Introduction
Most people guess their hair type wrong and base their care on social media recommendations and artificial intelligence (AI) responses. We tend to follow influencers with no specific background or chat with AI more and more. We’ve even started to deny doctors and lawyers, believing that AI will do better.
The thing is, simply influenced by an influencer, we can squander money on expensive products that have no effect on our hair. So, before running back and forth to find the best beauty salon or professionals, learn how to identify your hair type among the 1A-4C hair type charts.
Where the Hair Typing System Comes From
The hair typing system originated in the 1990s. A famous American hairdresser, Andre Walker, known for his perfect collaborations with top celebrities, has devised a system that is now in active use. He adopted a categorization system using alphanumeric codes ranging from 1A to 4C. He used 4 types (1-4) and 3 subcategories (A-C). The numbers stand for hair categories: 1-straight, 2-wavy, 3-curly, 4-coily, while letters stand for the variation within that category.
This specific hair type has nothing to do with medical or scientific classification; it’s pure styling shorthand.
Type 1: Straight Hair (1A, 1B, 1C)
The first hair type is straight hair. Its textures can be identified by three categories: 1A, 1B, and 1C. 1A is defined as thin and delicate hair. 1B is a halfway type and slightly thicker. 1C is thick and usually the shiniest due to the easy access of skin oils to the hair tips.
Type 2: Wavy Hair (2A, 2B, 2C)
This category includes wavy hair. This hair texture varies from thin to thick and frizzy. 2A is characterized by delicate "S"-shaped waves, not really defined or voluminous. 2B has more defined waves that get tighter toward the tips. 2C has fully voluminous and perfectly defined "S" waves.
Type 3: Curly Hair (3A, 3B, 3C)
This is the curly hair category. 3A is defined as "round S" and is more prone to frizz and loss of definition. 3B texture is tighter and is usually thicker and more voluminous. 3C is tight and well-defined with a springy, corkscrew shape. With a tendency toward volume, it is prone to dryness and frizz and benefits from plenty of moisture.
Type 4: Coily Hair (4A, 4B, 4C)
This type is more commonly known as kinky or afro hair. Spiral curls with "Z"-shaped edges feature two different textures: 4A and 4B. 4A has tight spirals, thin texture, and a perfectly defined "S" shape with high density and high brittleness. 4B category is characterized by a "Z" structure, with less defined curls. 4C is very tight, densely packed coils with a less-defined curl pattern, prone to dryness and shrinkage, like the 4A and 4B types.
How to Identify Your Type at Home
Identifying your hair type isn’t hard. After washing them, just let them air-dry without brushing, stretching, or using any care products. Look closely at your hair when it is completely dry to see whether it is curly, coily, or straight. Checking one section isn’t enough. Give a careful look at your crown, nape, sides, and front. In many cases, some areas of the head may have tighter curls than in others. Here, there is nothing to worry about, as many people may have two to three hair types at the same time.
For example, you might have looser curls around the front and tighter coils near the nape. Don’t strive for one type; understand your natural pattern so you can choose the right products and techniques when styling your hair. Your goal isn’t to fit your hair into one perfect category—it’s to understand its natural pattern so you can choose products and styling techniques that work for you.
Type vs. Porosity vs. Texture: Don’t Confuse Them
Along with the hair type, it’s important to know texture and porosity. Each of these factors describes something different. So knowing the difference can make choosing hair products much easier and more effective.
Let’s make it more detailed. Your hair type describes your curl or coil pattern. Texture refers to the thickness of the strands, while porosity indicates the level of moisture absorption and retention.
Each of these factors goes deeper, with subcategories and in-depth details. This is why shopping for hair products based on curl type alone isn’t always enough. Pattern, strand thickness, and moisture needs all matter.
Conclusion
To sum up, knowing hair type charts isn’t just additional information; it's a secret to healthy, beautiful hair. Even if you think it’s just a label, start your care routine according to your exact hair type, and you will feel all the difference. Many of us harm our hair and don’t get the most from nature's gifts because we fight our hair instead of working with its pattern. Start by identifying your hair type, whether it’s curly or wavy, and the level of porosity, and choose your hair care products perfectly aligned with your hair type. Do not worry, we can help you to build a hair care routine!
FAQ
Can you have more than one hair type on your head?
Definitely. We can have thick texture on one part of our head and comparatively loose texture on the other. This is perfectly normal.
Does hair type change over time?
Yes, it can change because of the harm we cause. Also, age can affect our hair type; as we age, we may lose texture and thickness. When it comes to bleaching or other styling techniques, they can also affect our hair type if done incorrectly.
Is the hair typing system scientifically accurate?
Walker’s hair typing system isn’t medical or scientific. It is widely used in the beauty and hair care industries.
What’s the difference between hair type and hair texture?
Hair type is your pattern, whether you have straight, curly, or coily hair, while texture is the thickness of each strand.
Do styling products work differently for each hair type?
Definitely. That’s why you need to properly examine the products and learn more about your hair type. Knowing your hair type helps you work with your hair, not against it, and get the most from nature.
