whats your hair type?!?!?

Hey everyone! I used to stare at my hair in the mirror, wondering why some products worked wonders for my friends but did absolutely nothing for me. It turns out, understanding your hair type is the ultimate game-changer for a good hair day, every day! Many of us think we know our hair, but there's much more to learn beyond just 'straight' or 'curly.' That's where a hair type chart comes in handy – it's like a secret decoder for your strands! The most popular system is the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which classifies hair into four main types: Type 1 (Straight), Type 2 (Wavy), Type 3 (Curly), and Type 4 (Coily). Each type then has sub-categories (A, B, C) based on the tightness of the curl pattern, from loose to tight. Type 1: Straight Hair Natural shine due to sebum easily traveling down the hair shaft. 1A: Pin-straight, very fine, and soft. Difficult to hold a curl. 1B: Straight with medium texture and some body. Holds a curl better than 1A. 1C: Straight, thick, coarse, often prone to frizz. Type 2: Wavy Hair Forms an 'S' shape, falls between straight and curly. Prone to frizz. 2A: Fine, thin waves, easily straightened or curled. Subtle 'S' pattern. 2B: Medium-textured, more defined waves. 'S' pattern starts from mid-length. 2C: Thicker, coarser waves, more prone to frizz, with a defined 'S' pattern often starting closer to the scalp. Type 3: Curly Hair Distinct 'S' or 'Z' shaped curls, visible when wet. Generally prone to dryness and needs moisture. 3A: Large, loose curls, about the size of sidewalk chalk. 3B: Bouncy, springy curls, often the size of a Sharpie marker. 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls, often the size of a pencil. High density, significant shrinkage. Type 4: Coily Hair The most fragile type, very tight, small, dense coil patterns, often zig-zag. Experiences most shrinkage, needs maximum hydration. 4A: Densely packed, S-shaped coils that are clearly visible. 4B: Z-shaped coils with sharper angles, less defined S-pattern. 4C: Densely packed, very fine, zig-zag pattern coils with little to no defined curl pattern without product. Max shrinkage. Beyond the Curl Pattern: Porosity and Density While the hair type chart is a great starting point, understanding your hair's porosity (how well it absorbs moisture) and density (how many strands you have) is also crucial. Porosity Test: Drop a clean strand into water. Floats = low porosity; sinks = high porosity; floats then sinks = medium. Density Test: Look at your scalp. Easily visible = low density. Harder to see = medium/high. How to Determine Your Hair Type: The best way is to observe your natural hair when it's clean and free of products. Let it air dry completely without touching it. Look at the shape of your strands – waves, spirals, or tight coils? Compare what you see to the descriptions in the hair type chart above. It's totally normal to have a mix of types on your head! For example, I might have some 2B waves around my temples and 2C at the back. Knowing your hair type truly empowers you to choose the right products and techniques. This guide is just the beginning of your journey to healthier, happier hair. What type are you discovering you are?