Introduction
We all have different hair types, from thin and straight to thick and curly. It’s important to recognize your own hair type in order to take care of it properly. Understanding your hair type can help you determine the best products to use, as well as the most effective styling techniques. In this article, we’ll explore how to figure out your hair type by analyzing the characteristics of your hair, such as texture, shine, density, porosity, and elasticity.
Identify the Characteristics of Your Hair
The first step in figuring out your hair type is to examine the characteristics of your hair. This includes analyzing the texture, shine, and density of your strands.
Analyze the Texture of Your Hair
The texture of your hair can tell you a lot about its type. Fine hair is soft, thin, and delicate, while coarse hair is thicker and more robust. Medium hair falls somewhere in between, and has a slightly thicker texture than fine hair. To get an accurate assessment of your hair texture, run your fingers through your strands and pay close attention to the way they feel.
Examine the Shine of Your Hair
Another characteristic that can indicate your hair type is its shine. Shiny hair tends to be softer and smoother, while dull hair is typically more coarse and brittle. To assess the shine of your hair, observe it in natural light or under a lamp. Compare the shine of your hair to that of other people with similar hair types.
Consider the Density of Your Hair
The density of your hair refers to how thick or thin it is. Thin hair will appear sparse and wispy, while thick hair will be fuller and more voluminous. To get an accurate assessment of your hair density, part it in several sections and analyze the amount of hair in each section.
Investigate Your Hair’s Porosity
Porosity is another important factor to consider when determining your hair type. Porosity is the ability of your hair to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair absorbs moisture easily but also loses it quickly, while low porosity hair has difficulty absorbing moisture but can retain it longer.
Take a Strand Test
One way to test your hair’s porosity is to take a strand test. To do this, take a single strand of your hair and place it in a bowl of water. If it sinks to the bottom, your hair has high porosity. If it floats on the surface, your hair has low porosity. If it sinks then floats back up, your hair has medium porosity.
Consider the Amount of Time it Takes for Your Hair to Dry
Another way to test your hair’s porosity is to observe the amount of time it takes for your hair to dry after washing. High porosity hair will dry quickly, while low porosity hair will take longer to dry. Medium porosity hair will usually take a few hours to dry.
Analyze Your Strands’ Elasticity
Elasticity refers to the ability of your hair to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking. Low elasticity hair is prone to breakage, while high elasticity hair is more resilient. To test your hair’s elasticity, perform a tug test.
Perform a Tug Test
To perform a tug test, grab a small section of your hair and gently pull it away from your scalp. If your hair stretches significantly before snapping back into place, your hair has high elasticity. If it snaps back into place immediately, your hair has low elasticity. If it stretches slightly before snapping back, your hair has medium elasticity.
Research the Elasticity of Different Hair Types
Once you’ve determined your hair’s elasticity, research the elasticity of different hair types to get an idea of where yours falls. Generally speaking, fine hair has low elasticity, medium hair has medium elasticity, and coarse hair has high elasticity.
Examine the Texture of Your Hair
The texture of your hair can also give you clues about its type. There are three common textures: coarse, medium, and fine. To determine your hair’s texture, run your fingers through it and pay close attention to the way it feels.
Determine if Your Hair is Coarse, Medium, or Fine
Coarse hair is thick and often appears wiry. Medium hair is thicker than fine hair, but not as thick as coarse hair. Fine hair is soft and delicate. To get a better idea of your hair’s texture, compare it to pictures of different hair types.
Check the Curl Pattern of Your Hair
Your hair’s curl pattern can also provide clues about its type. Curly hair is often thicker and more resilient than straight hair, while wavy hair falls somewhere in between. To determine your hair’s curl pattern, part it in several sections and observe the way the strands fall.
Take a Look at Your Hair’s Shine
The shine of your hair can also help you identify its type. Shiny hair tends to be softer and smoother, while dull hair is usually more coarse and brittle. To assess the shine of your hair, observe it in natural light or under a lamp. Compare the shine of your hair to that of other people with similar hair types.
Observe the Luster of Your Hair
Luster is another indicator of your hair type. Low luster hair appears dull and lifeless, while high luster hair has a bright and vibrant shine. To get an accurate assessment of your hair’s luster, observe it in various lighting conditions and compare it to the luster of other hair types.
Consult With a Professional Stylist
If you’re still unsure about your hair type, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional stylist. Make an appointment with a hairstylist and bring pictures of your hair to show them. Ask questions about your hair type and listen to their advice.
Conclusion
Figuring out your hair type can help you determine the best products and styling techniques for your hair. To figure out your hair type, analyze its characteristics such as texture, shine, density, porosity, and elasticity. You can also consult with a professional stylist for further advice. By taking the time to understand your hair type, you can ensure that your hair is healthy and well-maintained.