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Understanding Your Hair Type, Part 1 Straight and Wavy

August 10 2018

Do you know your hair type? Not many people do, of course, you probably know the basics like whether your hair is straight or curly. But did you know that there are twelve distinct types of hair? Everyone’s hair type falls into one of those twelve categories. There are four main types, and each type has three subcategories. Knowing your hair type is useful for finding the best cuts, performing treatments and deciding on styles that are best suited for your for your hair type.

The Four types are Straight (type 1), Wavy (type 2), Curly (type 3) and Coily (type 4). The three subcategories are Wide (type A), Medium (type B) and Small/Compact (type C). Everyone’s hair type has a number and a letter. We know hair talk can sound confusing, Hairstylists literally use their own language sometime. Our Blog and related content is to help you understand your own hair and here to help you and your hairdresser speak the same language.

Type 1 Hair is Straight Hair. As a whole, straight hair tends to be shiny. That is because the straight follicles make it easier for natural oils to travel up and down your strands. Hair type 1A is super-straight. It doesn’t even hold a curl! 1A is the rarest hair type. It is usually found on people of Asian descent. 1B hair, on the other hand, is the most common hair type. It is straight and flat but has some volume. 1C hair is the next type. 1C hair is straight but thick and coarse. It has a natural tousled look and tends to frizz.

Type 2 is wavy hair. Wavy hair follicles tend to have an “S” shape. Wavy strands are bendable, lay flatter than curly or coily hair, and can be fine, coarse or in between. 2A is the “barely there” wave. If this is your hair type, it is recommended to avoid heavy styling products. This hair type is easily straightened and thick product can weigh it down. 2B waves are much thicker. The hair tends to be flat at the crown and results in S-shaped waves close to the head. Finally, 2C hair is the waviest of them all. These waves are thick, coarse and well-defined. The wave begins at the roots, resulting in a lot of volume. Since this type of hair is susceptible to frizzing, you should moisturize it regularly with a leave-in conditioner and try to avoid heat styling.

Do you have curly or coily hair, or just want to learn more? Check out part two of this blog later this month!

Meraki Hair & Makeup Studio prides itself on advanced education and offers professional products tailored for all hair types. Schedule a no cost consultation with one our highly trained professional stylists, Online, By Phone at 718.966.6601 or now though the New Meraki Mobile App. Available for download from iTunes or Google Play.