When we talk about something or someone being “good” we are referring to the thing or person doing what is expected of it or him/her. We call behaved children “good kids.” We call chaste women “good girls.” And when we refer to food that meets our expectations in terms of taste and presentation, we call that “good food.”
When it comes to our hair, the same applies. There are several different natural curl patterns; the way your hair naturally curls depends on which curl pattern you’ve been blessed with. With the right products and care, your hair will do exactly what it is supposed to do. Despite definitions that are as twisted as they are arbitrary, we all have “good hair.”
How is your natural curl pattern determined? Scientists say it’s the shape of the hair follicle. Follicles that are round in the cross-section produce straight hair. Follicles that are oval or irregularly shaped produce different degrees of curly hair.
What’s your natural curl pattern?
1. Straight
This hair type has no natural curl. Though it’s often lauded as the most manageable, studies have shown that straight hair actually tangles easier than other types and is more prone to split ends. Straight hair is, however, the most resilient hair type and resists damage. Straight hair types should use a flat paddle brush with wide bristles that separates the hair without damage.
Straight hair tends to be oilier than curly hair because the oil comes from the follicle and runs down the length. To combat this, straight hair types should wash their hair every day with a gentle shampoo and avoid products with alcohol high on the ingredients list.
2. Wavy
Because it falls in between straight and curly, wavy hair is known as the most transitional of the hair types. Like straight hair, wavy hair reflects light and makes hair shiny. Wavy hair tends to be thicker and coarser than finer, straighter locks. This hair type is also more prone to frizz. So, unlike their straight-haired sisters, wavy hair types should keep the washing to every other day and wash with cold water. Cold water promotes shine, locks in moisture, and reduces frizz.
Skip the blow dryer; most hairstylists recommend using a diffuser attachment or just letting your hair air dry. They also recommend using light styling products as to not weigh the hair down and a wide tooth comb instead of a hairbrush.
2a – Mostly straight with a slight wave.
2b – Medium textured with a deeper wave.
2c – Large amount of waves; thick and coarse with a frizzier look.
3. Curly
A lot of different hair types are described as “curly.” To see if yours truly fits the bill, compare a strand of hair to the letter “S.” With or without product, curly hair is well-defined and springy. This type of hair has a lot of body and can be styled in many different styles. If your curls are 3A, 3B or 3C, the circumference of the curls can range from big, sidewalk chalk curls to tight, straw curls. The opposite of straight hair, curly hair stops the oil from working its way down the length of the hair and thus tends to be dry. In high humidity, curly hair can be notoriously frizzy and unmanageable.
Stylist recommend that you never brush curly hair when it’s dry and that you only use products recommended for curly hair. Hot water strips curly hair of moisture, so wash with warm water. The tighter the curls, the more moisture and regular deep conditioning treatments you will need to maintain healthy curls and reduce frizz.
3a – Loose “S” curls, sidewalk chalk circumference.
3b – Medium “S” curls, springy
3c – Tight “S” curls, straw circumference. Absorbs moisture
4. Kinky
The most delicate of the hair types, kinky hair requires extra care and maintenance but is just as manageable as any other hair type. The pattern varies from person to person. This hair type is characterized by coils, springs, zig zags, or S-curves. Kinky hair is extremely versatile and holds well on it’s own without the aid of styling products. Kinky hair is prone to breakage so stylists recommend never brushing or combing dry curls. Moisturize frequently and use a lot of conditioner to help detangle your hair. When you’re sleeping, avoid cotton pillowcases that dry out/tangle your hair by using a satin scarf, bonnet or pillowcase.
Stylists recommend you avoid products that contain sodium laurel sulphate, petroleum or mineral oil. Kinky hair conveys a dry or matte appearance, and water is the best moisturizer for this hair type.
4a – Kinky coily, marked shrinkage, some “S” pattern.
4b – Kinky texture when dry, little visible curl defintion, zig-zag pattern.
4c – Very tightly curled with a short, “Z” curl pattern. No visible curl definition.
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