Head's Up! What's My Hair Texture?

Head’s Up

Blog #2: 

What’s My Hair Texture?

When it comes to caring for your hair, knowledge is power. The products and routines that work beautifully for one person can weigh down or dry out another’s. That is because everyone’s hair is unique — from curl pattern to strand thickness to porosity.

Understanding your hair type and texture gives you the foundation to choose the right products and treatments so your hair can truly thrive.

Hair Type vs. Hair Texture

• Hair Type: Refers to your curl pattern — straight (1), wavy (2), curly (3), or coily (4). This is determined by the shape of your hair follicle. A round follicle produces straight hair, while more oval or twisted follicles produce waves, curls, and coils.

• Hair Texture: Refers to the thickness (or width) of each individual hair strand — fine (a), medium (b), or coarse (c). A simple way to test is by comparing a strand to sewing thread.

👉 In short: Type = pattern. Texture = strand size.

The Four Main Hair Types

1. Straight (Type 1) – Lays flat with little to no bend. Can be fine, medium, or coarse.
2. Wavy (Type 2) – Loose “S” shapes ranging from subtle (2A) to more defined (2C).
3. Curly (Type 3) – Spirals and ringlets that vary from loose (3A) to tighter coils (3C).
4. Coily (Type 4) – Very tight curls or zig-zag patterns with high shrinkage, often more fragile.

💡 Fun Fact: Oprah’s longtime stylist Andre Walker created one of the first hair charts. His   system originally stopped at 4B and did not include 3C or 4C hair — categories that were later expanded by the natural hair community.

 

The Three Main Hair Textures

1. Fine – Thin strands, often silky, but easily weighed down by heavy products.
2. Medium – The most common texture, offering balance in strength and flexibility.
3. Coarse/Thick – Wider strands, strong and durable, but often drier and more porous.

 

Beyond Type and Texture: What Else Matters

Hair type and texture are only part of the picture. Your routine will also depend on:

• Density: The number of strands on your head per square inch. Thin (scalp visible), medium, or thick.
• Porosity: How well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
• Low porosity: Resists water, takes longer to absorb products.
• Medium porosity: Well-balanced, absorbs and retains moisture easily.
• High porosity: Absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast (often from damage or raised cuticles).
• Elasticity: How much your hair stretches before breaking — a key sign of overall hair health.
• Multiple Textures: Most people have at least two or three textures on their scalp. Your crown might be curlier than your nape, or your edges finer than the rest of your hair.

✨ There are even classification tools like the L.O.I.S. Technique, which uses letters to describe how your strands bend:

• L – Right angles and sharp bends.
• O – Spiral-shaped.
• I – No distinct curve, straight.
• S – Soft bends in an “S” shape.

 

 

How to Identify Your Hair

1. Strand Test: Roll a strand between your fingers. Barely noticeable? Fine. Distinct but not thick? Medium. Very thick and strong? Coarse.
2. Visual Test: Compare a strand to thread for thickness.
3. Curl Test: Wash and let hair air dry to see your natural pattern.
4. Porosity Test: Place a clean strand in water.
• Floats = low porosity
• Sinks slowly = medium
• Sinks fast = high

Can Cutting Change Texture?

Cutting your hair does not change your natural follicle shape — so your curl pattern remains the same. But it can change how your texture appears. Removing damaged ends often reveals a fuller curl pattern, makes hair look healthier, and can even reduce frizz. A blunt cut can create the look of thicker hair, while layers can help curls and waves pop.

How Hair Concoction Fits In

No matter your type, texture, porosity, or density, Hair Concoction has plant-based, sulfate-free solutions for healthier hair. Each formula is designed to cleanse, moisturize, and nourish without harsh chemicals — so every texture can find a match.

Here’s how to use our products based on your texture:

• Fine Hair: Needs lightweight moisture.
• Try: Rose Water Shampoo + Conditioner for gentle hydration.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo OR OG Tea Tree Shampoo + Conditioner great for those with more oily scalps.
• Medium Hair: Balanced enough to handle versatile care.
• Try: Lemony Lemongrass Shampoo + Conditioner to refresh and add shine.
• Coarse or Coily Hair: Needs rich moisture and scalp support.
• Try: OG Tea Tree Combo for cleansing and hydration.
• Seal with Growth Serum or Everything Oil to lock in moisture.
• All Hair Types:
• Detangler – Makes styling smoother, especially for curls and coils.
• Everything Oil – Multi-use for scalp, ends, beards, braids, even skin.

Final Thoughts

Your hair is unique — and usually, it’s not just one type or texture. You might have waves at the crown, coils at the nape, and a mix of fine and coarse strands throughout. That’s completely normal.

The key is learning your hair’s needs: type, texture, density, and porosity. Once you understand these, you can build a routine that celebrates your natural beauty. And with Hair Concoction’s plant-based, vegan products, you will have everything you need to bring out the best in your hair.

Your hair, your texture, your story. Let Hair Concoction be part of the growth.