What Is My Hair Type? A Simple Guide to Find Out
Published August 26, 2025
Ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “What is my hair type?” Many people struggle to figure out if their hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Knowing your hair type is the first step to finding the right products, styles, and care routine that actually work for you.
In this guide, we’ll help you answer questions like “What type is my hair?” and “How do I know what my hair type is?” You can even try a quick what is my hair type quiz to get started. Let’s make hair care simple and fun.
Understand Your Hair Like Never Before
Figuring out “what is my hair type” can feel confusing, but you’re not alone. Many people struggle with their hair every day, frizz, breakage, or just not knowing what products to use. Knowing your hair type is the first step to solving these problems.
Your hair type is made up of texture, density, and porosity. When you understand these, you can pick products and routines that actually work. Think of it like giving your hair the attention it deserves. Once you know your hair, caring for it becomes simple and stress-free.
Discover Your Hair Texture
Hair texture has to do with the thickness of individual hair strands. You can hardly notice fine hair between your fingers. It can be easily broken and becomes weighed down. Medium hair is stouter, resembles a piece of sewing thread and will take most preparations.
Thick, strong and frizzier coarse hair. It fancies creams and butters. Understanding your texture will guide you to choose the correct shampoo, conditioner and styling products. For instance, fine hair tends to respond well to light sprays, whereas coarse hair benefits more from creams.
With the knowledge of texture, you will not make mistakes and be frustrated in your hair routine.
Learn About Hair Density
Hair density tells you how many strands you have on your scalp. Low-density hair shows the scalp easily, medium density is somewhere in the middle, and high density looks thick with almost no scalp visible.
One simple test is to pull your hair into a ponytail and measure its width:
- Less than 2 inches is low density
- 2–4 inches is medium
- More than 4 inches is high
Knowing your density helps you choose the right styling products. Thin hair loves lightweight foams, while thick hair needs stronger creams or gels to manage volume.
Understand Hair Porosity
The porosity of hair refers to the ability of your hair to absorb moisture and retain it. Low porosity hair does not absorb water, and it takes a long time to dry, and accumulation can easily arise. Medium porosity hair takes moisture in the normal way, whereas high porosity hair soaks up water rapidly and can also lose it rapidly.
The function of porosity determines which products are most effective: porous hair may require heat to open cuticles, while high-porosity hair can benefit from protein treatment. Testing your porosity will help you save all the money that you lose investing in incompatible products.
It also prevents breakage, frizz, and drying out. Making hair care easier and more successful.
Know Your Curl Pattern
Curl pattern is regarding hair form. Straight, wavy, curly or coily. Although it can be useful to know your curl type, this is not all you need to know about your hair type. Your hair can have several curl patterns, and the type of curl does not determine the optimal products.
Regimens such as the one you will find in Andre Walker or NaturallyCurly can advise you, but pay attention to texture, density and porosity first. To put it in simpler terms, two individuals of the same curl pattern can still require different products.
Knowledge of curl pattern is exciting, but healthy hair is also based on other secrets.
Can Your Hair Type Change?
Yes! Your hair type may evolve with time. Texture, porosity and density may be changed by the effect of aging, hormones, medication, use of heat styling and coloration, and even the sun. Over time, your hair may become curlier, finer, or more porous.
Itis just the way it is, not a sign that your hair is damaged. It is getting used to it. The trick is to be alert to these changes and adjust your routine accordingly. Reassessing your hair type is a great habit that helps you maintain good hair health and keep it in excellent shape at every stage of life.
FAQs
How do I check my hair type?
To check your hair type, look at your hair when it is clean and dry. See if it is straight, wavy, curly, or very curly. Also notice if it is thick, thin, or medium. Check how it feels—soft, coarse, or fragile. This helps you know your hair type.
Is my hair 2a, 2b, or 2c?
These are wavy hair types. 2a is almost straight with a tiny wave. 2b has bigger, more defined waves. 2c is wavy but starts to form loose curls at the ends. Look closely at your waves to see which one matches.
What’s the rarest hair type?
The rarest hair type is very curly, also called 4C. It has very tight curls or coils. This hair type is less common around the world.
How do I tell if I’m 2C or 3A?
2C is mostly wavy with loose curls at the ends. 3A is curlier from the roots with smooth, spiral curls. Check where the curl starts and how tight it is.
Is 2C curly or wavy?
2C hair is wavy, not fully curly. It has strong waves and may start to curl at the ends.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your hair type helps you take better care of your hair. Look at your hair’s texture, shape, and curl pattern to find out if it is straight, wavy, curly, or tightly coiled. Once you know your type, you can pick the right products and styles that work best for you.
If you are a stylist or want to grow your hair business, Salon Suites of Boca Raton offers luxury salon spaces with all the tools you need. Understanding your hair and having the right space makes hair care and styling easier and more fun.
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Join a vibrant community of beauty professionals when you rent salon space in Boca Raton with us. Whether you’re a hairstylist, nail technician, or esthetician we have a place for you. Joining our salon family means you’re becoming part of a network that values your growth. At our Boca Raton location, you’ll enjoy free cleaning services, flexible lease agreements, and much more. Lease salon space in Boca Raton by reaching out today.
About The Author
Julie Fortuna is a talented writer for Salon Suites of Boca Raton. She specializes in creating insightful content about topics that help beauty professionals succeed in their careers. Her clear and approachable writing style helps inspire calm and confidence.
