How to tell your hair type?

Author: Mr. Taurean Harris PhD  |  Last update: Friday, March 31, 2023

Hair structure
Take a piece of hair in between your fingers and rub it back and forth. If you don't feel anything, your hair type is considered fine. If you can feel the hair in between your fingers your hair type is medium. If your hair feels thick in between your fingers , then your hair type is coarse.

What are the 4 types of hair?

Type 1 hair is straight. Type 2 is best described as wavy. Type 3 hair is curly, and type 4 is coily.

How do I know if I have 2B or 2C hair?

2B hair consists of 'S' shaped waves in the lengths, but sits relatively straight at the roots. 2C hair has even more defined 'S' shaped curls that start from the root and continue down the lengths of the hair.

Is my hair 3A or 3B?

You have type 3A hair if you can easily wrap your curls around sidewalk chalk. Your hair type is 3B if the permanent marker is the best suit. Finally, you know you have 3C hair type if your spiral curls are about the same size as a pencil.

Do I have 1C or 2A hair?

The main difference is that 1C tends to be more coarse and thick, whereas 2A is a bit more fine and flat. 1C has some volume and body, but 2A doesn't. If you have more waves in your hair, you likely fall into the 2A category. If the waves are barely there and mainly underneath, you probably have 1C hair.

Find Out What Your Hair Type Really Is

What does 2B hair look like?

They tend to be straight at the crown and start forming a defined wavy texture at the midpoint of the locks that continues down to the ends. It has a moderate amount of volume and thickness and doesn't lose its shape easily. Even wet hair still maintains a noticeable wavy pattern.

What does 2B 2C hair look like?

2B hair consists of 'S' shaped waves in the lengths, but sits relatively straight at the roots. 2C hair has even more defined 'S' shaped curls that start from the root and continue down the lengths of the hair. Once you've identified you have wavy hair, you should also explore your hair's porosity.

What does 1C hair look like?

Type 1C hair is straight and is usually coarse and thick, which can result in frizzy hair depending on the environment or climate. When air-dried, this hair type can achieve a tousled look, while still lying flat on the scalp.

What does 2a hair look like?

Type 2a hair tends to lie flat at the roots and starts to form waves at eye-level. This gradual change in texture can make hair look inconsistent. The shape of these strands don't take on the slight curl pattern of 2c hair types nor do they have the definite wave texture of a 2b hair type.

What does 2c hair look like?

2C type hair is extremely wavy but not coily. The S-shape bends in the hair start off at the roots. These waves are defined and thick. The bends are looser and wider than the tighter structure of curly hair.

What does type 3A hair look like?

Type 3a hair is characterized by well-defined spiral curls that are typically the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Although the circumference of 3a curls is wider than that of 3b and 3c hair, it can be difficult to tell the three curl types apart.

Is 2C hair frizzy?

Type 2c hair is the apex of waviness. Its ultra-defined natural waves are not easily ignored or erased. Through wind, rain, or shine, it's wavy texture will not lose its shape— though it may experience a little frizz or excess volume. Even when your 2c hair is being unruly, don't take this hair type for granted.

Is 2B curly or wavy?

2B Hair type is best described as wavy hair. This hair type is not quite curly and it's not quite straight. If your hair is mostly flat and straight at the roots but gets wavier and more “S” shaped toward the bottom, then you have 2B hair!

Which hair type is most attractive?

A general observation across experiments was that straight hair was perceived as younger, healthier, and more attractive than wavy hair and darker shades (medium copper and brown) were perceived more positively than blonde hair.

What does 4C hair look like?

Type 4c. 4c hair is the queen of thick, bold afros. From afar, 4c hair looks like a thick fro, but if you look closely, you'll notice very tight, small springs or coils on each strand. Coils are pretty different from curls.

What's the hardest hair type?

Thick (Coarse)

Thick or coarse hair texture is the strongest hair texture and typically feels coarse or thick to the touch. Coarse hair contains all three hair layers – the cortex, cuticle and medulla.

How to style 2C hair?

With your 2C hair type, it's generally best to stick to styles that bring out your natural pattern. Enhancing your waves or making them a bit curlier will suit you best. Straightening your strands, on the other hand, will require quite a bit of work. It is achievable, though a simple flat iron won't cut it.

What is 2A 2B 2C hair?

Wavy Hair can be classified by three curl types; 2A - A slight wave to your hair. 2B - Medium Wave form in the hair. 2C - Wavy hair that starts to form ringlets, especially when hydrated (wet) and styled correctly.

Do I have 3A or 2C hair?

The most apparent difference between types 2C and 3A hair is their appearance. 2C hair is wavy, while type 3A hair is curly. If you look closely at 2C curls, you'll see that they have more of an s-shape than a spiral (which 3A curls have). In addition to that, type 2C curls may not start at the root.

Is type 2c hair curly?

Like all type 2 hair, 2c hair is wavy, but that often feels like a technicality. Your S-bend hair is thick and the waves start at the roots. If you've ever been confused about whether your hair is wavy or curly, it's likely you have the 2c hair type.

What is 1B hair look like?

Let's talk about the features of type 1b hair: Generally straight from the roots to the ends, but with some subtle bends mid-body, finished off with gently curled ends. Shiny and sleek (just like type 1a hair) Mostly fine hair strands interspersed with a few coarse fibers.

Is hair type 1a rare?

1A is the rarest hair type. It is usually found on people of Asian descent. 1B hair, on the other hand, is the most common hair type. It is straight and flat but has some volume.

What are 3A curls?

3A hair is made up of well-defined and springy curls that have a loopy, “S” shaped pattern. Their circumference is the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. 3A ringlets have a fine to medium texture. This curl type benefits from lots of body and movement, but is prone to frizzing and dryness.

Is 2A a good hair type?

Many people consider 2a hair to be the best of both worlds. The finer texture and gentle wave pattern can make it easier to style and manage. Meanwhile, you can still easily shift between straight, wavy, and curly hair depending on your styling goals.

What are 3A and 3b curls?

Type 3 curly hair is springy, bouncy, defined curls and ringlets. 3a curly hair is more defined and less elongated than type 2 wavy hair, but rather a more compact, bouncy S-shape. 3b curls are more defined, bouncy spirals.

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