2 October 2024
While we often define hair type by its color, it is probably more accurate to consider its shape. Notably, we call it straight, wavy, curly, or coiled. The shape of the hair strands starts in the hair follicle. The follicle is the hole or tube that holds the root of each hair. They are in the top two layers of the skin and your head has over a million of them. A nice, round follicle will produce a straight hair but the less round it is, as in oval or even more out of shape, the curlier your hair will be. So, you can chemically treat your hair or heat it to change its shape, but when it grows out, DNA will take over and you will have the original shape.
To make things even a bit more complicated, you can have different types of hair in different places on your head. So that is why it can be more coiled on the crown and straighter at the temples. Speak with your hairdresser and include photos of what you think you will like in a hairstyle. He or she has been trained in how your hair will react and how it might enhance or detract from the shape of your face and features.
Straight
This has no natural curl. The texture can be thick or thin, coarse or fine. It tends to be on the oily side. Over washing can cause the cells to produce even more oil, so a dry shampoo is often recommended.
Wavy
This has some variants. It can be straight from the roots but toward the ends, it will have a gentle wave and look tousled. If you want to keep that wave, don’t use oil or cream based products. A light mousse or a gel will enhance those curves.
If the hair is somewhat more “S” shaped, it will have more waves and be more difficult to straighten. Think of a photo on a beach with hair that has some curls and dimension. Highlights of color will really enhance this type of hair.
Then there is usually a thicker hair that will be fairly straight but come some humidity and it is frizz city. A diffuser on your blow dryer will help get rid of the frizz. You can also use some anti-humidity products that are available. Keep the heat on your dryer at a minimum or use a heat protectant before using that curling iron.
Curly
This is where you have loose loops like Shirley Temple. Once your hair is dry, don’t brush it or you will create a frizz or poof that you will probably not like.
If the curls are tighter, like about the circumference of a magic marker, silicone and sulfates in hair products will help reduce the amount of frizz but over time will dry out the hair. Dry hair has a tendency to break.
If the curls look more like a drinking straw, don’t use a comb. Instead use your fingers to work in a conditioner and let it air dry.
Coils
People find that this is the most delicate of hair types. It is “s” shaped and you could wrap it around a pencil. It responds well to deep conditioners, butters, and creams. Weaves and braids may look great but can damage the hair itself. The cuticle will dry out and when you take out the braids, the hair will break as it catches on itself.
Then we come to what is sometimes called zig zag. A great technique for this type of curl is shingling. That is when you use your fingertips to detangle the hair when it is wet and using a moisturizer or conditioner that is intended to be left on the hair. Separate into four sections and, using a curl cream, twist the strands down your finger.
Last we have the tightest curls and because of that they are the most delicate. Treating them too roughly or fooling with them too often will make them simply break. A method is to co-wash which is using a hydrating conditioner in lieu of a shampoo.
Keeping your lovely locks in good condition will help you look and feel your best.
