, you want to have wavy hair, or conversely, if you have curly hair, you are dying to have it straight. Changes are always welcome, but if you know the right treatment for your hair type, you can enhance your beauty even more. Furthermore, problems such as frizz will simply disappear.

we from awesome.club we studied the classification of different types of hair invented by the famous hair stylist Andre Walker. Experienced hairdressers rely on this approach. To find out your hair type, you will need to wash and brush it gently while still damp, letting the strands dry without using a hairdryer or styling products.

Smooth (1): do not form waves, hairstyles to form curls do not hold for a long time and the hair very quickly returns to its original shape.

1A: fine and soft hair, not bulky, may have frizz because of its lightness and get dirty quickly. 1B: medium thickness hair, the roots hold volume moderately. 1C: thick and resistant hair, the roots hold volume well.

Wavy (2): It has “S”-shaped waves in different variations.

2A: medium thickness hair, waves are “S” shaped, barely noticeable and may not have enough volume. Without combing, it can look like an intermediate between straight and wavy hair. You can curl a little at the ends. 2B: Heavier hair, visible waves in the shape of “S” that are born from the crown. It often has a lot frizz on the top of the head, thus losing the definition of the curls. 2C: Hair that appears to be a mixture of wavy and curly hair. It is more rebellious than some types of wavy hair, which are easy to straighten. In a humid climate, it instantly curls.

Curly (3): rather dense hair, with pronounced curls. The difference in length between the straight hair strands and the curled lock in its natural state is 12 to 20 centimeters.

3A: Big, defined curls in the shape of an “S”. Hair prone to porosity, but if straightened with a flat iron, it keeps its shape for a long time. 3B: not so big curls, denser and harder, very difficult to iron. The strands maintain their natural shape well and are less prone to porosity. 3C: smaller curls. The hair itself is fine, but thicker and denser than previous hair types, which is why it looks voluminous.

Very curly (4): this type of hair is more common in people of African descent. The curls are difficult to manipulate, they look very voluminous and thick, although in reality it is quite thin and brittle hair. The difference in length between straight strands and strands in the natural curly state is 22 to 30 centimeters.

4A: spiral-shaped curls are small and defined, the hair is fine, susceptible to external damage, very fragile. 4B: curls in a zigzag. 4C: of all types of hair this is the most rebellious and resistant, curls can be spiral or do not have a defined shape, they are very difficult to comb.

Straight

To wash — This type of hair should be washed more often than others, because it quickly becomes greasy. Choose light shampoos and conditioners that add volume, without heavy oils in the composition, especially for type 1A. Therapeutic clay shampoos give a good effect, helping the hair stay clean for longer. Do not ignore the use of anti-residue products, so that your hair is more “free”. care — A light straightening spray can be used to remove the frizz straight hair (pay attention if there is not a lot of oil in its composition). Grooming — Straight hair tolerates the dryer better at higher temperatures than other hair types, but it’s still best to go for lower temperatures and always use a heat protectant. Hairstyle — For straight hair, it is better to choose “waterfall” haircuts, to create a movement effect. On fine type 1A hair, the curls and volume will not hold for long, but the hair will look good with modern braids or updos.

wavy

To wash — The main task is to maintain the volume of the hair; at the same time, eliminating porosity and the “just got up” effect. It is necessary to use shampoos, conditioners and masks with a moisturizing effect, but that are not heavy, the most appropriate products are those with extracts of fruits and herbs. care — In order not to dry your hair too much and to “fix” the moisture well, apply hair lotions based on light oils (grape seeds, linseed, mustard) from the center to the ends. Several times a week include products with a deep moisturizing effect. Type B and C hair absorb moisture well. To arrange — You shouldn’t completely dry your hair, as it ruins the natural waves, causing porosity. It is best to let it dry naturally, or use a hair dryer with cold air. Do not use strong hold products (especially for type 2A), as the hair becomes heavier, “stretchs” and loses its volume. Hairstyle — Choose haircuts that don’t have clear lines and abrupt transitions, otherwise you’ll have to use a flat iron to make it look nice. Waves fall apart very easily, so keep in mind that the hairstyle is unlikely to return to its original state after it has been tied for a while in a ponytail or braided. The most persistent curls are type 2C.

Curly

To wash — The objective is the same in the case of wavy hair: retaining maximum moisture in the hair (curly hair is very prone to dryness). You can choose shampoos and conditioners specifically for this type of hair, with oils and highly hydrating ingredients in the composition. Choose shampoos that do not contain sulfates, as they dry out the hair, so they are not suitable for curly hair. care — Use conditioner and leave-in hair masks, as they will help shape the curls — but don’t use silicone masks, as they seal the hair cuticle and prevent moisture from penetrating inside. It is also best to let your hair dry naturally. If you have to use a hairdryer, the air should be cool and a diffuser will help keep the curls in shape. The best oils for care are: jojoba, almond, argan, coconut, olive oil. Hairdressers recommend sleeping with a silk pillowcase, as it protects the hair from excessive friction, preventing frizz🇧🇷 To arrange — It’s best to comb your curly hair when it’s still wet. If you miss this moment, the hair will end up very tangled and it will be impossible to comb it. This type of hair is very difficult to straighten with a flat iron and the process itself has a negative effect on its structure — it dries out the strands very easily. Hairstyle — The shorter the hair, the more it will curl. At the salon, you should explain that it is not necessary to dampen the hair before cutting it, as the proper cut can be determined by working only with dry curls and using techniques suitable for them.

very curly

To wash — It is considered that this type of hair should not be washed often, and shampoos should be as gentle as possible. Also, organize your shampoo-free days: apply conditioner to wet hair and rinse. This will give you the moisture you need and gently cleanse your hair. care — To discipline curls, you can use styling products such as oils or lotions. However, it is almost impossible for 4C curls to adapt to modification. Pay attention to the ends, as they are very fragile on this type of hair and need additional hydration. To arrange — The best option for this type of hair is to dry the strands with cold air and with a diffuser nozzle, but only after drying them as much as possible with a towel. If you use a hair dryer, the curls will lose their defined shape. Hairstyle — Keep in mind that the shorter the hair, the more chaotic the curls. The ideal length for curly hair is shoulder length and below.

We hope that our tips are useful and that you make the most of them. Share which recommendations you think are most suitable for your hair type by leaving a comment!