Your Guide To Hair Texture Types

Understanding your hair's texture is essential for choosing the proper care routine, products, and styles. Knowing your hair texture can transform how you treat and style it, whether you have straight strands or tightly coiled curls. But what exactly are hair texture types? How do you identify yours, and what does that mean for your hair care plan?

At Breewoo, we create natural products that celebrate curly, coily, and kinky hair. We're here to guide you toward healthier, more vibrant hair.

What Are Hair Texture Types?

Hair texture types are a classification system used to describe the shape and structure of your strands. This system is typically divided into four basic categories, each with subcategories—straight hair to tightly coiled curls. Straight, wavy, curly, or coily, every texture is beautiful, and each comes with unique care requirements.

Understanding hair textures goes beyond aesthetics. It's about learning what your hair needs so you can adequately hydrate, strengthen, and maintain it.

The Hair Texture Chart Explained

Andre Walker, Oprah Winfrey's longtime stylist, created a widely used hair typing system to understand your hair texture and needs better. Hair textures are classified into four categories, each broken down into subtypes (A, B, C). Here's a closer look at the hair texture chart:

Type 1 - Straight Hair

Characteristics:

• Straight hair is defined by its smooth texture and lack of curls.
• It reflects light well, making it appear shiny.
• Straight hair tends to be more prone to oiliness since natural oils travel easily down the strands.

Subcategories:

• 1A: Hair is entirely straight, wonderful, and very flat.
• 1B: Straight but slightly thicker and with a touch of body.
• 1C: Straight with a coarser texture and subtle waves.

Care Tips:

• Focus on lightweight products like volumizing shampoos and conditioners to avoid weighing your hair down.
• Dry shampoo can be your best friend when managing excess oiliness.

Type 2 - Wavy Hair

Characteristics:

• Wavy hair has a naturally loose "S" shape.
• It strikes a balance between straight and curly hair, offering versatility for styling.
• This hair type ranges from fine to thick textures.

Subcategories:

• 2A: Loose, barely noticeable waves; easy to style.
• 2B: More defined waves with some frizz.
• 2C: Coarser waves with more volume and frizz.

Care Tips:

• Use lightweight moisturizers to hydrate without weighing down your waves.
• Don't skip gels or creams to define waves and control frizz.

Type 3 - Curly Hair

Characteristics:

• Curly hair naturally forms loose or tight curls.
• It tends to be drier due to the coil preventing natural oils from travelling down the strand.
• Curly hair is prone to shrinkage, making hair appear shorter than it is.

Subcategories:

• 3A: Large, loose spiral curls with lots of shine.
• 3B: Springy ringlets with medium-tight curls.
• 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls with lots of volume.

Care Tips:

• Use sulfate-free shampoos to retain moisture.
• Incorporate leave-in conditioners or curl creams to keep your curls hydrated and bouncy.
• Detangle wet curls with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage.

Type 4 - Coily/Kinky Hair

Characteristics:

• Coily hair is the tightest curl pattern, forming "Z" or "S" shapes.
• It is often fragile and more prone to breakage and dryness.
• This hair type offers incredible volume and versatility in styling.

Subcategories:

• 4A: Tight, small coils with an "S" shape.
• 4B: Tighter curls with a more defined "Z" shape.
• 4C: Very tight curls with no defined patterns, making it prone to shrinkage.

Care Tips:

• Deep condition regularly to infuse moisture.
• Apply heavy creams and butter to lock in hydration.
• Protective hairstyles can minimize damage and encourage growth.

How to Care for All Hair Textures

No matter your texture, all hair requires regular maintenance for optimal health and vibrancy. Here are some universal tips for caring for your hair, regardless of its type:

Moisturize

Dry hair is a common challenge for most textures, particularly curly and coily. To keep your strands hydrated, use products with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and aloe vera. Our Nourishing Nectar Pre-Poo is an excellent pre-treatment designed to lock in moisture and strengthen your strands before shampooing.

Protect from Damage

Minimize heat styling and excessive brushing, which can weaken your hair over time. Protective styles such as braids or twists can help reduce breakage for curly and coily textures.

Use Texture-Appropriate Tools

• Straight or wavy hair benefits from paddle brushes for detangling.
• Wide-tooth combs are ideal for curly and coily textures to avoid damage.

Shampoo Smartly

Overwashing can strip essential oils, especially for textured and curly hair. Opt for gentle shampoos and wash only as needed, depending on your hair's oiliness or dryness.

Trim Regularly

No matter the texture, regular trims prevent split ends and keep your hair looking polished.

Celebrate All Hair Textures

At Breewoo, we celebrate the diversity of hair textures. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to nurture your unique hair. Whether you're rocking straight locks, waves, curls, or coils, our natural products are designed with your hair's health in mind.

Are you ready to elevate your hair care game? Browse our curated line of products made to enhance texture, tame frizz, and elevate your hair routine.