Wavy (Loose curls) Characteristics:
This hair type is prone to frizz and tends to lie flat to the head. It reflects light sheen, but less than straight hair. The further down the wavy spectrum you go the less sheen the hair will impart. Sebum flows from root to ends with some interference.
Care: To keep from flattening out that wave, steer clear of heavy products that weigh down on the hair. Instead, volumize the roots with a light mousse or use a gel to define those waves. You can opt for a diffuser, a toothy devise that snaps onto the end of your blow dryer and helps eliminate the frizz and create volume. Ensure your hair is properly dried with a curl towel to help encourage curl formation. Find the right balance between volume and definition by using products that deliver both, and applying less products at the root.
Curly (Medium curls) Characteristics:
Type 3 hair is considered to have lots of body and volume, and is densely packed with more strands than the average head. It is soft, prone to high frizz when roughly combed, and damages easily. Sebum flows slowly from root to ends along the curl pattern, which can lead to some dryness. It tends to be shiny and has more sheen than the other curl types.
Care: Gently use a wide tooth comb to detangle your curls when damp or wet. Using a bristle brush on this type of hair can wreck curl definition and lead to frizziness so it can help to finger coil each strand to encourage curl formation during styling.
Instead of combing, you can rake through wet hair with your fingertips to not disturb curl formation and to encourage curl clumping.
Apply naturally nourishing haircare products to moisturize the strands without weighing them down. Focus the application on your ends as they are the most fragile and oldest part of the hair. Ensure a regular routine of hydration that keeps strands soft and supple and free from breakage due to dryness. Apply natural gels to combat frizz and keep hair strands together.
Coily (Tight curls) Characteristics:
Sebum has a harder time flowing from root to ends, due to the curves in the hair. As a result, this hair type can be prone to extreme dryness. Coily hair is the driest hair type. The curlier the strand, the thinner it will be. Although this hair looks voluminous due to the texture, the strands can actually be quite thin. It is more prone to breakage and requires a gentle touch when it comes to styling and combing. When dry or wet, this hair type has the wonderful ability to shrink up to 75% of it length.
Type 4 hair is the most fragile curl type, and can become more easily damaged because it has fewer cuticle layers and less natural protection. It doesn't take a lot for it to stretch out before breakage can happen, especially when combing is rough or too often. Type 4 hair is not as tolerant to excessive manipulation and heat styling as other hair types. With the right knowledge of care, this hair type can be hydrated and healthy!
Care: Styling & Manipulating: Opt for finger combing if you prefer, but a wide tooth comb works great too. Remember to detangle while stretching out the hair by gently pulling down, to feel for tangles and allow them to be released. Detangle from the tips of your hair and work your way up to the roots, and work in sections. This hair type is prone to single strand knots due to manipulation, dryness, and excessive shrinkage which can be combatted by working on hair in (twisted) sections during the entire wash day process.
Moisturizing: Apply more hydrating haircare products to moisturize and nourish the strands. Focus the application on your ends as they are the most fragile and oldest part of the hair. Ensure a regular routine of hydration that keeps strands soft and supple and free from breakage due to dryness. Apply oils and butters to add an extra layer of moisture and protection, and to add radiance to combat any dullness. Apply natural gels to combat frizz and keep hair strands together.
Keep hair manipulation low by opting for protective styles (braids, twists, buns and up-do's) and keeping your hands out of your hair when you can, unless you need to take care of it. Remember to moisturize your hair while it is in a protective style.