How to Determine Natural Hair Texture?

Understanding your natural hair texture is crucial for selecting the right products, styling techniques, and care regimen. Whether your hair is curly, wavy, coily, or straight, knowing your texture allows you to embrace your hair’s natural characteristics instead of fighting against them. In this blog, how to determine natural hair texture and help you better understand your hair type.

Hair texture is primarily determined by genetics and the shape of your hair follicles. Round follicles typically produce straight hair. Similarly, oval follicles result in wavy hair and more flattened follicles. Here are the simple steps to determine your hair texture: 

Steps to Determine Your Natural Hair Texture

1. Start with Clean Hair

You should always start with clean hair. To accurately assess your hair texture, it must be in its most natural state, free from product buildup. Wash your hair using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner Spray. Avoid applying heavy products afterward.

2. Air Dry Without Styling

After washing, gently towel-dry your hair and let it air-dry naturally. Do not braid or use heat tools. This will allow your natural texture to appear without interference.

3. Observe the Curl Pattern

Once your hair is dehydrated, look closely at how it behaves:

Straight (Type 1): No visible wave or curl pattern; hair lies flat from roots to ends.

Wavy (Type 2): Hair forms gentle, S-shaped waves. It may be prone to frizz and lack defined curls.

Curly (Type 3): Clearly defined spiral or ringlet shapes. Curls may vary in size and springiness.

Coily/Kinky (Type 4): Very tight curls or zig-zag patterns that may appear dense and shrink when dry.

Understand Hair Type Subcategories

Here is how you can do a curl pattern identification: 

Type 2A, 2B, 2C (Wavy): Ranges from loose, barely-there waves to more defined S-shaped patterns.

Type 3A, 3B, 3C (Curly): Varies from large, loose curls to tighter spring-like curls.

Type 4A, 4B, 4C (Coily): Includes soft, tightly coiled curls to densely packed kinks with minimal definition.

Compare your hair to these patterns to narrow down your type.

Other Factors That Help Identify Texture

1. Strand Thickness

Take a single strand and rub it between your fingers:

Fine: Hardly noticeable, feels like silk.

Medium: Noticeable, but not stiff or coarse.

Coarse: Very thick, stiff texture.

2. Hair Density

This refers to how many strands you have on your scalp:

Low Density: The Scalp is easily visible.

Medium Density: The Scalp is partially visible.

High Density: The Scalp is barely visible.

3. Porosity

Porosity affects how your hair absorbs moisture. Do a simple water test: Place a clean strand of hair in a glass of water.

Low Porosity: Floats for a long time.

Medium Porosity: Sinks slowly.

High Porosity: Sinks quickly.

Common Mistakes 

Using products before testing: Styling products can alter your hair’s behavior.

Testing while hair is wet: Wet hair can look straighter or less defined than dry hair.

Not accounting for damage: Heat damage or chemical treatments can temporarily or permanently alter your natural texture.

Why Knowing Your Texture Matters?

Identifying your hair texture helps you:

Choose the best shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.

Avoid practices that might damage your hair.

Embrace styles that enhance your natural pattern.

Build a healthy, low-maintenance hair care routine.

How to Care for Your Natural Texture?

Once you’ve determined your natural hair texture, the next step is to understand how to properly care for it. Different textures have different needs, and using the proper methods can enhance your hair’s natural beauty.

1. Caring for Straight Hair (Type 1)

Shampooing: Straight hair tends to get oily faster, so gentle, frequent washing may be necessary.

Products to Use: Lightweight conditioners and volumizing products help avoid flatness.

Styling Tips: Avoid heavy oils; dry shampoo can help maintain volume.

2. Caring for Wavy Hair (Type 2)

Shampooing: Wash every 2–3 days to maintain wave definition without weighing it down.

Products to Use: Use light wave creams, or curl-enhancing sprays.

Styling Tips: Finger-combing and diffusing can help retain your natural S-shape pattern.

3. Caring for Curly Hair (Type 3)

Shampooing: Co-washing or using sulfate-free shampoos is ideal for preventing dryness.

Products to Use: Creamy leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and defining gel are helpful.

Styling Tips: Use the “plopping” method or scrunching to maintain curl shape without frizz.

4. Kinky Hair (Type 4)

Shampooing: Weekly cleansing is often sufficient. Use moisturizing cleansers.

Products to Use: Rich butters, oils, and deep conditioners help maintain moisture.

Styling Tips: Protective styles minimize breakage and retain length.

Transitioning to Natural Hair

If you’ve been using chemical straighteners or heat tools frequently, you may not see your natural texture right away. This transition phase involves growing out your natural hair while gradually cutting off the processed parts.

Tips for a Smooth Transition:

Minimize Heat Use: Heat styling can mask your real texture and cause more damage.

Trim Gradually: Regular trims remove damaged or chemically altered ends, ensuring a smooth finish.

Deep Conditioning: Weekly deep treatments help strengthen new growth.

Protective styling options: Such as braids, buns, and twists, help protect your natural hair as it grows in.

Seasonal Hair Texture Considerations

Your natural hair texture may behave differently throughout the year due to environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and wind. Adjusting your routine seasonally can help maintain healthy, defined hair.

Summer Care Tips

Use anti-frizz and humidity-resistant products.

Rinse hair with cool water to seal the cuticle.

Protect hair from the sun with hats or UV-protectant sprays.

Winter Care Tips

Increase deep conditioning frequency.

Use heavier moisturizers or hair oils to combat dryness.

Limit heat styling, which can cause breakage in dry air.

Rainy or Humid Weather

Use leave-ins and Hydrating Gel that lock in moisture and definition.

Keep hair in protective styles to reduce frizz and shrinkage.

Final Encouragement

The above blog has answered your question about how to determine natural hair texture. Going with your natural hair texture is not just about aesthetics; it's about self-care. Each texture tells a story of individuality. Rather than trying to change or suppress your natural pattern, you should adopt a hair care routine.

Every strand on your head is part of a bigger picture, one that reflects resilience and beauty. Take the time to learn your texture and, most importantly, love it fully.

FAQS 

Does hair texture change with age?

Yes, hair texture can change with age due to hormonal shifts, health changes, medications, and even lifestyle. Many people notice their hair becoming finer or drier over time, especially after puberty or menopause.

Can heat damage alter natural texture?

Frequent heat styling can weaken hair structure and cause permanent or semi-permanent changes in texture. Over time, curls or waves may appear looser, less defined, or even straightened in areas due to damage.

How to find your curl type?

To determine your curl type, wash your hair and let it air dry without using any products or styling tools. Observe the shape of your strands once dry; whether they are S-shaped waves, spiral curls, or tight coils. Also, you should compare them to standard curl type charts for accurate classification.