Understand Male & Female All Hair Types & Textures

Hair is more than just a feature, it’s a statement, an identity, and for many, a cultural legacy. Whether you’re struggling with frizz, dryness, or simply trying to understand your hair’s unique behavior, knowing your hair type and texture can transform the way you care for and style it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the hair typing system, explain how hair types vary between men and women, consider the impact of ethnicity, and provide science-backed tips to help you love and care for your hair, no matter what type you have.

What Is Hair Type System & How It Works?

The Andre Walker Hair Typing System is the most widely recognized method for identifying and categorizing hair types. It was created by Andre Walker, a celebrity hairstylist best known for styling Oprah Winfrey’s hair. 

This system helps people understand the natural texture of their hair, which is the foundation for choosing the right products, tools, and care routines.

Knowing your hair type helps you:

• Choose the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products
• Avoid damage from using the wrong tools or techniques
• Understand how your hair naturally behaves (e.g., frizzes in humidity, dries out quickly, or becomes oily fast)
• Make better decisions about haircuts, treatments, and styling

What Are The Four Main Hair Types (and How to Spot Yours)

Hair is divided into 4 major types, based on how straight, wavy, curly, or coily it is. These types are:

• Type 1: Straight
  
• Type 2: Wavy
  
• Type 3: Curly
  
• Type 4: Coily (also called kinky or afro-textured)

Each type has 3 subtypes (A = looser/finer, C = tighter/thicker).

Let’s go one by one — with visual examples you’ll recognize.

Type 1: Straight Hair

Straight hair is exactly what it sounds like: smooth, flat, and shiny with no natural curl or wave. The key characteristic of Type 1 hair is its straightness, making it naturally sleek and shiny. This type of hair often becomes oily quickly because natural oils from the scalp can travel easily down the strands, which means it might need frequent washing to manage the oiliness.

1A – Very Fine & Super Straight

Type 1A is the finest and straightest of all the subtypes. Hair that falls under this category tends to be incredibly smooth and soft, with thin strands that lie completely flat. It is notoriously difficult to curl and tends to get greasy very quickly. 

1B – Straight With a Bit of Volume

Type 1B is still straight but has more volume and body compared to 1A. This type of hair feels thicker and has a slight bounce or movement, giving it more texture. While it’s not as resistant to styling as 1A, it still doesn’t hold curls easily. 

1C – Thick, Straight, and Hard to Curl

Type 1C represents straight hair that’s thicker and coarser, making it harder to curl. Though it remains straight, it may appear a little frizzy, particularly in humidity. This type of hair tends to feel more substantial, and while it is not as sleek as 1A or 1B, it still requires specific care to keep it looking polished.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

Wavy hair is a hybrid between straight and curly. It forms loose “S” shaped waves that can range from barely-there waves to more defined, beachy curls. Wavy hair is more prone to frizz, particularly in humid conditions, and can sometimes be challenging to manage due to its tendency to swell or puff up.

2A – Soft, Loose Waves

Type 2A has very soft, loose waves. These waves start closer to the ends of the hair, with the roots remaining mostly straight. This type of hair has a light texture and is fairly easy to style, whether you prefer it straight or wavy. 

2B – Wavier With Some Frizz

Type 2B hair is wavier than 2A, with more defined “S” shaped waves that begin closer to the roots. While this type of hair holds waves better, it is more prone to frizz, especially when exposed to moisture in the air.

2C – Thick Waves With Some Curls

Type 2C hair takes on thicker, more coarse waves that are close to curls but still technically wavy. This hair type is prone to tangling and puffiness and often requires more care to keep it smooth and defined.

Type 3: Curly Hair

Curly hair is full of personality, volume, and bounce. It forms spirals, loops, or ringlets that can give your hair lots of character but also present challenges when it comes to dryness. Curly hair doesn’t allow oils to travel easily down the strands, which often leads to it feeling drier than other hair types.

3A – Big, Loose Curls

Type 3A curls are large and loose, about the size of a sidewalk chalk. These curls are usually shiny and bouncy but can be weighed down by heavy products. 

