To find your natural hair texture, you need to observe how your hair dries after being washed and left without any styling products. The primary method involves letting your hair air dry and then categorizing its natural pattern.
Determining Your Hair Type:
The key to identifying your natural hair lies in observing its drying pattern. Here’s a breakdown based on the information provided:
- Straight Hair (Type 1): If your hair dries completely straight with no bends or curves, you have type 1 or straight hair.
- Wavy Hair (Type 2): If your hair dries with a slight curve or an “S” shape, then it is considered type 2 or wavy hair.
- Curly Hair (Type 3 or 4): If your hair dries with a defined curl or loop pattern, it falls into the curly hair categories, either type 3 or type 4, depending on the tightness and pattern of the curls.
Steps to Identify Your Natural Hair:
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Wash Your Hair: Use a gentle shampoo to cleanse your hair thoroughly.
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Avoid Styling Products: Do not apply any conditioners, gels, creams, or any other styling aids. The goal is to observe your hair in its natural state.
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Air Dry Completely: Allow your hair to air dry without touching it or using a hairdryer.
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Observe the Pattern: Once your hair is dry, carefully examine its pattern.
Hair Type Description Straight Dries straight without any bends or curls. Wavy Dries with a gentle curve or an “S” shape. Curly Dries with a defined curl or loop pattern, which can vary in tightness and size. -
Further Categorization: Once you have determined the broad category of straight, wavy, or curly, you can use online resources to refine your specific type, like 2a, 2b, 2c for wavy hair or 3a, 3b, 3c for curly hair. These subcategories are determined by the tightness and size of the curls/waves.
By following these steps, you can accurately identify your natural hair texture. This will help you choose appropriate products and styling techniques for your hair type.
