What Type Of Hair Do You Have?

Your hair type is determined by the shape of your hair follicle and the pattern of curls your hair makes. The most widely used system divides hair into four main types: straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily (Type 4). Each type has subcategories that describe the tightness of the curl or wave.

What determines your hair type?

Genetics plays the primary role. The shape of your hair follicle—whether it is round, oval, or flat—dictates the curl pattern. Round follicles produce straight hair. Oval follicles create wavy or curly hair. Flat or ribbon-shaped follicles produce coily hair. The angle at which the hair grows out of the scalp also influences curl. Hormones, age, and health can affect hair texture over time, but the basic pattern is set by your DNA.

How to identify your curl pattern

The best way to determine your curl pattern is to let your hair air dry without any manipulation. Do not brush or style it. Observe the shape of the strands when they are completely dry.

• Type 1 (Straight): Hair lies flat from root to tip. No curl or wave.
• Type 2 (Wavy): Hair forms an S shape. It may be loose (2A), more defined (2B), or with some spiral ends (2C).
• Type 3 (Curly): Hair forms distinct spirals or ringlets. Can be loose (3A), tight (3B), or very tight corkscrews (3C).
• Type 4 (Coily): Hair has tight, zig-zag curls. Often appears densely packed. Subtypes are defined by curl diameter: 4A (small spirals), 4B (Z-shaped bends), 4C (tightest, least defined curl).

Many people have more than one curl pattern on their head. That is normal. Focus on the pattern that covers the most area.

What does hair porosity mean and why does it matter?

Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It is determined by the structure of the hair cuticle—the outer layer. Cuticles can be tightly closed (low porosity), slightly raised (medium porosity), or lifted and damaged (high porosity).

Porosity affects which products work best for you. Low-porosity hair resists moisture and benefits from lighter products and heat to open cuticles. High-porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast, so heavier creams and sealants help. Medium porosity is easier to manage and holds moisture well.

You can test porosity at home by placing a clean strand in a glass of water. If it floats, porosity is low. If it sinks slowly, it is medium. If it sinks quickly, it is high. This test is not perfectly accurate but gives a general idea.

Hair density vs. thickness: what is the difference?

Density is the number of hair strands on your scalp, measured per square inch. Thickness (or diameter) refers to the width of each individual strand. These are different qualities.

Density is classified as low (you can see scalp easily), medium, or high (hair looks full and thick). Thickness is categorized as fine, medium, or coarse. Coarse hair feels thicker to the touch, while fine hair feels very thin. You can have high density with fine strands, or low density with coarse strands. Both factors influence how your hair behaves and how much product you need.

To estimate density, part your hair and look at how much scalp is visible. A wide part showing much scalp suggests low density. A narrow part suggests higher density.

How does hair type affect hair care?

Different hair types have different needs. Straight hair tends to get oily faster because natural oils travel easily down the shaft. It may need more frequent washing. Curly and coily hair is drier because oils cannot travel as easily along the bends. These types benefit from less frequent washing and more moisturizing products.

Fine hair is more prone to breakage and oiliness. Coarse hair is stronger but can be dry. Understanding your combination of curl pattern, porosity, density, and thickness helps you choose the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products.

For example, someone with high-porosity, coily, low-density hair might need a rich leave-in conditioner and a gentle shampoo. Someone with low-porosity, straight, high-density hair might prefer a lightweight, volumizing formula.

Can your hair type change over time?

Yes, but usually within the same broad category. Hormonal shifts—such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid changes—can alter curl pattern temporarily. Medications, illness, and stress can also affect hair texture. As you age, hair may become thinner and less curly. Permanent chemical treatments like relaxers or perms can change the curl pattern, but the change lasts only as long as the chemical treatment is maintained. Your basic genetic hair type does not completely change, but variations are common.

What Type Of Hair Do You Have? A quick summary

Your hair type includes curl pattern (straight, wavy, curly, coily), porosity (low, medium, high), density (low, medium, high), and thickness (fine, medium, coarse). The curl pattern is the most recognized classification. To identify yours, wash and air dry your hair without styling. Look at the shape of the strand. Use the four-type system as a starting point. Then consider porosity and density to tailor your hair care routine.