What is my hair type and how do I take care of it?

Have you ever bought products that worked amazingly for someone else but did absolutely nothing for you?

Chances are, it’s not the product — it’s your hair type.

Understanding your hair’s texture, density, and curl pattern is the foundation of a good hair routine. When you know what you’re working with, choosing products becomes easier, styling becomes less frustrating, and your hair starts working with you instead of against you.

Let’s break it down so you can finally figure out what type of hair you have — and how to properly take care of it.

Hair Textures

In the chart above , you’ll see the different hair densities and textures that exist.

On the texture side of the chart:

* Column A consists of fine-textured hair.

* Column B is medium to regular density hair.

* Column C is super dense hair.

On the formation side of the chart, you’ll see the different curl formations:

1. Straight

2. Wavy

3. Curly

4. Tight Curly

How Do I Figure Out What Hair I Have?

The best way to determine your hair type is to look at your hair in its natural state after towel-drying it.

* If you have straight hair, it will be easy to tell because there is no bend to it whatsoever.

* If you have tight curly hair, it’s usually easy to identify because it may look “frizzy” or have more of a zig-zag pattern rather than defined spirals.

Where it gets tricky is distinguishing between wavy and curly hair. Sometimes, you can even have multiple textures on one head. I know — insane!

The biggest difference between wavy and curly hair is the pattern:

* Wavy hair forms more of an “S” shape.

* Curly hair forms more of a “C” shape.

Wavy hair usually starts about 2 inches off the scalp. You’ll notice the hair hugs the head at the top and then begins to wave through the mid-lengths and ends.

Curly hair starts bending right at the scalp and continues through the top, mid-lengths, and ends.

Straight Hair

Straight hair is usually the easiest to maintain.

Fine Straight Hair 1A

If you have finer straight hair, I recommend using light products.

Go light or skip heavy oils. Fine hair can turn or feel greasy because it has fewer strands than medium or high-density hair.

Use:

* Spray leave-in conditioners instead of cream leave-ins

* Light mousse instead of styling cream

With fine straight hair, less is more.

Medium to High-Density Straight Hair 1B or 1C

If you have medium or high-density straight hair, you can handle heavier products.

Think:

* Cream leave-in conditioners

* Heat protectant creams

* Hair oils (just on the ends)

The biggest issues I see with straight-haired clients are static, frizz, and tangles. Since straight hair has little to no flexibility, it tends to tangle easily. Using products that soften the hair, like leave-in conditioners, will help reduce tangles and static.

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair is usually the second easiest to maintain.

Fine Wavy Hair 2A

Use light products, such as:

* Spray leave-in conditioners

* Styling foams

* Spray wax

* Beach wave sprays

* Light hairspray

These will enhance the wave without weighing it down.

Medium to High-Density Wavy Hair 2B or 2C

Use heavier products, such as:

* Cream leave-in conditioners

* Blowout creams

* Oils

* Thicker mousses

* Styling gels

The biggest concerns I see with wavy-haired clients are frizz and difficulty keeping their wave pattern.

Frizz is usually resolved by adding moisture. Keeping the wave, however, depends on both the products you use and how you style it.

Many people with wavy hair try to “scrunch” it the same way you would curly hair. Instead, try rocking the hair back and forth in an “S” motion while scrunching to maintain your natural wave shape. Also, adding in a wave lotion or beach salt spray can help encourage the wave.

Curly Hair

Curly hair is harder to maintain.

Curly hair needs a lot of moisture and can handle it — unlike straight or wavy hair, which can get weighed down easily. However, this doesn’t always mean you need super heavy products.

Fine Curly Hair 3A

Use light products, such as:

* Spray leave-in conditioners

* Light curl creams

* Curl mousses or foams

* Lightweight gels for hold

Medium to Dense Curly Hair 3B or 3C

Use heavier products, such as:

* Thick leave-in conditioner creams

* Foams

* Curl styling creams

* Gels

* Oils

The biggest concerns I hear from curly-haired clients are frizz and lack of body.

As mentioned earlier, frizz is usually solved by adding moisture. A good hydrating leave-in conditioner can make a big difference.

If you’re struggling with body, try using a volumizing spray or mousse to lift the roots. You can also place clips at the roots while your curls dry to create extra lift. Curly hair types also need a “ curly cut” or a cut with a lot of layering and texture to get the body you want. Consider getting a haircut if the products are giving you what you want!

Tight Curly Hair

Tight curly hair is the most high-maintenance, but it is absolutely beautiful. The curl pattern can be so tight that it almost looks like a zig-zag under a microscope.

Because the curl pattern is so tight, this hair type needs a lot of love and care.

I almost always recommend medium to heavier products for tight curls. This hair type needs significant moisture and sometimes enough weight to slightly elongate and define the curl pattern.

My favorite products for tight curly hair include:

* Cream leave-in conditioners with oil

* Heavy mousse

* Smoothing products

The biggest concerns I hear are dryness and frizz.

To combat this:

* Use a deep conditioning hair mask weekly (or more if needed)

* Always use a leave-in conditioner after the shower

* Apply oil to the ends to help seal in moisture

With tight curls, moisture is everything.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your hair type is the first step to actually loving your hair. When you know your texture, density, and curl pattern, you can choose the right products, style smarter, and stop fighting what your hair naturally wants to do.

The truth is, there’s no “bad” hair type — just hair that hasn’t been properly understood yet.

If you’re still unsure what category you fall into, or you feel like your hair isn’t responding the way it should, I’d love to help. Sometimes it takes a professional eye to truly assess your texture, density, scalp health, and product needs.

If you want personalized guidance and a relaxing reset for your hair and scalp, book a Head Spa appointment with me. During your visit, we’ll analyze your hair type, talk through your concerns, and create a plan that works specifically for you.

Healthy hair starts at the scalp — and I can’t wait to help you get there.

Your favorite Crunchy Cosmetologist,

Lane