Hair Type Guide
Understanding your hair type is the first step to finding the perfect salon and styling routine. Our comprehensive guide covers all hair types from straight to coily.
How to Determine Your Hair Type
Wash your hair and let it air-dry completely without any products. Once dry, examine the natural pattern of your hair. Look at the texture, curl pattern, and how much volume you have. Most people have a combination of types, so identify which pattern is most dominant.
- Always check hair when clean and product-free
- Look at the mid-lengths to ends, not just roots
- Consider taking photos in natural light
- You may have multiple hair types on different parts of your head
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
Male
Female
Male
FemaleZ-Pattern Coils
Z-shaped pattern with sharp angles instead of curves. Less defined curl pattern.
Male
FemaleDensely Coiled
Tightly packed coils with no visible curl pattern. Extremely fragile and needs moisture.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Male
FemaleLoose Curls
Well-defined, loose spiral curls about the circumference of sidewalk chalk.
Male
FemaleSpringy Curls
Well-defined ringlets about the circumference of a Sharpie marker. More volume than 3A.
Male
FemaleTight Curls
Tight corkscrew curls about the circumference of a pencil or straw. Dense with lots of volume.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Male
FemaleLoose Waves
Fine, thin hair with a slight S-shaped wave pattern. Easy to straighten or curl.
Male
FemaleDefined Waves
More defined S-shaped waves with medium texture. Waves start closer to the roots.
Male
FemaleThick Waves
Well-defined S-shaped waves with thick, coarse strands. May have some frizz.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Male
FemaleFine & Straight
Very straight, fine texture with no bend or curl. Lies flat against the scalp and tends to be oily.
Male
FemaleMedium Straight
Straight with medium thickness and some body. More volume than 1A but still very straight.
Male
FemaleCoarse Straight
Straight but coarse and thick. May have slight bends but remains predominantly straight.
Found Your Hair Type?
Now that you know your hair type, find salons that specialize in your specific needs. Our experts can help you achieve the perfect look for your unique hair texture.