Hair type 101: The easy way to identify and care for yours
Why your hair care routine hours never yields productive results in your hair health
Ever encountered that feeling of confusion when you are out shopping for a suitable product that could suit your unique locks? Do your locks feel difficult and uneasy to style despite how hard you try?
Studies have shown that improper care due to misunderstanding hair type can lead to breakage and scalp inflammation. Ignorance of your hair type poses a serious threat to the strength and health of your hair.
Your hair care routine and styling process is determined by your hair type. For instance, if you have curly hair and you brush it when it's dry and without a conditioner, it could become frizzy and lackluster.
The inability to identify and care for your hair type comes with a costly repercussion as you might unknowingly apply hair care products that aren't made for your unique hair type.
When you apply products that weren't made with your hair type in mind it will yield ineffective results, plus the color and shine of your locks might be damaged if such a product is heavily chemicalized.
Not knowing your hair type or how to care for it can be frustrating. You'll be forced to spend a considerable amount of time and money searching for the right products that can suit your hair type.
All the money spent in your quest to acquire a suitable product for your hair type becomes a waste as there is no noticeable improvement.
Ignorance of your hair type also limits your styling options as any mistake in your choice can cause damage and breakage to your locks. Using excess heat styling if you have a wavy, for instance, can cause it to have a frizzy texture and lose its vibrancy.
Research and findings have shown that there are mainly four hair types. Your hair belongs to one of these types.
The earlier you discover your hair type and how to care for it, the higher your chances of improving the vibrancy and strength of your hair.
Four main hair types and how to care for them
Straight Hair
If you have straight hair, you will notice that it is more resistant to curling and has a natural shine, smoothness, and resilience. It can get oily more quickly than any other hair type.
Care Tips for Straight Hair:
● Use lightweight shampoos and conditioners to avoid oil buildup.
● Wash regularly, as straight hair gets oily quickly.
● Avoid heavy oils; opt for dry shampoo between washes.
Wavy Hair
If yours is wavy hair, you'll notice that it falls in S-shaped waves and can be straightened or curled easily. It is a hair type that is prone to frizz, especially under humid weather conditions.
Care Tips for Wavy Hair:
● Use sulfate-free shampoos to maintain moisture.
● Avoid heavy creams; use light mousses or gels.
● Diffuse or air-dry to enhance natural wave patterns.
● Detangle in the shower with a wide tooth comb and conditioner
Curly Hair
The curly hair type is full of volume, texture, and personality. If yours belongs to this category, you'll notice that it appears dry, especially at the end,, and looks shorter when it's dry.
Care Tips for Curly Hair:
● Don't wash daily, 2-3 times a week is best
● Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.
● Avoid heat tools unless necessary and always use a heat protectant.
● Never detangle dry as it can cause breakage. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb when wet.
● Apply leave-in conditioners and curl creams.
Coily/Kinky Hair
Coily hair is the most fragile of all hair types despite its full appearance. It is characterized by being dense, voluminous,, and naturally dry, requiring lots of moisture and gentle care. The coiled hair type tangles easily and can make the hair look shorter.
Care Tips for Coily/Kinky Hair:
● Cleanse once a week or less to avoid stripping moisture
● Leave-in conditioners are essential after washing
● Use water-based moisturizers regularly.
● Detangle only when hair is wet and saturated with conditioner
● Protective styles (braids, twists) help retain length.
Frizzy hair
Your hair is the frizzy type if it constantly sticks out instead of lying smooth and flat. When your hair is starved of adequate moisture for an extended period it tries to pull it from the air around it.
Care tips for Frizzy hair
● Use a hydrating shampoo and deep conditioner.
● Don't over wash your hair
● If you use heat tools, apply a heat protectant spray first.
● Use a soft cotton fabric to dry your hair.
Understanding your hair type and how to care for it will help reduce the time wasted carrying out an unproductive hair care routine. You'll no longer experience difficulty finding the right product that can improve the strength and vibrancy of your tresses.
Our goal in Trend Tree is to help you identify your hair type so you can give it the specialized care and nourishment it requires for a healthy shine.
Want to be able to determine which category your hair falls under? So you can choose products formulated to improve its growth and overall health?
These tips are now at your fingertips. It's time to wake up and take control of your hair health!
Written By Ritikka Puranik
