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Identifying the different hair types that exist and determining which one matches yours is the best way to provide it with the care it needs.
How are different hair types determined?
Different hair types are established based on the pattern they follow, depending on the curliness of the strands. According to the shape of the hair follicles, it could be straight, wavy, curly, or kinky. Straight hair follicles are round, and the more oval or asymmetrical they are, the curlier the hair.
Similarly, hair type is determined by genetics, and the only way to modify the pattern is through a chemical process or the use of heat tools. Hormonal changes or the intake of certain medications can also lead to different hair types.
Types of Hair
Straight
It has no natural curls, and the fibers can be either fine or thick, but they fall straight from the root to the tip. Normally, it is the most resistant and has the most shine.
It is good to wash it frequently to remove excess sebum. You should use mild shampoos without salts or heavy oils. To control the frizz that is common with this type of hair, you can use specific products.
Types of straight hair:
- Thin and low-volume hair.
- Moderately thick hair with roots that maintain volume.
- Resistant and thick hair, prone to frizz.
Wavy
It possesses characteristics in terms of shine and texture between straight and curly hair. If it's fine, it can be easily managed, but if it's thick, it's more challenging to handle.
Shampoos, conditioners, and masks should have a hydrating effect and not be too heavy. It's recommended to use formulas with fruit, vegetable, and herb extracts.
To seal in moisture, apply light oils such as grape seed, flaxseed, or mustard oil from mid-length to ends.
Types of wavy hair:
- Light waves: hair is straight from the root to eye level, and then it has loose waves. It's usually fine.
- Soft waves: the waves also go from mid-length to ends, and in this case, they are more pronounced. It tends to have medium thickness.
- Defined waves: the waves are more defined and share characteristics with curly hair. In this case, they may start at the crown, and the hair is typically thicker and prone to frizz in humidity.
Curly
It's usually voluminous and prone to damage, although it depends on environmental factors.
The goal is to retain moisture, so it's recommended to use products specifically designed for this hair type, with highly moisturizing oils and ingredients. The best oils for its care are jojoba, almond, argan, coconut, and olive.
Unlike other types, it's easier to comb when wet, and the use of heat-based products dries out its structure and damages it over time.
Types of curly hair:
- Loose curls: formed by loose S-shaped curls.
- Spiral curls: spiral curls that start at the roots and are voluminous and dense.
- Tight curls: they resemble corkscrew spirals and are very thick and voluminous.
Kinky
Despite appearing thick, it's fragile and prone to breakage. It has a high density and shrinks when wet because it has fewer layers of cuticle than other hair types. It's more sensitive to damage.
It should not be washed too often with shampoo, and conditioner should be applied while it's still wet to keep it fresh. It's also important to apply lotions to manage it, as it requires a lot of additional moisture.
Types of kinky hair:
- Defined spirals: it's thin and very susceptible to damage.
- Zigzag curls: it's complex to manage and easily shrinks.
- Very tight curls: it's the most rebellious and resistant of all, very difficult to comb and tends to release moisture.
Regardless of your hair type, it's important to care for it not only with products that act from the outside but also with a vitamin complex that helps from the inside.
This is the case with Hair & Nails by Matcha & CO, which contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D3, and E, combined with Biotin, L-Cystine, Minerals, Iron, and Matcha. It is specifically designed to strengthen hair and nails and increase density, volume, and shine.
