How to Find Your Hair Type

Identifying your hair type is the first step to ensuring your locks are getting the care they deserve. But how can you determine your hair type? Here at Aurous Luminous, we've got you covered.

Straight, Wavy, Curly, or Coily?

One aspect to consider is your hair's texture—is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily? Straight hair is classified as type 1, wavy as type 2, curly as type 3, and coily as type 4. Each of these categories is further divided into subcategories (A, B, and C) based on the tightness of the wave, curl, or coil.

1. Straight hair, also known as Type 1, lays flat from the roots to the ends. It is often shiny and can get oily quickly due to the absence of curls or waves, which prevent natural oils from the scalp from traveling down the hair shaft.
2. Wavy hair, or Type 2, has a slight curve. Within this category, there are three subtypes: 2A (loose, slight waves), 2B (more defined waves), and 2C (defined waves that start at the roots).
3. Curly hair, classified as Type 3, forms distinct S-shaped curls. It also has three subtypes: 3A (large, loose curls), 3B (medium curls), and 3C (tight corkscrew curls).
4. Coily or kinky hair, known as Type 4, has a tight curl pattern that often forms a Z-shape. This type is divided into 4A (soft coils), 4B (Z-shaped kinks), and 4C (tight kinks, often with little to no defined pattern).

Read more about hair care based on your hair type.

To determine your hair type, follow these steps:

Step 1: Wash and condition your hair as normal, then gently pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Avoid using any styling products.
Step 2: Allow your hair to air dry without combing or brushing.
Step 3: Once fully dry, examine your hair in a mirror. Identify your curl pattern (if any) and compare it with the descriptions above.

Remember, it's possible to have more than one hair type on your head, so don't be surprised if you identify with more than one category or subcategory.

Porosity Matters

Next, consider your hair's porosity—its ability to absorb and hold moisture. High-porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it quickly. Low-porosity hair has a harder time absorbing moisture but retains it for longer. To determine your porosity, click here.

Density and Thickness

The density and thickness of your hair strands also play a crucial role. Density refers to how closely your hair strands are packed together on your scalp, while thickness refers to the width of individual hair strands.

To determine your hair density, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start with dry, product-free hair, if possible. This will make it easier to see your scalp and the hair growing from it.
Step 2: Choose a spot on your head, like the top or side, and try to see your scalp. If you cannot see your scalp or can only see it with difficulty, you likely have high-density hair.
Step 3: If you can see your scalp easily through your hair, you likely have low-density hair.
Step 4: If you can see some parts of your scalp with a little bit of difficulty, you likely have medium-density hair.

Always remember that your hair density may not be uniform throughout your head; you might have areas with different hair densities.

Navigating the world of hair types can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. At Aurous Luminous, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Once you've determined your hair type, you can explore ways to use our products specifically tailored for different hair types and needs. Here's to healthy, happy hair!