Do You Know What Type of Hair You Have?
People often assume everyone’s hair needs the same basic type of care. However, many people notice that their hair behaves differently in certain weather or responds the same way no matter what they do with it.
Awareness of the different hair types and textures is the first step in taking good care of your hair. It helps you choose the right shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that can help prevent breakage, dryness, and scalp issues. There are three textures of hair and four basic hair types.
Three Textures Determine Hair Strength
Your hair texture can play a part in whether hair loss will be a problem as you age. We’ll look at the three characteristics of hair.
Fine Hair Texture
Fine hair is the most fragile texture. Straightening can be easy, but you may have problems getting it to hold a particular hairstyle. Choose hair products that increase the volume of your hair, as fine hair tends to go flat after holding a style for a while. It’s essential not to use too much hair product on fine hair, as this can cause a buildup and make the flattening problems more noticeable. Fine hair is also more susceptible to breakage and loss, which can become an issue as you age.
Medium Hair Texture
Medium-textured hair densely populates the scalp and can be confused with thick hair. This texture also responds favorably to a minimal amount of hair products when cleaning and styling, as the density often causes buildup, especially when the hair isn’t rinsed effectively.
Thick Hair Texture
Thick textured hair is the sturdiest and most resilient texture. It stands up to repeated styling sessions without breaking and tolerates weather and heat while maintaining its body. However, thick hair tends to dry out more. Scalp and hair moisturizing treatments can help alleviate this problem.
The Four Basic Hair Types
Identifying your hair type aids in selecting hair products and styles and can prevent unmanageable hair. The four basic types of hair are:
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair is often smooth and shiny. It can easily maintain a wide variety of hairstyles without sustaining any damage. However, straight hair can get oily easily and may require more frequent cleaning.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is noticeable for its loose, subtle waves that begin several centimeters from the roots and continue along the length of the hair. This type of hair is prone to frizzing in hot or wet weather.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curly hair is divided into three subtypes, depending on the variety and tightness of the curls. Type 3A curly hair has curls that form loose loops with a circumference of approximately 3-4 cm. Type 3B curls are 2-3 cm, and type 3C curls are tight and springy.
Curly hair is often dry. Styling and cleaning this type of hair can damage it and lead to frizzy hair. Many dermatologists recommend avoiding blow-drying curly hair entirely and letting it dry naturally to prevent breakage and frizz.
Type 4: Coiled and Kinky Hair
This type of hair, characterized by tight curls and lots of volume, also has three subtypes. Type 4A coils have the largest coils, about 1 cm. Type 4B coils grow in a zig-zag pattern, and the coils are a bit tighter than 4A coils. Type 4C coils are known for their ultra-tight zig-zag spirals from the root to the end of each hair.
How to Check Your Hair Type at Home
If you’re unsure about your hair type, particularly among the different curly and coiled hair types, there are two easy ways to check.
The first is the wash test. The next time you wash your hair, allow it to air dry and observe the way it naturally falls and forms into waves, curls, or coils. The other is the strand test, which simply examines single strands of hair up close to determine their characteristics.
Facing Hair Issues? Get Expert Help
Grow & Glow Hair Clinic in Bangkok offers professional solutions if you’re experiencing hair loss, thinning, or scalp problems. We offer a variety of hair loss treatments that don’t require surgery, including:
- PRP Hair Loss Treatment
- Hair Loss Control Injection
- Low-Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT)
However, we are also a DHI hair transplant clinic skilled in offering the world’s most modern and innovative type of hair transplant surgery.
From advanced hair transplant treatments to tailored scalp care programs, you’ll get expert advice based on your hair type and needs. Book a consultation at Grow & Glow Hair Clinic to take the first step towards healthier, fuller hair.
References:
- How to Determine Your Hair Type and Texture – Retrieved July 29, 2025, from: https://olaplex.com/blogs/news/how-to-determine-hair-type-and-texture?
- How to Identify and Style Your Hair Type – Retrieved July 29, 2025, from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/types-of-hair
- How to stop damaging your hair – Retrieved July 29, 2025, from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
