Hair texture, especially when referring to curly hair types, generally describes the curl pattern and the thickness of individual hair strands. Curly hair is often categorized into different types based on its curl shape, which can help determine the best care and styling methods.
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\n Curl Pattern Types\n
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Type 1: Straight hair (not curly, for reference).
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Type 2: Wavy hair, with loose waves and a slight S-shape.
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Type 3: Curly hair, characterized by more defined curls. This can be further divided:
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\n3A: Loose, large curls with a lot of bounce.
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\n3B: Medium-sized curls that are tighter and more voluminous.
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\n3C: Tight curls or corkscrew patterns, often dense and thick.
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Type 4: Coily or kinky hair, which can be tightly coiled or have a zigzag pattern. This type can also be further categorized:
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\n4A: Soft, defined coils that have a bit of bounce.
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\n4B: Tighter coils that may have less definition and more of a zigzag pattern.
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\n4C: Very tightly coiled hair that can appear frizzy or undefined.
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\"Curl Typing\" is not an exact science or the only determining factor when figuring out the needs of your hair. It is also totally possible to have more than one curl pattern on your head.
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\n How can I figure out the thickness of my individual hair strands?\n
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Texture also refers to the thickness or fineness of the hair strands (diameter), which can be coarse, medium, or fine. Determining the thickness of your individual hair strands can help you understand your hair type better. Here are some easy methods you can use:
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\n Strand Test\n
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Grab a Single Hair: Take a clean, dry strand of hair. You can pull one from your head or use a strand from your hairbrush.
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Visual Comparison: Hold the hair against a ruler or measuring tape. You can also compare it to common objects:
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Results:
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Fine Hair: Much thinner than sewing thread
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Medium Hair: Similar in thickness to a piece of sewing thread
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Coarse Hair: Appears thicker than sewing thread
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\n
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\n The Paper Test\n
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Take a piece of printer paper and hold it horizontally.
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Place a single strand of hair across the paper.
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Results: If the hair strand is thinner than the paper, you likely have fine hair. If it’s about the same thickness, you have medium hair, and if it’s thicker, you have coarse hair.
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\n Feel Test\n
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Run your fingers through a section of your hair.
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Results: Fine hair typically feels soft and smooth with little to no resistance. Medium hair may feel a bit more substantial, while coarse hair will feel thicker and rougher to the touch.
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If you’re unsure, you can always consult a professional hairstylist who can assess your hair type and thickness more accurately!
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Based on your strand thickness, here are some product types and styling tips that will suit your hair needs best!
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COARSE/THICK STRANDS
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FINE/THIN STRANDS
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Use a clarifying shampoo to regularly remove product buildup
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Use a gentle cleanser and avoid over-stripping hair of moisture
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Does well with heavy/thick products when styling
\nPro Tip: Creams and gels are your friend! Work in small sections to make sure product is evenly applied \n
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Use lightweight products to avoid weighing hair down
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Be patient when detangling and best to use a detangling brush
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Be extra careful when detangling and best to use fingers or a wide-tooth comb
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Does well with most protective styles
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Avoid intensive protective styles
\nPro Tip: Try protective styles like wigs instead of doing braids or styles that might be too intensive for your hair strands\n
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Does well with most heat styling
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Use no/low heat when styling
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Here are some other key characteristics you should consider when figuring out the best products and styling techniques are for you!
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Density: This refers to how many strands grow per square inch on the scalp, affecting overall volume.
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Porosity: How well the hair absorbs and retains moisture, which can impact texture and styling.
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Understanding your hair texture is a great place to start when choosing the right products and techniques for care and styling, but be sure to also consider your hair's porosity and density for the healthiest of curls!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Medical advice should always come from your physician or a trained professional.
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\n ","created_at":"2024-10-17T12:30:05-04:00","updated_at":"2024-10-28T20:35:41-04:00","published_at":"2024-10-17T00:00:00-04:00","summary_html":"Curly hair is often categorized into different types based on its curl pattern and hair strand thickness. Let's figure out your texture and in turn the best care and styling methods for your texture.","template_suffix":"blog-post-ccc","admin_graphql_api_id":"gid://shopify/OnlineStoreArticle/631754326071"},{"id":631750197303,"tags":"My Curl Type","image":{"alt":"Wet curly hair","src":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0745/6449/articles/img-1729730972519_589101d3-abae-4532-b8be-edd6b3eaada0.jpg?v=1730158027","width":1500,"height":1000,"created_at":"2024-10-28T19:27:06-04:00"},"title":"Hair Porosity","author":"Rowan McAnoy","handle":"hair-porosity","blog_id":77695844407,"user_id":67026049,"body_html":"\n \n \n \n
\n \n
\n What is hair porosity?\n
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Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s determined by the condition of the hair cuticle, which is the outer layer of the hair shaft. There are three main levels of porosity:
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Low Porosity: Hair cuticles are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to enter. This type often resists water and products, requiring heat or more intensive treatments to help with absorption.
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Medium/Normal Porosity: Hair cuticles are in good condition and allow moisture to enter and exit as needed. This type typically requires regular care and can hold styles well.
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High Porosity: Hair cuticles are more loosely packed or damaged, leading to quick absorption of moisture but also a tendency to lose it just as quickly. This type often benefits from heavier creams and oils to help seal in moisture.
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Understanding your hair porosity can help you choose the right products and routines for optimal hair health! It is also possible for different areas of your head to contain different levels of porosity.
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\n How can I figure out the porosity of my hair?\n
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You can determine your hair porosity levels through a few simple methods:
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\n Water Test\n
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Take a clean strand of hair (preferably from your brush or comb).
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Fill a glass with water and place the hair strand in it.
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Observe:
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If it floats on the surface, you likely have low porosity.
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If it sinks slowly, you have normal porosity.
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If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity.
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\n
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\n Spray Test\n
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Spray a small section of your hair with water.
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Observe how quickly it absorbs:
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If the water beads up on the surface, you have low porosity.
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If it absorbs within a few seconds, you have normal porosity.
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If it absorbs immediately, you have high porosity.
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Still not sure? Here are some common characteristics of Low vs. High Porosity Hair.
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HIGH POROSITY
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LOW POROSITY
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Dries quickly out of the shower
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Dries slowly out of the shower
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Prone to frizz and dryness
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Minimal frizz and retains moisture
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Prone to breakage and damage
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Doesn't easily get damaged
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Absorbs product quickly
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Absorbs product slowly (sits on hair)
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Based on your porosity, here are some product types and styling tips that will suit your hair needs best!
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HIGH POROSITY
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LOW POROSITY
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Does well with high protein products
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Best with no/low protein products
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Prefers heavy/thick products
\nPro Tip: Use heavy creams and oils to seal in moisture\n
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Prefers lightweight products
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Best with no/low heat
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Can withstand higher heat
\nPro Tip: Heat can help it absorb moisture \n
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Needs lots of moisture and conditioning
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Needs less product when styling to avoid product build-up
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\n
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If you find that your hair porosity falls in the middle of these two sides, you most likely have Medium/Normal Porosity hair. You can use a mix of products to suit your needs and can be a little more relaxed when styling. Regardless of your porosity level(s), make sure to have fun when styling! You are often born with your porosity level (unless your hair is damaged) and it should be loved just as it is. 😊
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Medical advice should always come from your physician or a trained professional.
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