How to find out what your natural hair type is?

Welcome my dear friends, it’s time for us to discover the wonders of our natural hair. We all know that hair types can be as diverse as snowflakes, so let’s get right into finding out what your specific hair type is.

The Basics: What Determines Hair Type?

Before we even begin finding out our individual hair type, it’s important to understand the basics of what determines it. Hair texture, which describes how fine or coarse each strand of hair is, and curl pattern are two key factors in determining one’s natural hair type. Knowing this will make things a little easier later on when identifying where you fall on the spectrum.

Hair Texture

Firstly, let’s talk about hair texture because not everyone knows that their strands could either be fine or coarse.

Determining Fine or Coarse Strands

The easiest way to determine whether you have fine or coarse strands is by taking a single strand and gently rubbing it between two fingers.

If It Feels:

  • Rough? That most likely indicates a coarser strand.
  • Smooth? You’re probably dealing with finer strands.

However; some people may experience difficulty figuring this out due to having mixed textures concerning thickness.

Thickness Classification by Density

Also important in understanding your natural hair type are thickness classifications called ‘density.’ This refers simply refers to if there are fewer/more numbers of hairs per square inch on their scalp..

In general density can further then divide:

 -Low density: feels thinner (less number)and flat

 -Medium density:Normal , neither too thick nor too thin

 -High Density:A very large volume(hair springy)

Now that we have an extent of knowledge about understanding both texture variation and classification using denisty;let’s move onto curl patterns!

Curl Pattern

Another crucial aspect of hair type is curl pattern. Our curls range from straight to wavy, curly, to kinky and coily.

People with naturally straight hair will find they have few (if any) bends or kinks in their strands; while folks at the other end of the spectrum will notice a higher degree of curliness.

Curly manes also can vary.Its either:

-In light waves

-Spirals(corkscrews )

These spirals ranges from loose ,tight or somewhere in between and generally called tight coils.

Can you already tell which group your mane falls into? Well done! We’re digging further below.

Identifying Your Hair Type

Now that we know what goes into determining natural hair types let’s move on to identifying yours more precisely!

Straight Hair

Straight haired individuals don’t have much texture at all. Their locks are typically long,bearing no visible twists nor bends(generally more than one strand diameter)

If it feels:

  • Oily at scalp: This tends signifies that oil flows easily down/sebum producing glands located along most sebaceous follicle lines(usually very soft)

  • Dry :This tends towards brittle(hence leaden feel)

Tips For Management

With styling, it might be hard for these hair textures retain twists/braids etc without using an holding setting lotion.

Since Natural oils are dispensed thoughout the length without entanglement then daily action purely focuses on minimal moisture addition(role played by humectants such as glycerin )

However,it’s good too condition regularly because chemicals detergents used may strip off the necessary oils leading tto a dryness

Wavy Hair

Waves have slight curves if compared with straight hairs meaning there is little movement when blowing air onto them.(One-half to two-thirds strand diameter.)

It gives volumionous look due to occassion bumping up after blow dry which at times could make them look frizzy.

If you’re having trouble figuring out whether your hair is wavy or curly, try air-drying it and see how much curve forms. If the bending moves only to one direction leaving root to be flat, then your hair will most likely fall into this category.

Tips For Management

Wavy strands need moisturizing shampoos/conditioners so that they do not become brittle or dry.

Light spritz of a leave-in conditioner also aims for managing mild frizz attacks (use non-greasy spray). Lastly if you desire more waves ,but keeping ‘controlled’ as well add mousse and diffusing while drying

Curly Hair

Curly hairs have definite swirls.They can droop when wet but spring back in elastic patterns.Generally an average of more than two ringlets fit within one strand diameter.(“S” pattern)

From big curls (“bottle” size/aerosol)to tighter corkscrew-like tendrils ; no two curly heads are exactly alike!

Frequent detangling is required which tends towards tiny knots hence easy breakage..so by embracing regular conditioning and protective styling routine most women with these curl types are able to avoid unnecessary stress & prevent subsequent tangles/snags.Some even opt for ‘pineapple-ing’ their mane before sleeping(e.g put top half pony style placing scrunchies against scalp.)to reduce “unraveling nightmares”.

Tips For Management

To tighten those gorgeous spirals/scrunched layers of curls,a few effective tips are there:

  1. As mentioned – Never skimp on adequate moisture replenishment.Avoid silicones or sulphates containing good products since they may strip off protections.You might want to experiment a bit here

2.Layering! Layered haircut gives modern trendy look, plus reduces bulkiness, giving an amazing bounce. So keep in mind ,a good hairdresser will maintain the layer length proportional to natural curls making it easier for you to style.

3.And finally, styling needs professional expertise or time (give yourself some space).
A leave-in conditioner +curling cream duo is a go-to solution when attempting wash-and-go.

Or apply a diffuser after doing twists/braids with hood dryer (which gently distributes heat) – this maintains curl definition without messing up your volume.

Kinky & Coily

Lastly defining kinky/coily hair: its pattern resembles tight cork-screw spirals however coils tend towards more “zig-zaggedness”(one-third they entirety of strand diameter).

Most people with kinky mane have denser textures which could aid pulling them back into buns,puffs e.t.c.Absorbency abilities are medium and generally lend themselves well to cornrows,bantu knots/twists although these also require regular detangling-tension must be kept minimal- otherwise breakage ensues!

Tips For Management

Kinkier and coiler strands require extra care as moisture loss occurs often leading tto being prone to breakages/dry tips.Washing day-routine means pre-poo /oil rinses/finger detangling sessions followed by shamppoo/conditioner box braids styles.Give ’em TLC if you want em beautiful!

In Closing

Whether you’ve long struggled with understanding how best to manage your locks or are new to certain terms we used today – I hope this guide has provided clearer insight regarding the things that relate specifically about natural oily strands; finding which texture classification applies.We’re not done yet…Take actions based on tips above because finding out what’s both unique and healthy for YOUR natural hair type shouldn’t pose much of a task.

Fellow readers,it’s almost pitch perfect analogy here:Even until death do us part,you should make the most out of your hair type as it is..beautiful!

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