What curl type do you have?

Do you know which curl type you have? Once you know your curl type, you can make product choices more easily and you know which treatment techniques will or won't work when caring for your hair.

A popular method of classifying hair was devised by The Oprah Winfrey Show hairstylist. His name is Andrew Walker. In his book 'Andre Talks Hair' he described a classification system that was ranked from type 1 to type 4. Below is an explanation of the different curl types. Read it and discover which curl type best matches your curls! 

Hair type 1: Straight hair
Straight hair is the most resilient hair type. It does not damage quickly, but it is very difficult to get curls in it. Since the sebum can easily pass from the scalp to the ends of the hair without the intervention of curls, it is the most oily hair structure of all types.

Hair type 2: Wavy hair
This type is not completely straight or curly. It's right in between. It is not too dry or too greasy. By looking at your curl pattern, you can determine if you have hair type 2. Wavy hair is classified into three types:

2A Fine and thin
The hair has little volume and curl definition. Products can very easily weigh down the hair, causing loss of curl. It is best to use lightweight products, such as mousses.

2B Medium curls
You can recognize this hair type by more defined curls with an S pattern. Although the hair is curly, it is mostly straight from the ends to about the middle.

2C Thick and rough
Do your curls start a little more from the scalp? And are they more defined? Then you probably have this type of hair. Type 2C has a thicker texture and is slightly more prone to pilling.

Hair type 3: Curly hair
If you wet a hair type 3, it will become very straight. When the hair has dried, the curls will come back. It is, in its natural state, easy to treat. You can easily style it with a hair dryer.

Hair type 3 is shiny with "bouncy" curls and very elastic. You can divide this hair type into 3 types:

3A Big, shiny curls
If you have this hair type, your curls will be loose and large. The shorter your hair, the less curl it has (and the straighter it is). With longer hair, the curls become more visible.

3B Bouncy curls
Do you have bouncy curls, similar to a corkscrew? Then you have hair type 3b. These curls have a lot of volume. Your hair can therefore be quite thick.

3C Strongly curled
This curl type of hair is not mentioned in Andre Walker's book, but according to many it should be mentioned. These curls are described as tight. The curls are frizzy or curled very tightly. Curl type 3c can get very dry. Still, you shouldn't put too many oils and hair butters in it, because that weighs down the hair.

TIP: Your hair may be a combination of the different hair types(3). Curly hair usually consists of a combination of different textures.*

Hair type 4: Frizzy hair
According to Andre Walker, your hair is frizzy or very curly if it falls into hair type 4. In general, this curl type is very fragile (it needs a lot of moisture). The hair appears rough, but is actually very fine. The hairs are 'wrapped' close together in large bundles. Curl type 4 will feel nice and soft if it is healthy.

This hair type can also be divided into types:
4A Thick, curly hair
You have type 4A if your hair has thick, bouncy curls. It is shaped like a crochet hook. When you stretch the curl, it has a visible S pattern.

4B Z pattern
Hair type 4b is less curly. The hair bends at sharp angles. We call it a Z pattern. The curls are less defined.

4C Shrinking curls
4C hair is similar to type 4B. Only you have less curl definition. You will also experience more shrinkage with this type.

Based on the descriptions you can determine what suits your hair best. No hair structure is the same. Maybe you have a combination of different types. In any case, it is nice to have a guideline, so that you can adjust your hair care and styling accordingly.

Also keep in mind that the right product choice and treatment techniques are not only related to your curl type. The hair porosity, thickness and length of your hair and any damage also determine how you should care for your hair. Of course you can read all about this on Mooksa.com!