What Hair Type Do I Have?

Maybe you're just starting your natural hair journey. Maybe your hair has been natural but you want to take better care of your curls and coils. You're probably filled with questions about so many things. The most important question being where do you start? Start by learning about your hair. More specifically learn what your hair type is.
But first, what is hair typing and why is it important? Does it even matter anymore?
The hair typing system we know and use today was created in the 90's by Oprah Winfrey's stylist, Andre Walker. It is a way to classify the way your hair curls. Though Walker's system has in recent times received some critique from the natural hair community, it still matters. This is because the more you know about your hair - the better you can care for it.

- Wash your hair. Get rid of any product that may manipulate your curls. You'll want to ensure your hair is healthy and not damaged. Damaged hair will not accurately show your curl pattern.
- Section your curls in the different parts of your head, the apex which is the front, your nape which is the very back, your crown which is in the middle of your head, and your sides.
- Separate a single strand within each area.
- Hold a white paper up behind the strand and observe the way it curls. Match the curl to the chart to identify the curl patterns in your hair.
- Allow your hair to air dry, then repeat steps 2 through 4. (This is important because some hair types curl differently when wet vs when dry, type 3 hair is a prime example of this.)
Most natural hair product companies create hair care products with your hair's curl type in mind. Knowing your curl type will help you to better pick products that will work for your hair. Check out the Crowns & Contours Caribbean Coils Collection for natural hair products for curly hair, coily hair, and kinky hair types. You know your hair type, now what's next? Do you know your hair density or hair porosity? Time to learn that next!
Leave a comment