Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHair TypesWhat’s My Hair Type?Can Type Change?Ways to Change ItHair Loss
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Hair Types
What’s My Hair Type?
Can Type Change?
Ways to Change It
Hair Loss
Hair type refers to your hair’s natural curl pattern: straight, wavy, curly, or coily (very curly, coiled strands). The shape ofhair folliclesdetermines how curly or straight hair is. Round hair follicles produce straight hair, while oval and curve-shaped hair follicles produce curly hair.
This system categorizes 12 hair types using a numbering system (1 through 4) based on the natural curl pattern. These types are further classified into subgroups depending on hair thickness using letters (A, B, and C).
This article explains hair types and how to determine your specific type so you can choose hairstyles and hair care routines to look and feel your best.
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Hair Types in Men and Women
The following are the three key characteristics that combine to create your unique hair type:
Hair type can vary slightly across different sections of your scalp. For example, some people might have straight hair near the crown (top of their head) and wavy strands around the hairline.
Hair types are not specific to biological sex. People assigned male at birth and people assigned female at birth can have all hair types across the spectrum.
The Andre Walker Hair Classification System is a popular tool hairstylists use to determine which styles and products are best for your hair. This system classifies hair type based on your curl pattern, as follows:
Subcategories within each type are based on the thickness of hair strands:
Type 1: Straight Hair
Type 1 hair grows from round, symmetrical hair follicles.It is straight, with no waves or curls from root to tip, is soft, and has a sleek and shiny appearance. Type 1 hair tends to become oily quickly, so experts recommend washing type 1 hair once every three days.
Subtypes include:
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Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 2 hair grows from hair follicles with a slight bend at the shaft, with hair curves or bends forming an “S” shape. Weather patterns can affect the appearance of type 2 hair. Humidity can give it a wavy or frizzy appearance; it may look flatter in cold, dry weather conditions.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Type 3 hair grows from hair follicles that are bent or asymmetrical, forming loose to tight spiral or corkscrew-shaped curls. This type appears straight when wet, but as the hair dries, the curls return. Type 3 hair is voluminous but tends to become dry and requires more frequent moisturization.
Type 4: Coily Hair
Type 4 hair grows from hook-shaped hair follicles that produce wiry, tightly coiled curls. This type tends to be naturally dry, spongy, and fragile, making it prone to breakage. Individual strands form tight, small S-shaped or zigzag-shaped curls. Frequent moisturization is often required to keep the curls moisturized and well-defined.
Figuring out your hair type is the first step to unlocking its full potential and creating an effective hair care routine. Here are some self-assessment tips to get you started:
Understanding your hair texture is the first step in identifying your hair type. Hair density (the number of hairs per square inch) and diameter (the width of each strand) also play a role.
Assessing density and diameter on your own can be tricky. If you need clarification on your hair type, consider consulting a hairstylist. They can examine your hair texture, density, and diameter to provide a professional assessment and advise you on hair care routines and products tailored to your hair type.
Will You Have the Same Hair Type Forever?
Genetics primarily determines your hair type.However, several factors can change your hair texture throughout your life, including:
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Ways to Alter Hair Type
Genetics determines your hair type, but styling and hair care practices can temporarily modify your hair’s texture, as follows:
Your hairstylist can provide product recommendations and tips on styling techniques based on your hair type and desired outcome.
Different Hair Types and Hair Loss
Hair lossis a common concern. People with all hair types can experience hair loss or thinning. Genetics plays the most significant role in hair loss, but other factors like stress, nutrition, medications, and hair care practices can play a role, too.
Your hair type doesn’t play a role in hair loss, but it may indirectly influence how noticeable hair loss might be. Here’s a breakdown:
Hair Loss TreatmentIf you have concerns abouthair loss, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating hair and skin disorders). They can examine your scalp, discuss your concerns, and recommend the most effective treatment plan to address your concerns.
Hair Loss Treatment
If you have concerns abouthair loss, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating hair and skin disorders). They can examine your scalp, discuss your concerns, and recommend the most effective treatment plan to address your concerns.
Summary
Understanding your hair type—based on curl pattern, density, and diameter—is the first step to a healthy hair care routine. The Andre Walker hair classification system provides a framework for identifying your hair type (types 1 through 4).
While genetics plays a significant role, hair texture can subtly change throughout your life due to hormones, age, and hair care practices. Contact a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, if you experience hair loss.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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