Ever wondered why your amiga's hair routine doesn’t quite work for you? Or why that expensive, award-winning, "results guaranteed" brand-name shampoo didn't perform as promised? Hair is complicated because it's unique, and knowing your hair type is like having a secret ingredient in your beauty routine. It helps you choose the right products, styling techniques, and treatments to make every day a good hair day. Here's our guide to the 4 main categories and 12 subcategories of hair, and which Lu hair product works for each type.
Why Should You Care About Hair Type?
The different hair types are based on curl pattern, and the amount of curl in your hair is determined by your hair follicles. The shape of your follicle determines whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Why does all this matter? Simple. Knowing your hair type helps you choose the best hair care products for your hair, and gives you valuable insight on how best to style, maintain, and protect it.
Type 1 Hair: Straight Hair – Sleek and Shiny
1A: Super Fine and Flat
You know that sleek, straight hair you see in shampoo commercials? That’s 1A hair. It’s super fine and lies flat against your scalp.
Type 1A Hair Care Tips:
- Use lightweight, volumizing shampoos and conditioners.
- Avoid heavy products that can weigh down your hair.
- Use a styling cream for added texture and volume.
1B: Straight With Added Body
1B hair has a bit more volume and texture than 1A. It’s straight but with a little bit of body.
Type 1B Hair Care Tips:
- Use a clarifying shampoo to keep your locks fresh and bouncy.
- Choose a light styling product to avoid flattening your hair.
- Embrace natural oils and butters, like murumuru butter, for shine without the weight.
1C: Straight but Coarse
If you have thick, coarse hair, you're a 1C. This hair type is also more prone to a bit of a wave or frizz.
Type 1C Hair Care Tips:
- Use smoothing shampoos and conditioners.
- Incorporate a leave-in conditioner to keep frizz at bay.
- Consider a weekly deep conditioning treatment for added moisture.
Type 2 Hair: Waves and Bounce
2A: Loose Waves
2A hair features gentle, beachy waves. It’s the kind of hair that looks effortlessly stylish.
Type 2A Hair Care Tips:
- Use lightweight, hydrating products to define those lovely waves.
- Avoid heavy creams that can weigh down your locks.
- A sea salt spray can enhance your natural waves.
2B: Wavy with a Defined S Pattern
2B hair has more defined waves that form an S shape. It can get frizzy, especially in humid weather.
Type 2B Hair Care Tips:
- Keep the frizz at bay with styling creams or serums.
- Use a diffuser when blow-drying to enhance your natural wave pattern.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
2C: Thick and Wavy
This hair type features thick, coarse waves that tend to frizz and tangle.
Type 2C Hair Care Tips:
- Use rich, moisturizing products that provide added definition to your waves.
- Incorporate a moisturizing leave-in cream to keep those locks hydrated.
- Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb.
Type 3 Hair: Curly Hair – Spirals and Curls
Lu's Freedom Collection was made for all curly hair types, which makes it the BFF for anyone with Type 3 hair. Freedom gives curls what they need most: deep hydration and definition that enhances the natural curl pattern while adding volume to flat or dull hair.
3A: Loose, Big Curls
3A hair has large, loose curls that are full of bounce and body.
Type 3A Hair Care Tips:
- Use curl-enhancing shampoos and conditioners.
- Avoid brushing your curls to prevent frizz; use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Diffuse dry or air-dry your hair to maintain curl definition.
3B: Tight, Springy Curls
If you're rocking tighter curls that are springy and voluminous, welcome to population 3B.
Type 3B Hair Care Tips:
- Use rich, moisturizing products to keep your curls hydrated.
- Make sure to use a styling conditioner for added moisture and definition.
- Consider a silk scarf or bonnet at night to preserve your curl pattern.
3C: Tight, Corkscrew Curls
If your curl type features densely packed corkscrew curls, you're in the 3C category.
Type 3C Hair Care Tips:
- Use heavy creams and oils to keep your curls moisturized.
- Detangle when wet to avoid breakage.
- Try the “pineapple method" to preserve curls overnight.
Type 4 Hair: Coily Hair – Tight Coils and Kinks
Type 4 hair, also known as Afro-textured or kinky hair, is naturally very dense, dry and spongy in texture. It's prone to shrinkage and tends to be fragile and easily damaged. Use Rescue to protect, nourish, and renew those stressed or damaged strands.
4A: Soft, Defined Coils
4A hair has soft, defined coils that are dense and springy.
Type 4A Hair Care Tips:
- Use thick, creamy products for maximum moisture.
- Avoid heat styling to maintain curl integrity.
- Regularly deep condition to keep your coils healthy and hydrated.
4B: Z-Shaped Coils
4B hair has tighter coils that form a zigzag pattern and shrink significantly when dry.
Type 4B Hair Care Tips:
- Use heavy creams and butters for deep moisture.
- Protective styles like braids or twists can help retain length and moisture.
- Detangle gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
4C: Super Tight, Super Fragile Coils
4C hair has the tightest, most fragile coils with significant shrinkage and little defined curl pattern.
Type 4C Hair Care Tips:
- Use ultra-moisturizing products to prevent dryness and breakage.
- Protective styling is key to maintaining length and health.
- Avoid frequent manipulation to prevent damage.
Embrace Your Hair Type
Every hair type is unique and beautiful in its own way. Understanding your hair type is the first step in achieving the healthy, gorgeous hair you’ve always dreamed of. Remember, it’s not just about the products you use, but also how you treat and care for your hair on a daily basis.
Whether you have sleek, straight hair or tight, coily curls, embracing your natural hair type and learning to work with it, rather than against it, will make all the difference. Celebrate your hair’s unique characteristics and give it the love and care it deserves.
