Hair care isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Before reaching for that new shampoo or curling wand, it is crucial to understand the foundation of your strands: your hair type. Knowing your hair type allows you to make educated choices about products, styling, and maintenance routines. It can mean the difference between months of frustrating trial and error and years of healthy, manageable hair.
Hair type impacts how your hair holds moisture, resists breakage, responds to humidity, and tolerates heat styling. It also determines which hair care routine, styling tools, and ingredients will support your goals; whether that’s more volume, less frizz, or stronger strands.
This Hair Type Guide explores the structure and solutions behind every major hair type and subtype. We will help you determine your curl pattern, porosity, and density, then walk you through personalized routines, common concerns, and globally expert-approved product picks for you.
Let’s break it all down.
The Andre Walker Hair Typing System Explained
The Andre Walker Hair Typing System, developed by Oprah’s stylist Andre Walker, is the most widely recognized system for classifying hair types. It divides hair into four categories based on curl pattern:
- Type 1: Straight
- Type 2: Wavy
- Type 3: Curly
- Type 4: Coily/Kinky
Each type is further split into three subtypes (A, B, C) to account for variations in texture and thickness.
Type 1: Straight Hair (1A, 1B, 1C)
Characteristics:
- Lacks natural curl or wave
- Usually shiny due to easy oil distribution from the scalp
- Can be fine (1A) to coarse (1C)
Common Concerns:
- Greasiness
- Lack of volume
- Difficulty holding curls
Care Tips:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse without over-drying.
- Dry shampoo is your best friend for refreshing between washes.
- Avoid heavy oils and opt for lightweight conditioners.
Product Recommendations:
Type 2: Wavy Hair (2A, 2B, 2C)
Characteristics:
- S-shaped waves ranging from loose (2A) to defined (2C)
- Can be frizzy or prone to dryness
Common Concerns:
- Frizz
- Inconsistent curl pattern
- Lack of definition
Care Tips:
- Use lightweight moisture-focused products
- Avoid over-brushing to maintain the wave pattern
-
Try air-drying with a microfiber towel
Product Recommendations:
Type 3: Curly Hair (3A, 3B, 3C)
Characteristics:
- Defined ringlets or spirals
- More prone to dryness and breakage
- 3A: Loose curls / 3B: Springy curls / 3C: Tight corkscrews
Common Concerns:
- Frizz and shrinkage
- Moisture loss
- Tangles
Care Tips:
- Use a leave-in conditioner for hydration and definition
- Avoid heat and harsh brushes
- Use wide-tooth combs and deep condition weekly
Product Recommendations:
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair (4A, 4B, 4C)
Characteristics:
- Tight coils or zig-zag curls
- Tends to be dry, fragile, and shrinks significantly when dry
Common Concerns:
- Breakage
- Difficulty retaining moisture
- Detangling
Care Tips:
- Focus on moisture: oil pre-poo, deep conditioning, and protective styling
- Use natural oils like jojoba or castor oil
- Detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb
Product Recommendations:
Understanding Porosity and Density
What is Hair Porosity?
Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. The condition of the cuticle determines it, the outermost layer of the hair shaft.
Low Porosity: Cuticles are tight. Water sits on the hair. Needs lightweight products and heat to help absorption.
Medium Porosity: Balanced. Absorbs and retains moisture well.
High Porosity: Cuticles are raised or damaged. Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Needs rich, sealing products.
Hair Porosity Test: Drop a clean strand into a glass of water.
- Floats: Low porosity
- Sinks slowly: Medium
- Sinks quickly: High porosity
Porosity-Based Product Picks:
What is Hair Density?
Density is the number of strands on your scalp—not to be confused with texture.
- Low Density: Scalp is visible; needs volumizing products.
- Medium Density: Balanced scalp coverage.
- High Density: Lots of hair; needs heavier styling products to manage volume.
- How to Determine: Part your hair in the center. If the scalp is easily seen = low density.
Building Your Personalized Hair Care Routine
1. Cleansing: Shampoos for Your Hair Type
Select a sulfate-free shampoo that matches your needs: clarifying for buildup, moisturizing for dryness, or color-safe if you dye your hair.
2. Conditioning: Hydration Essentials
Tailor your conditioner to match porosity and curl pattern.
3. Styling: Enhancing Your Natural Texture
Use leave-in conditioners, heat protectants, or curl creams to lock in moisture and support shape.
4. Treatments: Targeted Solutions
Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week and rotate in scalp care masks to remove buildup and support hair health.
Common Hair Concerns & Type-Specific Solutions
Frizz & Dryness
Use humectants and emollients to attract and lock in moisture. Frizz is often a sign of moisture imbalance.
Oily Scalp
Clarify gently with sulfate-free shampoos and avoid overwashing.
Breakage & Damage
Avoid heat and chemical damage. Use protein treatments for repair.
Lack of Volume
Layer volumizing sprays and root boosters. Try diffusing upside-down for extra lift.
Tools & Techniques for Each Hair Type
Brushes & Combs
Wide-tooth combs for curly/coily hair
Paddle brushes for straight hair
Heat Styling Tools & Protection
Use tools with adjustable temperature settings and always apply a heat protectant.
Protective Styles
Braids, buns, and twists reduce daily manipulation and protect ends.
Explore all essentials in our Hair Care Collection.
Final Thoughts:
Understanding your hair type is actually unlocking the tools, routines, and confidence you need to treat your hair with care.
Whether you’re just starting your hair care journey or looking to perfect your regimen, let Image Beauty be your trusted partner in achieving healthy, happy hair.
