Straight or curly, fine or coarse, each hair type is marvelous in its own way. But more often than not, amidst the hustle and bustle of life we forget to tend to its needs. When it comes to skin, you take utmost care and have a skincare routine in place. But do you do the same for your hair? The first step towards forming a haircare routine is to find out your hair type. Your hair-care routine to a great extent depends on your hair type, your lifestyle and a few other factors. So, let’s take a look at different hair types and the hair care routine one should follow depending on their hair-type.
Determining Your Hair Type and Caring for It
1. Straight Hair
Straight hair falls flat from the root and all the way down to the tips, this hair type is fairly difficult to style. People with straight hair have oily scalps that make the hair greasy. There are three sub-categories for straight hair
- Type 1A - Common in Asian men and women, this hair type is very straight and fine
- Type 1B - Straight still, type 1B hair is thicker and with more volume.
- Type 1C - While straight, this hair type is very thick, coarse and shiny.
Straight Hair Care - Keep It Clean
“Straight hair is easy to maintain” that’s what most people think. However, straight hair tends to get greasy faster than curly hair, that’s because oil from your scalp travels down the hair shaft more quickly. Unless your scalp is extra greasy, try washing your hair every 2-3 days with a sulphate and silicone free shampoo. It will gently cleanse your hair and won’t weigh it down.
2. Wavy Hair
This type of hair is naturally wavy, it lies between straight and curly, and is typically thicker than straight. If you have wavy hair then know that you can style it very easily. This hair type is the most convenient and the easiest to experiment with. There are 3 sub-categories for wavy hair.
- Type 2A - Fine and thin with S-shaped waves.
- Type 2B - Frizzier than type 2A, it’s wavy and medium-thick
- Type 2C - Thick and coarse and is more prone to frizz.
Wavy Hair Care - Keep It Light and Easy
Wavy hair tends to get frizzy and the key to taking care of it is controlling frizz and weighing down your natural curls. The focus should be on adding moisture and volume without losing that wave. So, look for products that will lock in the moisture and keep your hair hydrated. A deep conditioning shampoo formulated for damaged hair will work best for this hair type.
3. Curly Hair
This type of hair is, well, curly of course! But curls can be of different types too. You can style your curly hair easily but it tends to get frizzy too. There are three sub-categories for curly hair.
- Type 3A - Thick, defined curls with a lot of shine.
- Type 3B - Tighter curls and may have a combination of textures.
- Type 3C - Very tight curls and generally easy to style.
Curly Hair Care - Focus On Moisture
Nobody likes frizzy hair, but unfortunately it’s a constant battle you have to fight if your hair type is curly. First you need to keep your locks hydrated and moisturized with a deep conditioning shampoo and conditioner duo. Apart from this you also need to use a hair mask at least once a week to restore moisture and shine.
Now that you know how you can take care of your hair depending on your hair type. Here are some other tips that should be a part of everyone’s hair care routine, irrespective of their hair type.
Oil Massage
Oiling your hair is as important as moisturizing your skin. Oiling provides your hair with nutrients and moisture. A deep conditioning formula that nourishes your strands from roots to tips should be used 2-3 times a week.
Detangle With Care
Detangling your hair harshly and frequently increases the chances of hair breakage and eventually hair loss and hair thinning. While detangling your hair is necessary, it is important to be gentle! Avoid combing or brushing your hair when it's damp as strands are weak and can break off easily.
Now that you know what your hair type is and how to take care of it, go ahead and buy the products that will take care of your mane problems!
