Have you ever wondered what your hair type really is? Do you fall into one of the main types, or are you somewhere in between? No matter your hair type, it’s important to know how to care for it so that it stays looking its best. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about determining your hair type and teaching you how to choose the right products and techniques to keep your hair healthy and happy!
Assess texture
Is your hair curly, wavy, or straight? The answer to this question can help you determine your hair type. But it’s not as simple as that. There are actually many different types of curly hair, for example, and not all wavy hair is the same. In general, though, your hair type will fall into one of three categories: straight, wavy, or curly. Here’s a closer look at each
Assess dryness
If your hair is prone to tangles, feels dry and/or brittle, or lacks shine, then it’s likely that you have dry hair. The main causes of dry hair are environmental factors (such as heat damage and over-processing) and genetics. To get to the bottom of your dryness issue, start by assessing how often you wash and style your hair, as well as what products you’re using. If you’re using harsh sulfates or not enough conditioner, that could be the culprit. If you frequently use heat tools or expose your hair to the sun without protection, that could also be causing dryness. Ultimately, if you’re not sure what’s causing your dryness, it’s best to consult with a professional.
Assess porosity
One way to determine your hair type is by assessing your hair’s porosity. This refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. To test your hair’s porosity, take a single strand of clean, dry hair and place it in a bowl of water. If the strand sinks, your hair is porous and absorbs moisture easily. If it floats, your hair is low porosity and does not absorb moisture as readily. Lastly, if it sinks but takes a while to do so, your hair is considered normal porosity.
Assess elasticity
To assess your hair’s elasticity, take a small section of clean, dry hair and gently stretch it. If your hair stretches more than 50 percent before breaking, then you have high elasticity. If it stretches between 25 and 50 percent before breaking, you have medium elasticity. If it stretches less than 25 percent or doesn’t stretch at all before breaking, you have low elasticity.
It’s time to test the waters
If you’re not sure what hair type you have, it’s time to do a little experiment. Take a strand of your hair and place it in a glass of water. Wait a few minutes and observe what happens. If your hair floats, you have low porosity hair. If it sinks and then rises back up, you have medium porosity hair. If it sinks and doesn’t rise back up, you have high porosity hair.
