Hair Types 101: How to Identify Yours

Finding the right hair care routine starts with understanding your hair type. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System categorises hair into four main types—straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily (Type 4)—with subcategories (A, B, and C) that help pinpoint texture and thickness. Each hair type has unique characteristics that require tailored care, so identifying your type is key to achieving healthy, thriving hair. In this guide, we’ll help you identify your hair type and recommend the best products from Hair Gang to enhance and nourish your hair.

Type 1: Straight Hair

Characteristics:

1A: Fine, thin, and very straight. Struggles to hold volume and tends to fall flat.

1B: Medium-textured with slightly more volume, but still quite straight.

1C: Coarse, thick, and straight, with more body and volume. Can be more resistant to styling.

Hair Care Tips for Type 1 Hair:
Straight hair can sometimes get oily quickly because natural oils travel easily down the hair shaft. To keep it light and fresh, avoid heavy products that may weigh it down. Look for volumising shampoos, lightweight leave-ins, and dry shampoos to keep it bouncy.

🛍 Recommended Products for Type 1:

✔ NAK Hair Done & Dusted Powder – A lightweight texturizing powder that adds volume and body without weighing hair down. Perfect for fine or flat hair.
✔ O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz – A spray that adds volume and body to fine straight hair, creating thickness and fullness without heaviness.
✔ Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo (Light or Dark Tones) – Refresh your hair in between washes with this dry shampoo, which absorbs oil while leaving a fresh scent. Great for straight hair that can get oily quickly.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

Characteristics:

2A: Fine, soft waves with a slight bend. Usually, hair lies flat, but with just enough texture to add some shape.

2B: Defined waves starting from mid-length. Can have some frizz.

2C: Thick, coarse waves that start at the roots and are more resistant to styling. Waves may appear frizzy and lack definition.

Hair Care Tips for Type 2 Hair:
Wavy hair benefits from hydration, but it’s important to avoid products that are too heavy. To define your waves, opt for lightweight creams and gels. Look for frizz control products that provide moisture without weighing the hair down.

🛍 Recommended Products for Type 2:

✔Clever Curl Curl Cream– A curl cream that enhances waves, controls frizz, and defines texture while keeping hair soft and manageable.
✔ Evo Baby Got Bounce Curl Treatment – Helps add moisture and definition to waves without the crunch. It hydrates and enhances your natural texture.
✔ Kevin Murphy Easy Rider Defining Anti-Frizz Creme – This cream smooths waves and adds definition while keeping hair frizz-free, perfect for medium to thick waves.

Type 3: Curly Hair

Characteristics:

3A: Loose, big curls (about the size of sidewalk chalk).

3B: Tighter, springy curls (like a Sharpie marker).

3C: Corkscrew curls (similar to a pencil diameter). These curls are more tightly wound and may appear to shrink as they dry.

Hair Care Tips for Type 3 Hair:
Curly hair needs moisture to stay hydrated and maintain its shape. It’s also more prone to frizz, so using sulfate-free shampoos and alcohol-free products can help keep curls looking bouncy and healthy. Regular deep conditioning is essential for maintaining moisture and preventing dryness.

🛍 Recommended Products for Type 3:

✔ Juuce Kinky Curl Crème – This curl cream defines your curls, enhances their natural shape, and locks in moisture for a bouncy, frizz-free finish.
✔ NAK Hair Replends Crème Leave-In Moisturiser – A lightweight leave-in conditioner that helps detangle and hydrate curls, keeping them soft and frizz-free all day.
✔ Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream – This curl cream provides a smooth, frizz-free look by defining curls while adding volume and shine.

Type 4: Coily & Kinky Hair

Characteristics:

4A: Soft, springy coils that form small, defined curls.

4B: Tightly coiled hair with a zigzag pattern. These curls have less definition and can be more challenging to style.

4C: The tightest coils, often with little to no defined curl pattern. This hair type tends to shrink significantly when dry.

Hair Care Tips for Type 4 Hair:
Coily hair thrives on moisture. Deep conditioning and leave-in treatments are essential to keep hair hydrated and healthy. Protective styles such as twists, braids, or buns can help reduce manipulation and protect your hair from breakage.

🛍 Recommended Products for Type 4:

✔ Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment – Strengthens and repairs the hair, making it perfect for coily or kinky hair that’s prone to breakage.
✔ Davroe Curl Crème Definer – This product defines curls and provides long-lasting hydration, keeping your coils bouncy and soft without stiffness.
✔ Mr. Smith Leave-In Conditioner – This ultra-moisturizing leave-in conditioner strengthens and hydrates coily hair, offering protection from heat and UV damage.

Understanding your hair type is the first step to building a healthy and effective hair care routine. Once you know your hair type, choose products designed to cater to its unique needs. 

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