Hair Texture

What is hair texture or curl pattern?

Hair texture, especially when referring to curly hair types, generally describes the curl pattern and the thickness of individual hair strands. Curly hair is often categorized into different types based on its curl shape, which can help determine the best care and styling methods.

Curl Pattern Types

Type 1: Straight hair (not curly, for reference).

Type 2: Wavy hair, with loose waves and a slight S-shape.

Type 3: Curly hair, characterized by more defined curls. This can be further divided:

3A: Loose, large curls with a lot of bounce.
3B: Medium-sized curls that are tighter and more voluminous.
3C: Tight curls or corkscrew patterns, often dense and thick.

Type 4: Coily or kinky hair, which can be tightly coiled or have a zigzag pattern. This type can also be further categorized:

4A: Soft, defined coils that have a bit of bounce.
4B: Tighter coils that may have less definition and more of a zigzag pattern.
4C: Very tightly coiled hair that can appear frizzy or undefined.

"Curl Typing" is not an exact science or the only determining factor when figuring out the needs of your hair. It is also totally possible to have more than one curl pattern on your head.

How can I figure out the thickness of my individual hair strands?

Texture also refers to the thickness or fineness of the hair strands (diameter), which can be coarse, medium, or fine. Determining the thickness of your individual hair strands can help you understand your hair type better. Here are some easy methods you can use:

Strand Test

Grab a Single Hair: Take a clean, dry strand of hair. You can pull one from your head or use a strand from your hairbrush.
Visual Comparison: Hold the hair against a ruler or measuring tape. You can also compare it to common objects:

Results:

Fine Hair: Much thinner than sewing thread
Medium Hair: Similar in thickness to a piece of sewing thread
Coarse Hair: Appears thicker than sewing thread

The Paper Test

Take a piece of printer paper and hold it horizontally.
Place a single strand of hair across the paper.

Results: If the hair strand is thinner than the paper, you likely have fine hair. If it’s about the same thickness, you have medium hair, and if it’s thicker, you have coarse hair.

Feel Test

Run your fingers through a section of your hair.

Results: Fine hair typically feels soft and smooth with little to no resistance. Medium hair may feel a bit more substantial, while coarse hair will feel thicker and rougher to the touch.

If you’re unsure, you can always consult a professional hairstylist who can assess your hair type and thickness more accurately!

Based on your strand thickness, here are some product types and styling tips that will suit your hair needs best!

COARSE/THICK STRANDS	FINE/THIN STRANDS
Use a clarifying shampoo to regularly remove product buildup	Use a gentle cleanser and avoid over-stripping hair of moisture
Does well with heavy/thick products when styling Pro Tip: Creams and gels are your friend! Work in small sections to make sure product is evenly applied	Use lightweight products to avoid weighing hair down
Be patient when detangling and best to use a detangling brush	Be extra careful when detangling and best to use fingers or a wide-tooth comb
Does well with most protective styles	Avoid intensive protective styles Pro Tip: Try protective styles like wigs instead of doing braids or styles that might be too intensive for your hair strands
Does well with most heat styling	Use no/low heat when styling

Here are some other key characteristics you should consider when figuring out the best products and styling techniques are for you!

Density: This refers to how many strands grow per square inch on the scalp, affecting overall volume.

Porosity: How well the hair absorbs and retains moisture, which can impact texture and styling.

Understanding your hair texture is a great place to start when choosing the right products and techniques for care and styling, but be sure to also consider your hair's porosity and density for the healthiest of curls!

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Medical advice should always come from your physician or a trained professional.