Types of hair and hair texture
![Hair type and texture are determined by many factors including genetics. The four hair types are type 1 straight, type 2 wavy, type 3 curly and type 4 tight curls.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/curly-hair-types.jpg?output-quality=75)
Hair type and texture are determined by several factors including genetics. Straight hair is one of the most common hair types across the world. Each person has a unique texture.
There are four main types of hair texture: Type 1 - straight, Type 2 - wavy, Type 3 - curly and Type 4 - tightly curled. The hair type and texture can be further broken down into a, b and c based on the hair's curl pattern, density, porosity, width and length. For example, someone with loose curls would be Type 3a and someone with tight curls would be Type 3b.
Types of hair and texture are as follows
- Type 1 is straight hair that doesn't curl. This hair type also has the most sheen, is the most resilient and is hard to damage. It is also immensely difficult to curl this type of hair because the scalp sebum spreads easily from the scalp to ends, making it the most oily type of hair and difficult to style.
- 1a - Stick straight
- 1b - Straight with more volume
- 1c - Straight with body wave and a couple of visible S-waves, usually the neck or temples
- Type 2 is wavy hair that is in between straight and curly. The sheen is in between wavy and curly. Wavy hair is also more likely to become frizzy than straight hair. Certain types of wavy hair are easy to style, whereas others are more resistant to styling.
- 2a - Loose, stretched S-waves
- 2b - Shorter, more distinct S-waves
- 2c - Distinct S-waves with some spiral curls
- Type 3 is curly hair that looks like the letter “S” or “Z.” This hair type is usually voluminous. It is highly climate-dependent and can become frizzy and get damaged easily. Proper care is required to maintain healthy, well-defined curls.
- 3a - Big, loose spiral curls
- 3b - Bouncy ringlets
- 3c - Tight corkscrew curls
- Type 4 is the hair that is coiled very tightly. It is often fragile with a very high density. This type of hair shrinks when wet because it has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types. It is more susceptible to damage than other hair types.
- 4a - Tightly coiled S-curls
- 4b - Tightly coiled, Z pattern curls
- 4c - Mostly Z-patterned, tightly kinked and less defined curls
What determines hair type?
Genetics and environment affect hair type and texture.
Genetics of hair type: Research shows that hair type and texture are inherited. There is also an “additive” trait contributing to hair type and texture. This means the amount of curl in the hair depends on how many curly hair gene variations are inherited. Hence, two curly-haired parents may not always have curly-haired children because many different genes are involved. Curly-haired parents can also carry straight hair genes, which they may pass on. Genes can also interact with each other to determine hair texture. This is the reason why in a family, different people may have different types of hair.
Environment: Genes aren't the only factor affecting the hair type. The environment can also have a big impact on hair, especially the texture. Humidity can make the hair frizzy or curly, whereas cold winter air can make hair dry and frizzy. Hair texture also changes with age. Hair becomes grey, thinner, rougher, finer and dry. The oil glands in the scalp shrink with age. How you treat and style your hair can change its texture. Bleaching, hair coloring, using styling tools, straightening and perming can change hair texture.
Can you change your hair type?
It is not possible to change the genetics of hair. There are several at-home and salon treatments that can help straighten or curl the hair. Some of them are long-lasting, whereas others are temporary.
Long-lasting treatments to change hair type
The following are the long-lasting treatments to change hair type
- Professional permanent perming or straightening: This is a chemical process that permanently alters the hair. It changes the protein bonds in the hair. The results can last for several years depending on the chemicals used. The new hair that grows would be of the person’s original hair type.
- At-home treatments: Several chemical kits can be used to straighten or curl the hair. Some products may provide results that last a few months, whereas others may last longer.
- Semi-permanent hair straightening: Keratin hair treatment, Brazilian blowouts and other semi-permanent hair straightening treatments can help straighten hair. They are usually done at salons. The results last three to five months.
Temporary ways to change hair type
The results typically last until the next hair wash. Temporary methods include
- Blow drying: Blow drying is done by blasting hot or cold air on the hair using a round or flat brush to curl or straighten hair.
- Using hair care products: Shampoos, conditioners, leave-in conditioning products, hair serums and hairsprays are used to coat the hair strands, reduce frizz and curls and improve hydration.
- Applying essential oils: Using natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil or a combination of oils can help improve hair texture. They can be applied all over the scalp and hair and washed after 30 to 60 minutes with shampoo and conditioner. This may be done multiple times a week.
- Hairstyling tools: Hairstyling tools such as hair straighteners or curlers use heated plates powered by electricity that can quickly straighten or curl hair. These are easy and quick to use.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/skin/skin-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
An average adult has about ________ square feet of skin. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
JStor
The Tech Interactive
Experimental Dermatology
Top What Are the Four Types of Hair Related Articles
Are Widow’s Peaks Attractive?
Widow’s peak refers to the V-shaped arrangement of your hairline in the center of your forehead. Widow's peaks can look really attractive.Your Hair & Your Health
Is your hair or scalp trying to tell you something about your health? Learn more about dandruff, scalp psoriasis, ringworm on the scalp, folliculitis, scalp pimples, and medications and conditions that affect your hair and body.How Can I Get Healthy Hair Naturally?
Hair has always been a significant aspect of beauty standards. Luscious and shiny locks have been considered ideal beauty for ages. Have you always dreamt of having that bouncy and voluminous hair seen in the advertisements? If so, this dream can turn into reality by following a proper hair care routine.How Can I Make My Hair Soft and Silky?
The signs of healthy hair include thick, soft, and shiny hair. Having silky hair is something not every person is born with. Your hair may become dry and brittle if your diet is not healthy or if you use hair products that are not meant for your hair type.How Do I Stop My Hair From Breaking Off?
Hair loss and hair damage can occur due to improper combing practices, hormones (pregnancy and childbirth), medications (cancer medication), and other medical illnesses (stress, thyroid disease, or autoimmune diseases).How Do You Treat Extremely Dry Hair?
Dull, frizzy and unmanageable hair haunts most of our hair care dreams. When hair is stripped of its moisture and becomes dry, it’s also more vulnerable to tangling, breakage and hair loss. You can apply oil, conditioner and hair serum to treat dry hair. Ditching heat styling helps dry hair. So does eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated.How Long Do Hair Supplements Take to Work?
Hair growth vitamins or herbal supplements are often used to promote healthy hair growth and regrowth. Taking hair growth supplements does not produce results overnight; it usually takes a long time (one to five years) to see results.Is Auburn Hair Natural?
Red hair varies from deep burgundy to bright copper, auburn, reddish-orange, burnt orange and strawberry blond. Auburn or red hair can be natural.Is It Safe to Bleach Already Bleached Hair?
Oxidized melanin loses its color, making the hair look lighter. Bleaching significantly damages your hair. Whether you should rebleach your bleached hair depends on the health of your hair before and after bleaching.Is Straight Hair Rare?
Hair type and texture are determined by several factors, including genetics. The African hair is more coiled and drier; Asian hair (Korean, Japanese) is straighter and thicker; and Caucasian hair is somewhere in between with around 45% having straight hair, 40% having wavy hair, and 15% having curly hair.Why Has My Hair Suddenly Changed Texture?
Many different things can change the texture of your hair. It can be your age or any health conditions like menopause, and cancer that you can start noticing some changes in your hair.