By Dr. Shanessa Fenner
We live in a world where we are all different, from our cultural backgrounds to the hair strands on
our crowning glory. It is imperative to understand curl patterns and hair types in order to provide appropriate hair care products. As a shop owner, it is imperative to know this poignant information so that you can better serve the differing hair needs of diverse customers. The overall goal is to have a healthy head of hair that will continue to flourish and make the consumer feel like they are living their best life.
Here is a detailed description of the various hair curl types:
Type 1 (Straight hair) This hair type does not have any curls, it is straight hair.
Customer Tip: Straight hair tends to get oily quickly. Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner to avoid weighing it down. Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver to extend the time between washes.
Product Recommendations:
Shampoo: Lightweight, volumizing shampoo
Conditioner: Lightweight, volumizing conditioner
Styling Gel: Light styling cream or serum for smoothness
Leave-In Treatment: Lightweight leave-in conditioner or detangler
Type 2 (Wavy hair) Fine wavy hair is more prone to tangles.
2A- This fine texture is easy to straighten and lacks volume at the roots.
2B- This hair type has s-shaped waves that start from the mid-length.
2C- These thick waves are more susceptible to becoming frizzy.
Customer Tip: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain natural oils, and a light mousse or gel to define waves without making the hair crunchy.
Product Recommendations:
Shampoo: Sulfate-free shampoo
Conditioner: Moisturizing, lightweight conditioner
Styling Gel: Light mousse or gel for wave definition
Leave-In Treatment: Leave-in conditioner or wave-enhancing spray
Type 3 (Curly hair) Curly hair patterns have drier hair strands and are prone to breakage and frizz.
3A- These strands are shiny, large, loose curls that are the diameter of a piece of chalk.
3B- This type of hair has springy ringlets that are the circumference of a marker.
3C- These tight corkscrew curls can vary from the circumference of a straw or a pencil.
Customer Tip: Hydration is key. Use a deep conditioning treatment weekly and avoid brushing hair when dry to prevent breakage.
Product Recommendations:
Shampoo: Moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo
Conditioner: Deep conditioning treatment
Styling Gel: Curl-defining gel or cream
Leave-In Treatment: Moisturizing leave-in conditioner
Type 4 (Coily hair) This type of hair is referred to as Afro-textured or kinky hair. It is naturally dry, and spongy in texture and can be fine, wiry, coarse or soft. This hair type experiences the greatest amount of shrinkage, and moisturization is essential.
4A- This type of hair has dense s-pattern coils that are the same circumference as a crochet needle.
4B- These hair strands are densely packed and can bend in sharp angles like the letter z.
4C- This is a natural hair type with a tightly coiled texture.
Customer Tip: Regular deep conditioning and the use of the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) can help retain moisture. Avoid styles that put too much tension on the hair.
Product Recommendations:
Shampoo: Moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash
Conditioner: Rich, moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioner
Styling Gel: Curl-enhancing gel or cream
Leave-In Treatment: Heavy leave-in conditioner or moisturizing butter
