Have you ever wondered how to find out what hair type you have? And even if you do know, does it really matter? It actually does. Knowing what your hair type is, is the key to getting the perfect locks.

You know that feeling when you walk out of the salon looking and feeling amazing only to find that you struggle to recreate your stylist’s work of art once you’ve washed and styled your hair yourself? That’s because your hairdresser is a professional who understands how to work with your hair type.  

We’ll take a look at the 4 different types of hair, their characteristics, and how to tell which one of the four hair groups you fall into so that you can achieve salon-perfect hair at home in between appointments.

What Are The 4 Types of Hair?

There are 4 types of hair and although you might find that you share features with one or more of these types, broadly speaking you will fall into one category. 

It’s important to realise that there are different types of hair within these broader four groups. For example, straight hair may be thick, fine, coarse, silky, prone to oiliness, dry…you get the picture.

1. Straight Hair

Straight hair lies flat and straight against the scalp, with no bends or curls.

One thing to note is that the way straight hair is formulated means that those lovely essential oils produced by your scalp find it easy to slide down your locks to keep them hydrated.

When this can turn into an issue is if your scalp is producing too much oil which means that some straight hair can suffer from greasiness.

Of course, it’s important to combat this and we recommend Aveda’s Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo which leaves both hair and scalp refreshingly clean. 

2. Wavy Hair

Lying mid-way between straight hair and curly hair, naturally wavy locks fall on a scale of curved and textured through s-shaped waves that start in the mid-lengths to thicker waves that begin at the hair’s root. 

And while waves that are less defined are easier to straighten, should you wish to do so, their thicker, wavier cousins can be prone to frizziness.

To ensure your enviable waves are putting their best foot forward, you need to find a product that suits them down to a tee. For example, if you’re looking for something to beat the frizz, Aveda’s Smooth Infusion range of shampoos, conditioners and styling products are just what the anti-frizz doctor ordered.

3. Curly Hair

Whilst wavy hair has a curved or s-shaped appearance, curly hair is more tightly coiled with the strands forming cluster type shapes. Curly hair encompasses everything from bouncy ringlets to tight curls. However we know from talking to our clients that sometimes it can feel a little tricky getting your curls under control.

This is why knowing your hair type, and understanding how to manage it is so important. As is finding a product that helps tame the frizziness, which, like your wavy-haired friends have found, can also be a problem.

Natural curly hair looks fabulous when it’s enhanced, so make the most of your locks with plant based hair care products that accentuate your curls while also leaving them moisturized and frizz-free.

4. Coily Hair

No, not curly, coily. So what’s the difference between the two? Coily hair largely falls under two groups: coarse and wiry or thin and fine. The coils themselves may be dense and s-shaped or zig-zag patterned with sharp bends.

Of the four different hair types, coily hair is the one most susceptible to dryness and damage. That’s because unlike straight and wavy hair, the scalp’s essential oils have a really hard time penetrating the coils and reaching the ends.

This makes it essential to avoid hair care products that contain sulphates and to instead seek out super-hydrating products that will ensure those gorgeous coils get the moisture they need to keep them healthy. For a fab coil elongating and hydrating styling product try Aveda’s specially formulated Nutriplenish™ Curl Gelee.

How To Find Out What Hair Type You Have

We’ve taken a look at the 4 types of hair and you probably have a fairly good idea of which category you fall into. When you’re trying to determine your hair type, keep in mind that the type and texture of your hair is decided by the shape of your follicles. 

The rounder a follicle is, the straighter the hair. Likewise, the more the follicle leans towards being oval shaped or ‘flatter’, the curlier the locks.

But knowing what your hair type is, is one thing but how on earth are you supposed to know what follicle type you are?

Here’s the best way to find out what type of hair (and follicle!) you have:

1. Wash your hair

2. Let it dry naturally

3. If it dries straight and has no waves, you’re Hair Type 1

4. If it exhibits slight waves or s-bends, you’re Hair Type 2

5. If there are defined curls, it’s safe to say you’re Hair Type 3

6. If it dries with zig-zag patterns, spirals or tight curls, you’re Hair Type 4 

Now you know what your hair type is, you’ll be in a far better position to know what hair care products you need to look after your locks.

Curly and Textured Hair Specialists at Strand & Lock London

At Strand & Lock we have a deep knowledge of all hair types, including textured and curly hair, which can sometimes feel like it’s a little harder to maintain than its straight and wavy counterparts.

Come in and see us or give us a call: our stylists are always happy to advise you on the right next step for your specific hair type. We also offer hair and scalp treatments which will replenish, moisturize and repair curly and coily hair which might be in need of a little TLC.

No matter what your hair type is, get in touch and book your appointment today.