4 Types of Hair and How to Properly Care for Them

Different types of hair need different treatment in order to maintain health and beauty. Whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy, curly, or tightly curled, follow these tips and your hair will shine bold and strong.

There are four types of hair and each deserve specific care and treatment to maintain strength, manageability and remain free of grease and buildup.

• Naturally straight hair is known as Type 1. Straight hair disperses natural oils easily making hair resilient and is easier to style and grow out long. There are three subtypes as straight hair can vary in thickness. Type 1A is fine hair, meaning hair is thin with minor lift at the roots. Type 1B is medium hair, which remains just as manageable with a bit more volume. Type 1C is coarse hair, which means it’s usually thicker, strictly straight and difficult to style into curls. The fibers of the hair are round which allows hair to fall evenly around the scalp. Due to the hair’s follicle structure, naturally straight hair rarely grows at an angle.

Here’s a Tip: Straight hair stays naturally sleek and straight which allows for versatile styling. Try our Silk Keratin Sheer Magic Smoothing Balm to give hair a boost of shine and block out humidity. Straight hair can suffer when it comes to volume. To add some extra volume blow dry your hair upside down and use a round barrel brush. Between washes try dry shampoo, like our Touch Clean & Go, to keep hair from getting greasy.

• Naturally wavy hair, Type 2, brings that “straight from the beach” beautiful look. Similar to straight hair, wavy hair is determined by the protein structure. The fibers are oval-shaped which makes hair round but has a slight twist upon other follicles. There are three sub-types of wavy hair as it can change in thickness and S-shaped waves. Wavy hair that is fine and thin is categorized as Type 2A, making it loose and easier to manage. Type 2B is medium wavy hair which has more prominent “S” curves and is prone to frizziness. Type 2C is coarse, thicker hair and maintains distinct S-shaped waves which can make hair frizz and difficult to manage.

Here’s a Tip: Since this hair type falls between straight and curly hair it has its ups and downs. It can be tough to manage for styling, however the natural texture of the hair looks great naturally. This type of hair can still fall flat as straight hair can, so it’s important to maintain volume at the roots. Wavy hair is prone to frizz. Be sure to use products that maintain moisture. To keep wavy hair soft, flowy and free from frizz use shampoo and conditioner that has strengthening ingredients. Our Silk Keratin Smooth Protection Sulfate Free Shampoo and Smooth Hydration Conditioner are a perfect match to keep hair manageable and prevent breakage.

• Curly hair is also known as Type 3 and is categorized into three types depending on thickness and spiral size. Type 3A is fine, curly hair and consists of big, loose curls and easily manageable. This particular type of hair is sensitive to the climate. Type 3B hair has medium thickness, and curls with well-defined bounce. Prone to frizz, be sure to use strong moisturizer and conditioner with this hair type. Type 3C is coarser hair with a blend of both bouncy and coily curls.

Here’s a Tip: Curly hair has natural volume and texture to it making this hair type perfect for styling. However, curly hair is prone to frizz and can easily dry out causing breakage. It’s important to keep hair moisturized and conditioned, especially those that help with split ends. Silk Keratin The Miracle Mask is our hair treatment that’s formulated with avocado oil, keratin protein, silk protein and white carnation oil to provide intensive nourishment and hydration. Whether your hair is naturally curly or tightly curled, reduce frizz by using shampoo and leave in conditioners that help hair retain moisture.  

• Tightly curled hair, which can resemble coils, bring natural boost and volume to hair. The fibers of  Type 4 are flat which makes hair form tight “squiggles”. Strands bunch together for Type 4A hair, making thicker, tightly coiled in style and can be wiry to finely-textured. Both Type 4B and 4C have strong z-shaped patterns. Type 4B will feel soft, but is very fragile while 4C is a bit more on the coarse side.

Here’s a Tip: Oily hair types are naturally voluminous. With the right hair products there are so many styling options, including mini braids, big braids, dreads, au natural, or a fro. With fewer cuticle layers, oily hair can be more fragile than other hair types. Deep conditioning and hair hydration, like with our Silk Keratin Sheer Magic leave-in treatment, is pivotal for prime hair care. Smoothing treatments can keep hair looking long in length. Ingredients such as shea butter, almond, argan, and olive oil allow for deep treatments, and sleep with a silk pillow or scarf to retain moisture.

Follow these tips and keep your hair looking its best. No matter your hair type, find the style and products that work best for you.