Andre Walker, an Emmy award winner, has created a numerical system for hair typing. This system is used to simplify and provide an exact definition for each type of hair.
Type 1:This type of hair is always straight.
Type 2: Wavy HairThis hair type is a combination of type 1 and type 3. This type of hair has a little more texture with a “S” pattern to it. Type 2 hair lays flat with the “S” form that starts from the root of the hair down to the ends. A frizzy wave can also indicate this hair type. There are three Type 2 subtypes: A, fine and thin; B, medium textured; and C, thick and coarse. Type 2A is very easy to handle. It can be blown out into a straighter style or take on a curlier look with relative ease. Types 2B and 2C are a little more resistant to styling and have a tendency to frizz.
Type 3: Curly Hair
This hair type is where you will see a definite curl. If this hair type is healthy, your curls will be springy and have strong elasticity. With this hair type, the cuticle layers don’t lie as flat so the hair may not be as shiny as type 2 hair. When this hair is wet it looks straight, but when it dries the absorbed water contracts the hair into its curliest form. Humidity is no friend to type 3 hair. It will make the hair frizzy and dull looking. Your curls may then appear dry and fuzzy.
This hair type is where you will see a definite curl. If this hair type is healthy, your curls will be springy and have strong elasticity. With this hair type, the cuticle layers don’t lie as flat so the hair may not be as shiny as type 2 hair. When this hair is wet it looks straight, but when it dries the absorbed water contracts the hair into its curliest form. Humidity is no friend to type 3 hair. It will make the hair frizzy and dull looking. Your curls may then appear dry and fuzzy.
Subtypes of type 3 hair:
Sub Type 3A Very loose curls. These curls require a little moisture that will help to define your curls. Make sure this hair is not weighted down with heavy or too much product. This will shrink or tighten the curl making the hair appear shorter in length. It is recommended that this hair be air dried or diffused. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or tying the hair with a satin wrap will reduce tangles.
Sub Type 3BHere you will see a tighter curl. More moisture is needed for this hair type along with products used to eliminate frizz. Again, let hair air dry or use a diffuser for faster drying time. A satin pillowcase or a satin scarf will reduce tangles.
Sub Type 3A Very loose curls. These curls require a little moisture that will help to define your curls. Make sure this hair is not weighted down with heavy or too much product. This will shrink or tighten the curl making the hair appear shorter in length. It is recommended that this hair be air dried or diffused. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or tying the hair with a satin wrap will reduce tangles.
Sub Type 3BHere you will see a tighter curl. More moisture is needed for this hair type along with products used to eliminate frizz. Again, let hair air dry or use a diffuser for faster drying time. A satin pillowcase or a satin scarf will reduce tangles.
Sub Type 3CKinky or very tight curls. Extra moisture is a must for type 3C hair. If the right amount of moisture is not used, the hair will easily break or appear dry and damaged.
Type 4: Kinky HairThis is kinky, or very tightly curled hair. Generally, Type 4 hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very fragile. Type 4 hair has lots of strands densely packed together. Type 4 hair is the most fragile hair type. It has fewer cuticle layers, which means that it has less natural protection from the damage of combing, brushing, blow drying and straightening. There are two subtypes of Type 4 hair. Type 4A is tightly coiled hair that, when stretched, has an “S” pattern, much like curly hair. Type 4B is also tightly coiled, but has a “Z” pattern.
