What’s My Hair Type and What Natural Oils Will Benefit My Hair?

Whether it’s course, kinky, curly or straight, knowing your hair type can help you determine how best to treat your hair. In general, hair is first divided into 4 main categories with type 1 hair being straight, type 2 wavy, type 3 curly and type 4 kinky; then subdivided into 3 categories as follows:

Type 1A Hair is very fine and thin with a soft, straight texture that tends to be oily and rarely breaks

Type 1B Hair is straight with a medium texture that is often rich in volume and body, but is difficult to curl

Type 1C Hair is very thick, but bone straight, and is also difficult to curl

Type 2A Hair is slightly wavy but very thin, and is often delicate, fine and oily

Type 2B Hair is soft and wavy and has a medium texture with an S curl-pattern, but is sometimes frizzy or dry.

Type 2C Hair is thick and wavy with a courser texture and S curl-pattern that also has a tendency to frizz

Type 3 A Hair is soft yet very curly, and tends to be fine in texture

Type 3 B Hair is extremely thick and curly with lots of volume, and is very full

Type 3 C Hair has a thick course texture with a tightly woven defined curl pattern

Type 4 A Hair is very wiry, tightly coiled and fragile, but feels soft to the touch and has a defined kinky S pattern

Type 4 B Hair is often wiry and dry with a z shaped curl pattern and course texture 

Type 4 C Hair is the driest and coarsest hair texture with little to no defined curl pattern and is the most delicate type of hair

Once you have determined your hair type, you can then explore various treatment options that suit your natural texture. Whether your hair type is wavy, kinky, tight or lose, curlier textures tend to be drier because it is difficult for oil to travel from the glands in your scalp, to the ends of your hair. When hair is straight, oil can travel easily along each strand to reach the ends of your hair. However, when it comes to curly hair, oil must travel through a maze of twists and turns in order to moisturize the entire strand, making ends feel brittle, split, and break more easily. Supplementing your hair with natural oils is one of the best ways to restore hair and prevent breakage, regardless of hair type. 

For Hair Types 2A, 2B, 3A & 3B: Try Hazelnut Oil. Rich in Vitamin E and other bonding proteins that penetrate the hair cortex, this lightweight hair can turn dull, limp strands to into thick voluminous hair, without weighing it down. Due to its natural ability to penetrate the hair cuticle, hair will become noticeably healthier with each use. To apply, rub a couple of drops of oil between the palms of your hand until warm, and spread evenly over hair working from the tip to the root. Do this nightly before shampoos or twice a week as needed, for thicker, fuller more vibrant hair.

For Hair Types 2C and 3B: Try Macadamia Oil. This medium-weight oil mimics the feel of silicone and can help eliminate frizz, while penetrating the cortex to define curls and repair damaged strands. Apply a few drops daily working from tip to root to distribute evenly, for softer, shinier hair.

For Hair Type 3C: Try Coconut Oil. If you love the look of gelled hair but hate that sticky residue it often leaves behind, then coconut oil will work wonders with daily use. Solid below 76 degrees and liquid above, this versatile oil can define curls and moisturize thirsty strands to leave you with touchable soft, frizz free hair.

For Hair Types 4A, AB & 4C: Try Avocado Oil. Loaded with healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, this nutrient rich oil has been clinically shown to penetrate the hair cuticle and rebuild fibers from the inside out, while moisturizing even the driest of strands. Spread generously over the hair and scalp daily as needed, to prevent breakage and stimulate growth. Over time, hair will become stronger and break less; allowing you to retain length and grow longer hair.

Click SHOP to Browse Our Collection of Natural Cold Pressed Hair Oils So You Can Find The Perfect Oil For Your Hair Type.