HAIR TYPING

Most of us have probably never read Andre Walker's "Let's Talk Hair", so you don't know much about the hair typing system. Growing up, there was only two types of hair in the conscripts of African-American textured tresses;" Good" hair and "Bad" hair. "Good hair" is still alive and very much so in the black community; this notion of a particular hair type being easier to maintain and grow, while a more prominent type amongst blacks is least likely to grow great beautiful lengths. I'm going to break down the different categorizations of hair textures so that everyone is familiar, because knowing your type is essential to proper growth. By knowing the texture and density of your individual strands, it will be easier for you to develop a routine and find products that work to satisfy your everyday hair needs. All of these are unique in their own way and equally capable of growing long luscious length, but they also have their setbacks. The less kinkier types must maintain a strong balance of hydration without overpowering oils. Oily hair will cause damage, and the hair to look limp and dirty. The more kinkier hair types require moisture at ALL TIMES! Although this type of hair is usually more voluminous, its the easiest to break due to extreme dryness.

1A-Straight Hair





Usually occurring in Asians or Caucasians. The only way an African-American can achieve this look is through heat styling, a weave or relaxing. If you relax your hair to the point where its "pin" straight, you are severely over-processed.













2A- 2C Wavy Hair
Wavy hair sticks close to the scalps. Resistant to curl all the way, but can be easily styled straight.This type (2a) also has a strong "S" pattern to it and is not very voluminous. Type 2B is very frizzy, course and harder to style.







3A-3C Curly Hair
This is usually known as the"good" hair (sheer ignorance). However, this type has a strong coil or "C" pattern to it. It ranges from tight ringlets to coils. This hair type can also be a strong combination of all textures. 3C ispretty hard to straighten and is usually no bigger than a straw in diameter. When healthy, this style can be long shiny, bouncy curls or coils. When damaged... look out!

4a-4b Kinky Coily Hair
This is probably the most common and revered type in the black community. To non-blacks, its versatility is awe-inspiring. It can go from straight and silky to woolly and full. Dreaded, Colly, straight or braided, its a hair designer's dream. Why we choose not to love the kinky, nappy, Colly hair? We don't understand it...that's why. Its the driest of the types and the least durable. The bends in the hair makes it hard for the sebum secreted from the scalp to reach the ends, coating it with its own natural sealant and because moisture cannot be kept into this hair type as easy as straight or wavy hair, it breaks.