How to Identify Your Hair Type: A Complete Guide

Understanding your hair type is the first step in developing a hair care routine that brings out your hair’s full potential. Knowing your hair type helps you choose the right products, methods, and styles that work best for your unique texture. We've put together a quick guide on identifying your hair type so you can start tailoring your hair care routine!

1. Hair Texture: Straight, Wavy, Curly, or Coily

Hair texture refers to the shape or pattern of your hair strands. Hair can be classified into four main categories:

• Type 1: Straight Hair – Straight hair tends to be shiny, as the natural oils can easily travel from the scalp down the strand. It doesn’t hold curls well and usually lies flat on the head.
• Type 2: Wavy Hair – Wavy hair forms an “S” shape and falls somewhere between straight and curly. It has a loose wave pattern that can range from fine and thin to coarse and frizzy.
• Type 3: Curly Hair – Curly hair has a more defined “S” or ringlet shape. It’s prone to frizz and needs extra moisture to keep curls defined.
• Type 4: Coily or Kinky Hair – Coily hair is tight, dense, and has a “Z” or spiral pattern. This type of hair often appears thick but can be fragile, requiring special care and hydration.

 To determine your hair texture, let your hair air-dry after washing it without using products, then observe the pattern that naturally forms.

2. Hair Thickness: Fine, Medium, or Thick

Hair thickness refers to the diameter of each individual hair strand and falls into three categories:

• Fine Hair – Fine hair feels thin and tends to be more delicate. Each strand has a smaller diameter, making it more prone to breakage and often more difficult to hold volume.
• Medium Hair – Medium hair is thicker than fine hair but not as thick as coarse hair. It’s more resilient and generally easy to style.
• Thick or Coarse Hair – Coarse hair has a larger diameter, feels heavier, and is more resistant to styling. It typically holds volume and shape well but may need more hydration.

You can check your hair thickness by holding a single strand between your fingers. If it’s hard to feel, you likely have fine hair; if you can feel it clearly, your hair is likely thick.

3. Hair Density: Sparse, Medium, or Thick

Hair density refers to the number of hair strands you have per square inch on your scalp:

• Sparse Hair – Your scalp is easily visible. Sparse density may need careful styling to achieve fuller looks.
• Medium Density – Your scalp is somewhat visible when your hair is parted but not excessively so.
• Thick Density – Your scalp is barely visible, even when parting your hair. Thick density often has more volume naturally.

To test your hair density, part your hair down the middle and see how much scalp you can see. The less visible the scalp, the denser your hair.

4. Porosity: Low, Medium, or High

Hair porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Porosity affects how well your hair absorbs products and hydration:

• Low Porosity – Hair cuticles are tightly packed, making it hard for moisture to penetrate. Low-porosity hair may feel smooth but can be prone to product buildup.
• Medium Porosity – Hair has a balanced absorption level, allowing moisture in without becoming overly saturated.
• High Porosity – Hair cuticles are more open, making it easier to absorb moisture but also more prone to losing it quickly. High-porosity hair may need more frequent hydration.

To test your porosity, place a clean strand of hair in a glass of water. If it floats, your hair likely has low porosity; if it sinks slowly, it’s medium; if it sinks quickly, it’s high porosity.

5. Hair Elasticity: Low, Medium, or High

Hair elasticity is your hair’s ability to stretch without breaking. High elasticity means your hair is healthier and more resilient, while low elasticity can make hair more prone to breakage:

• High Elasticity – Hair stretches without breaking and returns to its original shape.
• Medium Elasticity – Hair stretches somewhat but may not completely return to its shape.
• Low Elasticity – Hair snaps easily when stretched, indicating a need for more moisture and protein treatments.

To test, stretch a wet strand of hair gently. If it stretches and returns, it has high elasticity. If it breaks, it has low elasticity.

Finding the Right Products for Your Hair Type

Once you know your hair type, you can choose products that cater to its specific needs. Here are some tips based on hair types:

• Straight Hair: Use lightweight shampoos and conditioners to avoid weighing hair down. Look for volumizing or oil-control products.
• Wavy Hair: Embrace moisturizing, frizz-control products to enhance your natural waves.
• Curly Hair: Opt for moisturizing and curl-defining products that provide hold and reduce frizz.
• Coily Hair: Go for hydrating, nutrient-rich products that provide intense moisture.

Final Thoughts

Identifying your hair type is key to achieving healthy, beautiful hair. By understanding its unique characteristics, you can build a routine that works with—not against—your hair. So take a few minutes to examine your texture, density, porosity, and elasticity, and give your hair the care it deserves!