Proper hair care starts with understanding your hair type. This knowledge influences the choice of care products and styling methods, ensuring a healthy look and good hair structure. Let’s explore the main hair types and how to determine them.
Main Hair Types
Hair can be classified by several criteria: oiliness, thickness, porosity, and curl pattern.
1. By Oiliness Level
Dry Hair:
- Brittle, prone to split ends.
- Appears dull and lifeless.
- Scalp often itches and flakes.
Oily Hair:
- Becomes greasy quickly after washing.
- Has a characteristic shine.
- Appears heavy and unkempt.
Normal Hair:
- Looks healthy and shiny.
- Does not split or break easily.
- Easy to style.
Combination Hair:
- Oily roots with dry ends.
- Requires a special approach in care.
2. By Hair Thickness
Fine Hair:
- Easily tangled.
- Lacks volume.
- Often appears weak and lifeless.
Medium Thickness Hair:
- Has moderate volume.
- Easy to style.
- Looks healthy.
Thick Hair:
- Has significant volume.
- Difficult to style.
- Often appears dense and heavy.
3. By Porosity
Low Porosity:
- Water and care products penetrate poorly.
- Hair takes a long time to dry.
- Has a healthy shine.
Medium Porosity:
- Easily absorbs and retains moisture.
- Styles and colors well.
- Looks healthy.
High Porosity:
- Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.
- Often damaged and brittle.
- Requires intensive care.
4. By Curl Pattern
Straight Hair:
- Has a smooth texture.
- Appears shiny.
- Does not tangle.
Wavy Hair:
- Has light waves.
- Easy to style.
- Appears voluminous.
Curly Hair:
- Has springy curls.
- Often dry and porous.
- Requires intensive hydration.
Kinky Hair:
- Has tight curls or spirals.
- Prone to dryness.
- Requires intensive care.
How to Determine Your Hair Type
- Observe Your Hair Between Washes: If your hair becomes oily within one to two days, it is likely oily. If it stays clean for more than three days, it is probably dry.
- Porosity Test: Take a single strand of hair and place it in a glass of water. If the strand sinks, it has high porosity. If it floats, it has low porosity.
- Thickness Test: Take a single strand of hair between your fingers. If you can barely feel it, the hair is fine. If you can feel it well, the hair is of medium or thick.
- Styling Observation: If your hair styles easily and holds shape, it is likely of medium thickness or thick. If it quickly loses shape, it is probably fine.
Knowing your hair type helps you choose the right care products and ensure its health and beauty. Remember that each hair type requires an individual approach and care, so it is important to correctly determine its characteristics.
