Understanding your Hair Type
From the way it curls to the way it shines, your hair type is a defining feature of your individuality. Yet, understanding your hair type can sometimes be extremely difficult, making it harder to care for your hair. With so many variations and textures, it’s essential to decode the language of your locks to give them the care and attention they deserve.
Embrace the Diversity
Hair comes in all shapes, sizes, and textures, ranging from straight and fine to curly and coily. Understanding your hair type starts with acknowledging and celebrating this diversity. Rather than comparing your locks to others, embrace the uniqueness of your own hair because very curl and kink tells a story of heritage, genetics, and personal style.
The Texture Spectrum
The texture of your hair refers to the thickness or diameter of individual strands. It’s often classified into three main categories
- Fine
- Medium
- Coarse
Fine hair tends to be delicate and prone to breakage, while coarse hair is thicker and more resilient. Medium-textured hair falls somewhere in between, offering a balance of strength and flexibility.
Curl Patterns
Beyond texture, understanding your hair type involves identifying its curl pattern. You determine this by examining the shape of your hair follicle, which can range from straight to wavy, curly, or coily. The widely used Andre Walker Hair Typing System categorizes curl patterns into four main types:
- Straight hair that lacks significant waves or curls
- Wavy hair that forms loose, S-shaped waves
- Curly hair defined with well-defined curls that range from loose to tight
- Coily hair with tight, springy curls or coils
Porosity Levels
Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is important to realise your hair’s porosity level in order to select the right products and styling techniques. There are three main categories of porosity:
- Low porosity: Hair cuticles are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Products may sit on the surface rather than being absorbed. This is more commonly seen with straight hair.
- Normal Porosity: Hair cuticles are open enough to allow moisture to enter and retain it effectively
- High porosity: Hair cuticles are overly porous, causing moisture to escape easily. This type of hair may appear dry and prone to frizz. This is more commonly seen with curly hair.
To determine your hair’s porosity levels, simple tests such as the water test or the float test will assess how well your hair absorbs moisture.
Tailored Care for your Hair Type
Decode your hair type to tailor your hair care routine accordingly, selecting appropriate products, techniques, and styling methods to enhance its natural beauty and address specific concerns.
For example, individuals with fine hair may significantly benefit from lightweight, volumizing products to add body and texture. Check out our DNA Organics Dayvolume Shampoo and Conditioner, the answer for all fine, thin, oily and lifeless hair types.
Those with curly or coily hair may require more moisture rich products in order to combat dryness and frizz. In particular, our DNA Organics Hydratsilk Shampoo and Conditioner is the perfect solution, leaving your hair feeling clean, hydrated, silky smooth and luxurious.
DNA Organics Hydratsilk Shampoo
Celebrate your Unique Locks
Finally, celebrate the diversity and individuality of your locks by understanding your hair type. Embrace its unique characteristics, whether straight, wavy, curly, or coily, and learn to work with them. Experiment with different styles, treatments, and products to discover what suits you best.
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