What's Your
Hair Type?

Developed by Oprah Winfrey's hairstylist Andre Walker, this system classifies hair into four main types: Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (coily/kinky). Each type has three subtypes (A, B, C) based on the tightness of the curl or wave pattern. It's the most widely used hair classification system worldwide.

Hair porosity measures how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low-porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles that resist moisture but hold it well once absorbed. High-porosity hair has open cuticles that absorb moisture quickly but lose it just as fast. Knowing your porosity helps you choose the right products — lightweight liquids for low porosity, heavy butters and creams for high porosity.

Yes! Hair type can change due to hormonal shifts (puberty, pregnancy, menopause), diet changes, medication, heat damage, chemical treatments, and aging. Many people find their hair becomes curlier or straighter as they get older. Protective styles and a healthier routine can also help reveal your hair's natural pattern.

Type 3C hair has tight, dense corkscrew curls about the circumference of a pencil, with high volume and significant shrinkage. Type 4A hair features defined, springy S-shaped coils about the size of a crochet needle — it's the beginning of the coily spectrum. Both types benefit from plenty of moisture, but 4A generally requires richer, heavier products to maintain definition and combat shrinkage.

Type 4 hair is the most fragile and moisture-thirsty hair type. Key care tips: LOC/LCO method (Liquid, Oil, Cream in layers), deep conditioning weekly, low-manipulation protective styles, avoiding sulfate shampoos, using wide-tooth combs when wet, and sealing with heavy butters like shea. Satin pillowcases or bonnets at night reduce breakage significantly.