What’s Your Natural Hair Type?
The natural hair phenomenon is sweeping the world by storm and surprise. With actresses like Viola Davis, models like Solange, and artists such as Esperanza Spaulding showing off their lovely natural locs, women are feeling more inspired to try something other than your typical perm, weave, and straighten. So for those who are in the process or ready to explore the natural hair experience, here is a guide to your natural curl pattern.
TYPE 1
Straight hair is classified as a 1. The hair is completely straight and there is no curl pattern.
TYPE 2
Wavy hair is classified as a 2. Type 2 hair can be categorized as 2A/2B or 2C. Basically, 2A hair is fine, 2B hair is medium textured like singer Mya, and 2C hair is thick and coarse with a frizzier look. If you have type 2 hair, you have a wide variety of styles available to you. You can straighten the hair for a sleek look, or add tighter curls for a different look. The versatility can make the hairs texture look totally different. This hair type has a natural S- curl pattern as it hangs.
TYPE 3
Type 3 hair has a tighter curl pattern and can be categorized at 3A/3B and 3C hair. 3A hair types have a looser curl pattern, while type 3B hair has a tighter curl pattern, and type 3C hair has a tightly curly look and may look slightly kinky. This type of hair has a lot of body and can be styled in many different styles. When wet, type 3 hair easily absorbs the water and shrinks quite a bit.
Type 3 hair is very springy. If you pull on it, it bounces back into its original curly state. This type of hair can sometimes be a challenge to straighten, especially 3C hair. However, if you blow-dry and use a hot comb or straightener the hair will have a smoother sleeker finish.
TYPE 4
Type 4 hair is a lot kinkier than the type 2 and 3 hair types. Although this hair type is much coarser and appears thicker than other curly hair, it is actually quite fine.Type 4A hair has an S pattern to it, while type 4B/C hair is more wiry with a zig-zag pattern.
Type 4 hair is hard to grow since it has fewer cuticle layers than the other hair types. Once brushed or combed it’s common for hair to break, leaving it shorter and easily susceptible to damage. (Note: Never brush dry curly hair as this creates frizz and can lead to breakage.)
Type 4 hair is extremely versatile and holds well on it?s own without the aid of styling products. Some common styles of this hair type are curly fros, afro puffs, two-strand twists, braids, straightening, cornrows and so much more.
An easy way to rid yourself of this damage is through proper conditioning, hot oil treatments, and not putting tension on the hair daily with pony tails or styles that pull on the hair and add tension. If you do these things there is no limit to how long your hair can grow.
Here are another visual that may help you determine your natural curl pattern:
