There are various types of hair, ranging from straight, wavy, curly, and curly hair. Knowing your hair type is important, because every hair type requires different care.
Hair type is based on the pattern of your curls. Meanwhile, the pattern of this curl is determined by the shape of your hair follicles. The more asymmetrical the shape of your hair follicles, the curlier your hair will be.
This form of hair follicle is inherited from family history or genetics. This means that if both of your parents had curly hair, you are more likely to have this type of hair too.
Various types of hair and how to care for them
As mentioned earlier, based on its shape, hair is divided into four types, namely straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, and curly hair. These four hair types will then be further divided into several types based on the size of your curls.
A complete explanation of the four types of hair and how to care for them will be described below:
1. Straight hair type (type 1)
Straight hair is the type of hair that has no natural curls at all. Although each strand of hair may have a different level of smoothness and thickness, all straight strands will fall without waves from root to tip.
In addition, straight hair also tends to be oilier than other hair types. The reason is, the oil will be easier and faster to flow in straight hair shafts.
You can treat straight hair in the following ways:
- Avoid using products that contain excess oil.
- Avoid shampooing or washing your hair too often.
- Use shampoo and conditioner specifically for straight hair.
2. Wavy hair type (type 2)
This hair type is further divided into several types according to the size of the hair wave, including:
hair type 2A
Hair type 2A is a type of hair that consists of straight and wavy hair. People who have this type of hair generally have straight hair starting from the roots of the hair to around the eyes, then from under the eyes to the ends of the hair there are usually loose and irregular waves.
hair type 2B
Similar to hair type 2A, hair type 2B is also a combination of straight hair and waves. However, the difference lies in where the hair waves start.
Starting from the roots of the hair to the middle of the hair, usually the hair is still straight, only after that there are waves that are denser and more regular like the letter S.
hair type 2C
The 2C hair type is the type of hair whose waves look the tightest and clearest. The wave pattern of this hair type can be seen from the roots to the tips of the hair. 2C wave hair is also usually thicker and prone to frizz in humid weather.
If you have wavy hair, whether type 2A, 2B, or 2C, you can treat it by avoiding oil or cream-based products. Instead, use gel-based hair care products. In addition, also use anti-moisture products.
3. Type of curly hair (type 3)
Curly hair can be divided into three types, namely:
- hair type 3A
Type 3A hair is a type of curly hair that has a shape resembling a loose spiral. The curls in this hair type are about the size of a large wax rod.
hair type 3B
This is a type of curly hair that is spiral in shape with a circular diameter about the size of a highlighter. The curls in this hair type start from the roots to the tips of the hair and are quite thick in volume. The characteristics of this hair type will be very visible when the hair is in a damp state.
3C hair type
This hair type has curls that are tight and fairly defined, and the circumference is about the size of a straw.
Caring for curls, whether curly hair type 3A, 3B, or 3C, you can do in the following ways:
- Avoid brushing your hair too often, as this can lead to tangles and breakage.
- Avoid braiding your hair too often.
- Avoid using products containing silicone and sulfuric acid.
- Use a leave-in conditioner after every wash.
4. Curly hair type (type 4)
Curly hair can be divided into three types, namely:
hair type 4A
This is the first type of curly hair. Type 4A's hair has a pattern of tight, small curls, about the size of a chopstick circle.
hair type 4B
Type 4B curly hair has a zigzag or small Z-shaped curly pattern.
hair type 4C
This is the type of hair that has the most dense and brittle curls. Type 4C hair is also very easy to tangle, especially if you brush it too often or roughly.
To maintain the health and moisture of curly hair, both types 4A, 4B, 4C, you can use a leave-in conditioner and use a hair mask. deep conditioning.
Regardless of your hair type, you can experiment and try different hair care products that work best with your hair.
However, if in doubt about choosing a hair care product, you can consult a doctor. That way, the doctor can recommend hair care products that suit your hair type and problem.