Hair Texture Guide - Different Types of Hair Textures
The type of hair can be identified through multiple features; one of the most widely used elements is the hair texture, which divides natural hair and human hair wigs into different types. What is hair texture, and how many types are there? In this article, we’ll focus on the different types of hair texture and comparison with hair thickness.
What Is Hair Texture?
Hair texture describes the natural shape, pattern, and feel of the hair strands as they grow out of the scalp. It is distinct from hair thickness, which refers to the diameter or width of a single hair strand. Hair texture influences how hair behaves, looks, and responds to styling.
Hair Thickness vs. Hair Texture: What’s the Difference?
Hair thickness refers to the diameter of each hair strand. Hair thickness is categorized as:
Fine Hair – Individual strands are thin and delicate.
Medium Hair – Strands have an average diameter.
Coarse Hair – Strands are thick and strong.
Hair texture refers to the shape and feel of the strands, which determines the hair’s natural pattern and how it reacts to styling. Hair texture types include:
Straight Hair (Type 1)
Wavy Hair (Type 2)
Curly Hair (Type 3)
Coily/Kinky Hair (Type 4)
Main Types of Hair Texture
Hair textures are generally divided into four broad categories, each with further subtypes that describe the curl pattern and strand density more precisely.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair lies flat and feels smooth to the touch, often reflecting light for a shiny appearance. While some straight hair is perfectly sleek with no bends, many strands have a slight wave or bend near the ends. This category is further divided into three subtypes: 1A, which is very straight and fine with little volume; 1B, which has more body and a slight wave; and 1C, which tends to be coarser and may have subtle frizz or texture.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair forms natural “S”-shaped curves, creating a texture that falls between straight and curly. The waves can range from loose and barely noticeable to more defined and voluminous. Subtypes 2A, 2B, and 2C describe increasing wave definition and thickness, with 2A being fine and loose waves, 2B having more prominent waves with some frizz, and 2C featuring strong waves bordering on curls, often coarser and prone to frizz.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curly hair is characterized by well-defined spiral patterns that can vary in tightness and density. This texture includes loose ringlets to tight corkscrew curls. The subtypes 3A, 3B, and 3C describe curls that progressively tighten and thicken: 3A curls are loose and springy, 3B curls are tighter and fuller with a coarser feel, and 3C curls are densely packed, tight corkscrews that offer significant volume and texture.
Type 4: Coily or Kinky Hair
Coily hair features very tight, densely packed curls or zigzag patterns that often shrink significantly when dry. This texture is known for its pronounced volume and fragile strands that require careful moisture and protection. Subtypes 4A, 4B, and 4C describe varying coil shapes and tightness: 4A has tight S-shaped coils, 4B shows sharp Z-shaped bends, and 4C is the most delicate, with densely packed zigzag strands prone to dryness and shrinkage.
Why Understanding Your Hair Texture Matters
Product Selection: Different textures thrive with different ingredients—for example, coily hair needs heavier moisturizers, while straight hair benefits from lighter formulas.
Styling Techniques: Tailoring your styling methods to your hair’s natural behavior helps you achieve better results with less damage.
Routine Optimization: Frequency of washing, conditioning, and protective styling depends on hair texture to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.