3B – Springy, Medium Curls

Type 3B features medium-sized, springy curls that are denser and bouncier than 3A curls. These curls tend to have more volume and frizz. People with 3B curls often find that their hair can look puffy without the right products to control it.

3C – Tight, Corkscrew Curls

Type 3C is made up of tight corkscrew curls that are very dense and thick. These curls are about the width of a pencil and can shrink quite a bit when dry. Although the curls are dense and defined, they can be fragile and prone to breakage.

Type 4: Coily or Kinky Hair

Coily or kinky hair has the tightest curls, often appearing in a zigzag pattern. It’s full of volume but tends to be the most delicate of all hair types. Because of the tight curls, oils from the scalp have a hard time traveling down the strands, which makes this type of hair particularly prone to dryness and breakage.

4A – Soft Coils With Stretch

Type 4A hair consists of small, well-defined coils with an “S” shape. These coils shrink considerably when dry but can stretch out when pulled.

4B – Fluffy, Zigzag Curls

Type 4B hair is characterized by less defined curls, which take on a more “Z” shape. This hair type tends to be fluffy, puffy, and soft, but it’s also prone to tangling and breakage.

4C – Densest and Tightest Coils

Type 4C is the densest and most tight of all coily hair types, with little to no defined curl pattern. The hair can shrink dramatically, sometimes up to 75% of its actual length when dry. It is incredibly fragile and requires frequent care to prevent damage.

Hair Types Across Ethnicities

Hair type is heavily influenced by ethnicity due to genetic factors, affecting both prevalence and care needs:

• East Asian Populations: Predominantly Type 1A (very straight, fine hair), the strongest and most resistant to damage but can be oily, common in regions like China and Japan.
• Caucasian and Mixed-Race Individuals: Often have Type 2 (wavy) or Type 3 (curly) hair, though Type 1 and Type 4 are also possible, reflecting diverse genetic backgrounds.
• African and African-American Individuals: Predominantly Type 4 (coily), ranging from 4A to 4C, the most delicate and requiring significant moisture to prevent dryness and breakage, common in Sub-Saharan Africa and African diaspora communities.
• Other Ethnicities: Hair types can vary widely, but the classification system remains consistent, with mixed heritage often leading to combination types, such as Type 3C at the crown and Type 4A at the temples.

Hair Care Tips for Type 1: Straight Hair

• Washing Frequency: Since straight hair tends to get oily quickly, washing it every other day or as needed is ideal. Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils. Over-washing can lead to dry scalp and damaged hair.
• Conditioning: Use a lightweight conditioner to maintain moisture without weighing the hair down. Look for products that hydrate without causing the hair to become flat.
• Oil Control: To manage excess oil, apply dry shampoo between washes to absorb oil at the roots. Avoid heavy oils and butters near the scalp, as they can cause the hair to become greasy.
• Heat Protection: Straight hair, especially fine hair, is more vulnerable to heat damage. Always use a heat protectant when styling with hot tools like straighteners or curling irons to prevent damage.
• Styling: Lightweight serums, creams, or gels can help add shine and control flyaways. For volume, use volumizing products, and blow-dry with a round brush to add body and fullness.
• Regular Trims: To prevent split ends, which are more visible in straight hair, make sure to trim regularly. Straight hair often shows any split ends more easily than curly hair.
• Diet and Stress Management: Eat a diet rich in vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants to keep your hair healthy. Managing stress is also essential, as it can affect hair quality and lead to hair thinning or loss.

