LOOKSMETER · GUIDE
Hair types, explained
Straight, wavy, curly, coily - twelve subtypes cover almost every pattern. Here's how to tell which is yours, what porosity and density actually mean, and why the same routine doesn't work for every type.
The four families
Every hair typing system reduces to the same axis: how tightly the strand curls, from none at all to a tight coil.
Type 1 (Straight)
No curl pattern. 1A is stick-straight, 1B has some body, 1C shows a slight bend or a few waves near the ends.
Type 2 (Wavy)
A loose S-shape. 2A is barely-there waves, 2B more defined from mid-length, 2C strong waves close to the root, sometimes a few loose curls.
Type 3 (Curly)
Springy, well-defined curls. 3A is loose and large, 3B medium ringlets, 3C tight, densely packed corkscrews.
Type 4 (Coily)
The tightest pattern. 4A holds a defined S-coil, 4B a less-defined Z-pattern, 4C the tightest coil with the most shrinkage and least visible definition.
Porosity and density: the two numbers that matter as much as type
Type alone doesn't tell the whole story. Porosity - how readily hair absorbs and releases moisture - and density - how many strands grow per area - both shape which products and techniques actually work, independent of curl pattern.
Low porosity hair tends to look shiny and resist product buildup but takes longer to get wet or dry. High porosity hair absorbs fast, dries fast, and often needs more sealing to hold moisture. Fine/thin density can be weighed down by rich products that work well on thick/dense hair.
Why the 'right' routine is specific to your pattern
The most common hair-care mistake is following a routine built for a different type - heavy butters that suit 4C hair can weigh down 2A waves, while light leave-ins built for straight hair often can't provide enough moisture for 4B/4C patterns.
Knowing your type, porosity and density together - not type alone - is what actually predicts which wash-day technique, product category and styling approach will work for your hair specifically.
Frequently asked
How do I know my hair type?
Look at clean, dry, product-free hair in natural light. No visible curl at all is Type 1 (straight); a loose S-wave is Type 2 (wavy); a springy ringlet you could wrap around a finger is Type 3 (curly); a tight coil or Z-pattern with little visible definition is Type 4 (coily). The A/B/C within each type tracks how loose (A) to tight (C) the pattern is.
Is one hair type better than another?
No - this is purely descriptive. Every type from 1A to 4C requires its own care approach, and none is a 'better' or 'worse' starting point. The entire point of knowing your type is picking products and techniques that actually work with your pattern instead of fighting it.
What's the difference between hair type and porosity?
Type describes the curl pattern's shape - straight, wavy, curly or coily. Porosity describes how the hair shaft absorbs and holds moisture, independent of shape: low porosity hair resists moisture and product but holds a style well; high porosity hair absorbs fast, dries fast, and often reads frizzier. Two people with the same type can have very different porosity.
Why do wash-day results vary so much between hair types?
Because the underlying need is different: straighter hair typically holds less moisture and can weigh down under heavy product; coilier hair typically needs more moisture and holds a lighter product poorly. Following a routine built for a different type is the most common reason 'this product doesn't work for me' happens.
Can my hair type change?
The follicle shape that produces your pattern is largely genetic and stable, but how the pattern actually presents can shift with damage, heat styling, chemical treatments, hormones, and even length - which is part of why a photo read can differ from someone's 'original' type after years of styling.
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This page is general information about facial aesthetics terminology, not medical or cosmetic advice. Scores from our tools are AI-generated estimates for entertainment and self-reflection.