Confused about your hair type? Here's a guide!

Understanding What Products Will Bring Out the Best in Your Hair

When it comes to finding the right haircare routine, understanding your hair type is the first and most important step. Using products that don't match your hair type can lead to lackluster results—whether that means greasy roots, frizzy hair, limp volume, or curls that just won’t cooperate. But when you tailor your routine to your hair’s specific needs, the difference can be transformational. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify your hair type, and recommend the best treatments and products to bring out its full potential.

Why Knowing Your Hair Type Matters

From selecting the best hair treatment to choosing between lightweight or intensive conditioners, your hair type influences every product choice. Understanding your texture, thickness, porosity, and overall hair condition helps you:

• Treat scalp or strand issues (like dryness, oiliness, or breakage)
• Choose the right styling products
• Get the most out of your shampoo and conditioner
• Solve problems like frizzy hair, thin hair, or undefined curls

The Four Basic Hair Types

Hair is generally categorized into four types, with several subcategories based on curl pattern and texture. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Type 1: Straight Hair

1A: Fine, flat, and often oily. This hair type can be weighed down easily by heavy products.

1B: Straight but with more volume and thickness.

1C: Coarse and thick, more prone to frizz.

Best for: Volumising shampoos, lightweight conditioners, dry shampoos.

Avoid: Heavy oils and thick creams that may weigh the hair down.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

2A: Loose waves, usually fine and easy to straighten.

2B: More defined S-shaped waves, prone to frizz.

2C: Thick, coarse waves, with more volume and potential curl.

Best for: Curl-enhancing mousses, anti-frizz serums, leave-in conditioners.

Hair treatment tip: Try lamellar water or hydration-based masks once a week to define your waves without adding weight.

Type 3: Curly Hair

3A: Loose, springy curls with shine.

3B: Tighter ringlets, more prone to frizzy hair and dryness.

3C: Tight corkscrew curls, thick and densely packed.

Best for: Sulfate-free shampoos, deep moisturising conditioners, curl creams, leave-in sprays.

Hair treatment tip: Curly hair thrives on moisture. Look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil.

Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair

4A: Soft, defined coils.

4B: Z-shaped coils, less defined.

4C: Tight coils with little to no definition, prone to shrinkage and dryness.

Best for: Cream-based moisturisers, leave-in conditioners, oils like argan or castor, and rich hair masks.

Hair treatment tip: Use protein treatments and hydrating masks alternately to strengthen and nourish coily hair.

How to Determine Your Hair Type

Here are a few simple ways to assess your hair type at home:

1. The Strand Test

Take a single strand of hair between your fingers:

• If you can barely feel it, you likely have fine or thin hair.
• If it feels sturdy and thick, you may have coarse or medium hair.

2. The Wash & Dry Test

Wash your hair and let it air dry without any products:

• If it dries straight, you're likely Type 1.
• If it dries with a wave, you're Type 2.
• If curls form, you're Type 3 or 4.

3. The Oil Test

After washing your hair, don't apply products. Check your roots after 24 hours:

• Oily roots = possibly straight or fine hair.
• Dry, flaky roots = textured or curly hair that needs hydration.

4. The Porosity Test

Take a clean strand of hair and place it in a bowl of water:

• Floats = Low porosity (resistant to moisture).
• Sinks slowly = Normal porosity.
• Sinks quickly = High porosity (absorbs moisture quickly but may be damaged).

Choosing the Right Products for Your Hair Type

Once you know your type, you can curate your haircare routine more confidently.

If You Have Thin Hair:

• Use volumising shampoos and lightweight conditioners.
• Avoid thick creams or oils.
• Try mousse or spray-based styling products for lift.

If You Have Frizzy Hair:

• Look for products with anti-humidity ingredients.
• Incorporate smoothing serums or lamellar water treatments.
• Use microfibre towels to reduce frizz post-shower.

If You Have Curly Hair:

• Opt for curl creams, deep conditioners, and leave-in treatments.
• Use a diffuser when blow-drying.
• Avoid sulfates and silicones to keep curls healthy.

If You Frequently Heat Style:

• Use heat protectants before blow drying, curling, or straightening.
• Try bond-repair or protein-rich masks weekly.

Recommended Product Types by Hair Concern

Concern	Suggested Products
Dryness	Hydrating shampoos, leave-in treatments, hair masks
Frizz	Smoothing serums, anti-humidity sprays, lamellar water
Flat Hair	Root-lifting sprays, volumising mousses, dry shampoo
Damaged Hair	Protein treatments, bond-building elixirs, heat protectant creams
Curly Hair	Curl-defining creams, sulfate-free cleansers, co-washes

Explore our collection of hair treatments designed for every hair type and concern.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Hair Type

Every hair type is beautiful when treated with the care it needs. Whether you’re fighting frizz, looking to revive thin hair, or searching for the best way to define your curly hair, the key is matching your products to your hair’s natural texture and condition.

Still not sure where to start? Feel free to contact us below and our trusted professionals will do their best to help you out!

Ready to transform your routine? Shop salon-quality products curated for your hair type on Style Haircare today.