Hair Care Tips for Type 2: Wavy Hair

• Washing Frequency: Wash your wavy hair every 2-3 days to avoid over-drying it. Use a sulfate-free shampoo that will cleanse without stripping the hair’s natural moisture.
• Conditioning: Use a lightweight conditioner or leave-in conditioner to hydrate and define the waves without weighing the hair down. Products designed specifically for wavy hair will enhance the wave pattern.
• Frizz Control: To combat frizz, use anti-frizz products like serums or creams. These products will smooth the hair’s cuticle and add shine.
• Styling: Scrunch your hair while applying styling products to encourage the natural wave. If you need extra definition, use a diffuser or let your hair air-dry. Avoid using excessive heat styling, as it can disrupt the wave pattern.
• Heat Protection: When using heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage and prevent dryness.
• Moisture: Wavy hair often requires more moisture than straight hair. Regular deep conditioning treatments can help keep it hydrated and reduce puffiness.
• Avoid Over-Brushing: Over-brushing wavy hair, especially when dry, can disrupt the natural wave pattern and lead to frizz. Only detangle wavy hair when it’s wet, using a wide-tooth comb.

Hair Care Tips for Type 3: Curly Hair

• Washing Frequency: Curly hair should be washed 1-2 times per week, depending on oiliness. Curly hair tends to get dry quickly, so using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is essential.
• Conditioning: Deep condition your hair regularly to keep it hydrated. Use leave-in conditioners to maintain moisture, as curly hair often needs more hydration than other hair types.
• Styling: Use curl-enhancing creams, gels, or mousses to define curls and provide hold. Apply these products while the hair is wet, scrunching the hair to enhance curl formation.
• Avoid Brushing: Do not brush curly hair when dry as this can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern. Detangle curls when wet using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to avoid breakage.
• Moisture: Keeping curly hair moisturized is essential. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, oils, and glycerin. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can dry out curls.
• Heat Protection: Minimize heat styling to avoid damage. If you must use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant.
• Sleeping: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction that can lead to frizz and breakage. Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a satin scarf or use a satin bonnet.
• Product Build-Up: Curly hair can accumulate product build-up, so it’s helpful to occasionally use a clarifying shampoo to remove excess residue and restore your hair’s natural bounce.

Hair Care Tips for Type 4: Coily or Kinky Hair

• Washing Frequency: Coily hair should be washed 1-2 times per week, using a moisturizing shampoo that will hydrate and cleanse the scalp without stripping the hair.
• Conditioning: Deep conditioning is essential for coily hair. Use rich, hydrating masks to ensure your hair stays moisturized. Leave-in conditioners can help to lock in moisture throughout the day.
• Moisture: Coily hair thrives on moisture. Use oils, butters, and creams to hydrate and define curls. The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method is an excellent way to lock in moisture and keep your curls soft and manageable.
• Detangling: Detangle coily hair when it is wet and conditioned using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. This minimizes breakage and prevents damage.
• Styling: Coily hair can be styled using curl creams, gels, and custards. It’s best to air-dry coily hair or use a diffuser to dry it on low heat. Protective styles such as braids, twists, or buns can reduce manipulation and breakage.
• Protective Styling: Consider protective styles that reduce stress on your hair, such as braids, twists, and buns. These styles help protect the hair from environmental damage and breakage.
• Scalp Care: A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair. Use scalp treatments to maintain a clean and moisturized scalp, especially if you experience dryness or irritation.
• Avoid Tight Styles: Tight hairstyles can cause tension and lead to breakage. Avoid excessively tight ponytails or braids that may stress your coily hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rarest hair type?

Type 4C hair is often considered the rarest, as it has the densest and tightest coils with little to no defined curl pattern. It’s most commonly found in individuals of African descent.

What’s the prettiest hair type?

Beauty is subjective, so the “prettiest” hair type depends on personal preference. However, many people love Type 3A (loose curls) for their bouncy, shiny look and versatility in styling.

What is the weakest hair type?

Type 4C hair is considered the weakest in terms of fragility because of its tight coils and dryness, which makes it prone to breakage and damage.

What is the softest hair type?

Type 1A (very fine, straight hair) is typically the softest, as it consists of thin, smooth strands that feel silky to the touch.

What hair type is frizzy?

Type 2 (wavy hair) and Type 3 (curly hair) are often prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions, as their natural wave or curl can cause moisture to disrupt the smoothness of the hair.