Similar to skin types, there are distinct hair types—but we’re not talking about dry or oily, because that refers to the amount of oil your scalp naturally produces. Instead, the hair types we’re referring to have to do with hair texture, which ranges from straight to coily.
Determining your hair type
To start, experts recommend evaluating your hair while it’s wet to observe its natural behavior as well as its pattern and thickness. Fun fact: This hair-typing system was created by Oprah Winfrey’s hairstylist, Andre Walker.
Straight hair (Type 1)
Straight hair appears exactly how it sounds, meaning it lies flat and lacks any curl or wave. Healthy, straight hair has the most shine and least frizz as compared to other hair types. Another test to confirm you truly have straight hair is to use a curling iron or rollers. If your hair struggles to hold its shape after styling with these methods, it’s most definitely straight. Straight hair can be fine or coarse.
Wavy hair (Type 2)
Wavy hair has a loose “S” or “C”-shaped shape. It generally has more movement than straight hair, but it’s not as dense as curly or coily hair. Wavy hair can be more prone to frizz, and it can range from fine to thick. There are several variations of wavy hair, which is why there are three distinct types.
Type 2A: This type of wavy hair is mostly straight from the roots down to the face with loose waves at the ends.
Type 2B: If your waves appear from your mid-lengths to the ends, you may have type 2B hair, which tends to have a visibly defined “S” shape.
Type 2C: With the most defined pattern of all wavy hair, 2C hair has strong “S”-shaped curls from the roots to ends.
Curly hair (Type 3)
Just as there are sub-types of wavy hair, all curly hair doesn’t fall into one category. Curls can range from loose to corkscrews, and span the spectrum from fine to coarse as well. With the increase in volume comes a higher likelihood of frizz.
Type 3A: The widest curls fall into this category. When you do the “wet” test, brushing 3A hair out will diminish its curl pattern and leave frizz behind.
Type 3B: For the sake of comparison, 3B curls are roughly the size of a magic marker, and they tend to have a lot of volume and bounce.
Type 3C: These tight curls are about the width of a straw and have a corkscrew-like shape that’s springy.
Coily hair (Type 4)
Coily hair is dense and can be up to three times longer when it is pulled straight. This hair type can also have a zig-zag pattern, and its interlocking coils tend to curl up and out.
Type 4A: These curls are tight and springy like type 3C, but the diameter is closer to that of a knitting needle.
Type 4B: This type of coily hair has a distinct zig-zag pattern.
Type 4C: With the smallest and tightest coils, 4C hair is also the most delicate.
Caring for your hair type
The beauty of SEEN is that our products have all types and textures of hair covered. Our sulfate-free Shampoo effectively cleanses (with lots of lather) without stripping straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair of its natural oils. Our Conditioner is ideal for all hair types, and those whose hair needs extra hydration love our Deeper Conditioner. SEEN also offers two styling cream options for straight strands and curls—plus Magic Serum to instantly give all hair extra smoothness and shine.
Best of all, SEEN makes the most of all hair textures while being safe for sensitive skin and eliminating the worry about clogged pores caused by haircare products (which can lead to breakouts). Consider SEEN a win-win for your hair and skin.
