Types Of Natural Hair

Natural hair is a fabulous thing, but to get the most out of your hair, you’ll need to learn your hair type, and choose products and hairstyles that work for your particular curl pattern.  For the newly natural, it can be a confusing ordeal to learn your hair type, but once discovered, it can make your life as a natural diva fairly easier.  There are several hair types of natural hair, and all are classified by curl pattern and texture.  This type system was created by hair stylist, Andre Walker, but I suggest you don’t get too obsessed with this system or your particular hair type.

Type 4

Type 4 hair is considered kinky hair.  This particular hair type is tightly coiled and extremely delicate. It requires lots of care, and is known to lack in shine, even though it may be in a healthy state, but it does have a natural sheen. This kind of hair is usually soft, and fine by nature.

Although described as kinky, do not be mistaken, as this hair type has curls. These particular curls are very tight, and require much attention. 

The are two sub types of type 4 hair: A and B.

4A hair is tightly coiled. When stretched, it has a S pattern, which is very resembling of curly hair. 4B hair is less defined than 4A hair, and resembles a Z when it is stretched. It doesn’t bend or actually curl in traditional forms, but instead bends in very sharp angles similar to the letter Z. It also has less moisture than 4A hair, hence, it has a more wire like texture.

Example Of Type 4 Hair

Type 3

With this particular hair type, when wet, it will appear straight.  Once the hair dries, a curl pattern will become visible.  Humidity seems to make this kind of hair curlier, and in most cases, frizzier.  When it comes to body, this hair has lots of it, and tends to be pretty easy to style.  It can even be easily straightened with a blow drier; and is shiny, with small curls and plenty of elasticity.

This hair type has three sub types.  

3A type hair is very loosely curled, and usually shiny with bigger curls. Length is a factor in its curl definition, as shorter hair tends to be straighter, and long hair tends to have a tighter curl pattern.  3B type hair has medium sized curls to tight corkscrews. It is usual to see a mixture of both in one head full of hair.  3C is the final subtype, which is usually described as tight curls in corkscrews. These curls can be tightly curled or kinky.

Example Of Type 3 Hair

Type 2

A relatively unusual type, wavy hair tends to be coarse, with a definite S pattern to it.

There are three Type 2 subtypes: A- Fine /thin, B -medium-textured, and C - thick and coarse.

Type 2A is very easy to handle, blowing out into a straighter style or taking on curlier looks with relative ease. Types 2B and 2C are a little more resistant to styling and have a tendency to frizz.

Example Of Type 2 Hair

Type 1

Naturally straight hair.

Sources:

• http://urbanbellemag.com/2010/10/your-natural-hair-type-and-how-to-manage-it.html
• http://www.bvhairtalk.com/2008/06/12/understanding-your-hair-type-and-texture/