How to Know Your Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly, or Coily?

Ever feel like your hair has a secret life you know nothing about? One day, it’s behaving like a dream, and the next, it’s in full-on chaos mode. Turns out, your hair isn’t just being dramatic—it has a personality, and it all comes down to your hair type!

Knowing where your locks fall on the spectrum of straight to coily is the key to getting that effortless, good-hair-day-every-day magic. So let’s crack the code on your strands and finally figure out what they’ve been trying to tell you.

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Una publicación compartida por Vera Wang (@verawang)

What Even Is a Hair Type?

Think of your hair type as your hair’s default setting. It’s all about the shape of your strands, which is determined by your hair follicles. The rounder the follicle, the straighter the hair. The more oval or twisty it is, the curlier!

And before you start blaming your hairbrush for your bad hair days, know this—your hair type is written in your DNA. So, while you can curl, straighten, or chemically alter it, your natural texture will always make a comeback (like a pop song from the early 2000s). The trick? Learning how to work con it instead of against it!

The Hair Type Breakdown

If you’ve ever wondered why some curls look loose and bouncy while others are tight spirals, it’s all thanks to the hair typing system. Originally made famous by celebrity stylist Andre Walker, this system categorizes hair into four main types: Straight (Type 1), Wavy (Type 2), Curly (Type 3), and Coily (Type 4). Each type has subcategories (A, B, and C) based on how loose or tight the pattern is. Most people actually have a mix of types on their head, which explains why styling can sometimes feel like a battle.

How to Style & Care for Your Hair Type

The secret to great hair days? Using the right techniques and products that play to your hair’s strengths!

Type 1: Straight Hair

• 1A: So straight, it refuses to hold a curl. Fine, soft, and gets oily fast.
• 1B: Straight but with a little more body—will hold a curl for about an hour if you beg.
• 1C: Thicker, slightly wavy in places, but still mostly straight and stubborn.

Hair Care Tips:

• Avoid heavy serums unless you want to look like you haven’t washed your hair in a week.
• Dry shampoo is your bestie for second-day (or let’s be real, third-day) hair.
• Texture sprays = instant volume when your hair is looking a little too “meh.”
• A blunt cut makes fine hair look fuller—layers can make it look thinner.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

• 2A: Light waves that scream “beachy hair” but also “why won’t you just pick a side?”
• 2B: Defined S-shaped waves that can frizz up with too much moisture.
• 2C: Thick, voluminous waves that are one step away from being curls.

Hair Care Tips:

• Heavy oils will weigh your waves down—opt for lightweight leave-ins instead.
• A diffuser is your BFF for bouncy waves without the frizz.
• Sea salt spray = effortless, cool-girl texture.
• Anti-humidity sprays will keep your waves looking polished instead of poofy.

Type 3: Curly Hair

• 3C: Corkscrew curls with major bounce and shrinkage.
• 3A: Loose, bouncy ringlets that people will want to touch (but shouldn’t).
• 3B: Tighter, voluminous curls that bring the drama (in the best way).

Hair Care Tips:

• Step away from the brush unless you want a frizz explosion.
• Leave-in conditioners are non-negotiable for hydration and definition.
• Loose hairstyles are better—tight ponytails can lead to breakage.
• Sulfate-free, silicone-free products will keep curls happy and healthy.

Type 4: Coily Hair

• 4A: Defined, soft coils that love moisture.
• 4B: Tight zig-zag curls with a fluffy texture.
• 4C: The tightest, most delicate coils that need extra TLC.

Hair Care Tips:

• Deep conditioning = a must. Your hair drinks up moisture like a sponge.
• Daily combing? Nope. Finger-detangling is your best bet for avoiding breakage.
• Protective styles should still allow for hydration (because dry hair = breakage).
• Co-washing (using conditioner instead of shampoo) keeps coils hydrated.

Other Hair Characteristics You Need to Know

Your hair type is just the beginning—factors like porosity and density also play a huge role in how your hair looks, feels, and behaves!

Porosity

Porosity is all about how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Think of it like a sponge—some hair soaks up water instantly, while others let it roll right off. Your porosity level affects how easily your hair hydrates and how long it stays that way.

High-Porosity Hair

• Absorbs moisture fast but loses it just as quickly.
• Needs sealing products like leave-in conditioners and butters.
• Anti-humidity treatments will prevent the dreaded frizz bomb.

Low-Porosity Hair

• Repels moisture and takes forever to dry.
• Lightweight, water-based products absorb better.
• Clarifying shampoos help prevent product buildup.
• A little heat (like steam) opens the cuticles for better moisture absorption.

Density

Density refers to how much hair is actually growing on your head. It’s not about strand thickness, but rather how closely packed your follicles are. The denser your hair, the more volume and weight it naturally has.

Low-Density Hair

• Scalp is visible in some areas.
• Volumizing sprays and lightweight foams will fake fullness.

High-Density Hair

• Scalp is barely visible—you’ve got a lot of hair!
• Heavy creams and rich hydrating products keep thick hair healthy.

Your hair type isn’t something to “fix”—it’s something to celebrate! The key to loving your hair is understanding it and giving it the care it actually needs. So let’s stop fighting with our strands and start working with them—because great hair days start with great hair care!