Here’s How to Determine Your Hair Type
With so many hair types, it can be hard to know exactly what your hair type is and how to care for it accordingly. But once you figure out which category your hair falls into, things get more accessible from there! You can then choose the products and tools that will give you the best results possible in your specific situation.
So, how do you figure out your hair type? It’s pretty simple once you know what to look for! Keep reading to find out the four main hair types and how to determine which one yours falls into!
Check If You Have Thin, Medium, or Thick Hair
To discover your hair type, run your hand down your hair. If you can feel every strand quickly, you have thin hair. Medium-haired people feel a few strands when they run their fingers through their hair. Thick-haired people don’t feel strain when running their hands through it. Finally, it's probably thicker than most if you don't feel anything when running your hand through your hair.
Check If You Have Dry, Oily, or Normal Scalp
To determine your hair type, wash your hair and let it air dry.You probably have an oily or dry scalp if it's very oily or scorched. But if your scalp feels normal, then you have a normal scalp—good news! If you are either from one of these categories, there are still easy ways to give your locks some TLC.
A dry scalp can be treated with a moisturising shampoo, while an oily scalp can benefit from a clarifying shampoo that removes excess oil buildup. A deep conditioning treatment once a week will help keep your strands strong and healthy regardless of hair type.
Know What it Means to have Curly, Wavy, or Straight Hair
Knowing your hair type is essential because it can guide you on what hair care products to use and whether or not you need a haircut.
Straight hair has no natural waves or curls, while curly hair tends to spiral in a tight, corkscrew-like motion.
Wavy hair is between straight and curly strands—usually about halfway between them, but it can vary depending on each person’s genetics. If you have wavy hair, think of it as two parts: one that curls tightly and another that doesn’t curl. To determine your hair type, part your hair down the middle from front to back. If there are distinct waves or curls visible when looking at it from above, then you have wavy hair; if not, then you have straight hair.
Curly hair is more uniform throughout its length than wavy locks are—if there are distinct waves or curls visible when looking at it from above (and they aren’t just minor variations), then you have curly hair.
Determining your hair type can be complex at first. However, once you figure out your hair type, you can pick a hairstyle that compliments it. Also, having a hairstyle that compliments your hair type makes styling much more accessible and helps prevent damage from heat tools. Most people spend far too long in front of a mirror trying to style their hair before work or school when they need about five minutes.
Finding a hairstyle for your particular hair type will save you time and stress in knowing that whatever style you choose will be easy and efficient for you to maintain on busy mornings.
