Discover Your Unique Hair Type

By Kelsey Morey

Your Hair Type is Unique!

Find yours and learn what products are best for you below!

Before diving into any hair care regimen, it's essential to understand your hair type. Different textures, thicknesses, and levels of hydration require tailored approaches. According to celebrity stylist Jen Atkin, known for her work with the Kardashians, identifying your hair type allows you to select products that cater to its specific needs. Knowing your hair type sets the foundation for a successful hair care routine. To determine your hair type, start by observing the natural texture and behavior of your hair when it's freshly washed and air-dried, without any styling products.

Here are the 4 main hair types:

·      Straight Hair: Straight hair typically lacks significant curl or wave and tends to lie flat against the scalp. It reflects light well, often giving it a glossy appearance.

·      Wavy Hair: Wavy hair features gentle S-shaped waves that may vary in intensity and frequency. It falls somewhere between straight and curly hair textures.

·      Curly Hair: Curly hair forms ringlets, spirals, or coils. The curls can range from loose to tight, and they often have a more defined shape compared to wavy hair.

·      Coily or Kinky Hair: Coily or kinky hair has tight, densely packed curls or coils. This hair type is often characterized by its voluminous texture and can range from tight coils to zig-zag patterns.

Here are the type of hair products you should be using based on your hair type:

Styling products can vary based on individual preferences and desired outcomes, but here are some general recommendations for each of the four main hair types:

·      Straight Hair:

o   Lightweight volumizing mousses or sprays to add body without weighing down the hair. These are great before blowdrying.

o   Smoothing serums or creams to tame frizz and add shine. These are great post-blowdrying or styling, if using hot tools.

o   Heat protectant sprays to shield hair from damage during heat styling. Use these always so you avoid cooking your hair like an egg on a pan!

·      Wavy Hair:

o   Texturizing sprays or sea salt sprays to enhance and define natural waves. Brush, add spray, scrunch, twist certain sections for more definition, spray again to hold.

o   Curl-enhancing creams or gels to encourage wave formation and reduce frizz. Add this and scrunch after brushing, or avoid brushing entirely depending on how your hair behaves.

o   Leave-in conditioners to add moisture and control to wavy hair. These are great before blowdrying or straightening for added control that won’t add weight.

·      Curly Hair:

o   Curl-defining creams to enhance and define curls while reducing frizz. After brushing, or not brushing at all, add this cream in a scrunching and twisting motion to damp hair.

o   Moisturizing leave-in conditioners to hydrate and soften curls. This is great before blowdrying or by itself to cut down on frizz.

o   Curl-refreshing sprays or mists to revive curls between washes without weighing them down. This is a fabulous way to look like you had a wash day when in reality you skipped it. Go low maintenance!

·      Coily or Kinky Hair:

o   Rich, creamy moisturizers or leave-in conditioners to hydrate and soften tightly coiled hair. You definitely need something heavier on a coily texture to weigh the hair down. Unless, you want an afro-look which is cool and can be very chic! In that case, a light protective oil mist is fine.

o   Curl-enhancing creams, gels or styling custards to define and elongate curls while minimizing shrinkage. These products trap in moisture. Moisture = frizz and lack of definition. You can actually stretch out and dictate your curl pattern yourself by twirling the hair around your fingers.

o   Natural oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter to seal in moisture and add shine to coily hair. This is to be used on top of a cream based product. Oils will trap in moisture. If you only use an oil, it will add weight and actually push out the water (as it is hydrophobic, yes we paid attention in chemistry class!) from your strands. Moisture by itself will cause frizz, but moisture in balance with an oil is perfect for shiny, healthy and smooth feeling hair.

It's important to remember that experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect combination of products for your hair type and desired style. Additionally, consider factors such as climate, humidity levels, and personal preferences when selecting styling products. Here is a helpful website that shows humidity levels across the US. The higher the humidity in your area, the heavier products you will need. Try different amounts and types of products to find your best fit.

Happy styling!

Xx

Kelsey

Sources:

Atkin, Jen. "How to Identify Your Hair Type and Why It's Important." ManeAddicts, www.maneaddicts.com/2018/07/30/how-to-identify-your-hair-type/