There are so many different hair types; it can be challenging to know what yours is, let alone how to care for it! This guide will take you through the process of identifying your hair type and give you some helpful suggestions on products and tools you can use to achieve healthy, shiny locks daily. Once you know your hair type, you’ll be ready to make all your hair styling dreams come true!
The follicle and shaft
The hair follicle is a sheath-like structure that contains immature hair fibres. When hormones stimulate the follicle, it releases oil (sebum) and prompts an increase in melanin production. The shaft of each hair is made up of three layers: cuticle, cortex, and medulla. Generally, there are two main types of hair: straight and curly. Curly or wavy hair grows in a circular pattern, whereas straight hair has a more linear way.
The hair strand
Each strand of hair has a different composition, which is why you see various hair types. Straight hair can be dense or wispy with layers, frizzy or wavy, depending on how curly it is. On the other hand, curly hair is quite fluffy with tight curls that are unpredictable. And then there’s oily hair, which tends to have elongated curls that don’t move much. Various factors influence your curl types, like age and ethnicity.
Hair cuticles
Human hair generally falls into four main types: curly, oily hair and straight hair, wavy & frizzy hair men and women. The most common hair type is straightforward because it takes less time to maintain. Curly is more difficult because it will grow in all different directions and kinks. Wavy can be tamed with proper care but can be a tad more sensitive than other types of locks.
Diameter of each strand
Your hair strands come in all different sizes, but two key measurements determine how your hair type will fare. The diameter of a strand can be described as how wide it is. A strand with a diameter of five inches would be considered thick.
Forming waves or curls (two sentences)]
The width of each strand also determines whether your hair is wavy or curly. Curly strands have a minor diameter, while wavy strands have an average size in this category.
The elasticity of each strand
Fine hair has a low elasticity, which means it’s less likely to retain moisture and become frizzy. This hair type is better off using light but frequent washes with sulfate-free products. You should avoid heavy oils as this may make hair even greasy than it already is. Curly or wavy hair has a medium elasticity, meaning that these hairs are typically smoother but still prone to frizzing in dry climates.
Curl pattern
If you are experiencing curly or wavy hair, try adding a small amount of conditioner when shampooing or use a curly or wavy product. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, start with a wide-tooth comb, so you do not tug on your curls or waves. You may also want to consider using serums, which can help reduce frizz and control flyaways by coating your strands with a conditioning formula.
Porosity
The first step in caring for your hair is determining your hair type. If you have curly or wavy hair, chances are it’s on the dry end of the spectrum, and you should be focusing on hydrating it more. On days when your hair feels more dry than usual, start with a conditioning treatment with deep-cleansing properties (i.e., clarifying shampoo). Rinse thoroughly and leave it in longer to get much-needed hydration without weighing down delicate waves.
Density
For thick, wavy hair, use a leave-in conditioner or cream. If you have curly hair, start by removing tangles from your wet hair before drying. Always comb while your hair is damp if it is prone to static electricity. For finer-haired people with frizz, limit washing every other day and use silicone products.
Read also: Heat Damaged Hair with Tips on How to Repair It
Protein content in your diet impacts your hair’s health
To ensure healthy hair, a high protein diet is essential. Protein gives hair its shape, strength, thickness, elasticity, texture, and colour. If you lack protein in your diet, it will show in your hair. Lack of protein can make your curly or wavy hair more coarse, dull or lifeless, which is never a good look!
Conclusion
If you have curly or wavy hair, here are some of the best products you can use to reduce frizz. Stay tuned for those with curly hair because we’ll address your needs in a future blog post!
- Put in a deep conditioner after washing
- Use a smoothing cream before blow drying
- Apply the anti-frizz serum before blow drying
