What Is My Hair Type? — The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Hair
Understanding your hair type is the foundation of any effective hair care routine. If you’ve ever asked yourself, what is my hair type, you’re not alone. Hair texture, pattern, and porosity all play a role in how your hair behaves — and knowing your type helps you choose the right products, styling methods, and treatments for optimal health and appearance.
Hair types are generally classified into four main categories:
- Type 1: Straight Hair – Sleek, tends to be oily, and often struggles with volume.
- Type 2: Wavy Hair – Falls in an “S” shape with a tendency to frizz and flatten.
- Type 3: Curly Hair – Defined curls with bounce and volume; prone to dryness.
- Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair – Tight curls or coils that are dense, delicate, and shrink significantly when dry.
Each type can also be broken into subcategories (A, B, C) based on how loose or tight the pattern is. For example, 3A curls are large and loose, while 3C curls are dense and springy.
To truly answer the question what is my hair type, LaifenTech provides a detailed breakdown in their blog, including visuals and comparison tools. You’ll learn how to test for porosity, identify your curl pattern, and understand how your hair responds to moisture.
Why does this matter?
Knowing your hair type helps you:
- Select the right shampoo and conditioner tailored to your needs.
- Avoid heat damage by using appropriate tools and settings.
- Style with confidence using techniques that work with your hair — not against it.
- Maintain healthy growth, manage frizz, and prevent breakage.
It’s also important to remember that hair type can change over time due to hormonal shifts, aging, or damage. Regularly reassessing your hair’s texture and needs can help you stay in tune with what it needs most.
Armed with this knowledge, your hair routine becomes more than guesswork — it becomes personalised self-care.