Understanding Natural Curly Hair: Identifying Your Hair Type and Texture

Identifying whether your hair is natural curly can be as simple as observing its behavior while drying. This article will guide you through the process of determining if your hair is naturally curly, as well as offer a comprehensive look at hair types and texture characteristics. Following these steps will help you better understand your hair's unique qualities.

How to Determine if Your Hair is Natural Curly

One of the easiest ways to tell if your hair is naturally curly is by observing it in its most relaxed state. Follow these simple steps:

Gently wash your hair and towel-dry it. Avoid using a brush to comb it; instead, use a wide-tooth comb. Allow your hair to air-dry completely. Observe how the hair behaves as it dries.

If your hair straightens out, then it is not naturally curly. However, if your hair retains curls or waves, you have naturally curly hair. This process reveals the inherent characteristics of your hair.

It's important to note that having curly hair stems from genetic inheritance. If you were not born with curly hair or did not inherit the gene from your parents, naturally curly hair is not possible. However, some individuals with straight hair may develop a more curved appearance as they age due to environmental factors or styling habits. While the change in appearance is notable, it doesn't necessarily mean natural curly hair.

Classifying Your Hair Type

Your hair's type is determined by its shape, which is influenced by the hair follicle pattern, hair shaft, and the growth pattern. Here's how to classify your hair type based on its shape:

Hair Type Description Wavy hair (Type 2a-2c) Thin wavy, medium wavy, and thick wavy respectively. Curlies (Type 3a-3c) Loose curls, medium curls, and tight curls respectively. Kinky hair (Type 4a-4c) Soft kinky, coily, and extremely coily respectively.

For a more precise classification, consider the density and thickness of your hair. Here's how to assess these factors:

Hair Density

Determining hair density involves observing the scalp:

Thin hair: Scalp is clearly visible without parting or touching the hair. Moderate hair density: Scalp is visible with some effort. Thick hair: Scalp is hard to see due to the volume of hair.

Hair Texture

Hair texture refers to the thickness of individual hair strands and their diameter. Here's how to categorize it:

Fine hair: Very light, thin when compared to a sewing thread. MEDIUM hair texture: Can be felt easily and is thicker than a fine strand but not overly so. Coarse or thick hair: Very light and thick compared to a sewing thread.

By understanding these characteristics, you can better care for and embrace your natural hair type.

Conclusion

Knowing whether your hair is naturally curly and understanding your hair type and texture is crucial for effective hair care. This knowledge allows you to choose suitable products and styling techniques, promoting healthy, attractive, and manageable hair. Regular maintenance and proper care can significantly enhance the beauty and health of your naturally curly hair.