Hair Type 101: Straight, Wavy, Curly, Coily — What Yours Really Means

If you've ever bought a shampoo that promised miracles and delivered nothing, the problem probably wasn't the product — it was that it wasn't made for your hair type. The hair typing system (1A through 4C) is the foundation every stylist and trichologist uses.

Type 1: Straight hair

Sebum travels easily from root to tip, so straight hair gets oily faster but is naturally shiny. 1A is fine and soft, 1B has more body, 1C is thick and coarse. Use lightweight, volumizing products and avoid heavy oils near the roots.

Type 2: Wavy hair

An "S" pattern that sits between straight and curly. 2A is loose and fine, 2B has defined waves, 2C is thick and prone to frizz. Wavy hair thrives on lightweight mousses and air-drying — heavy creams weigh the waves flat.

Type 3: Curly hair

Defined springs and ringlets. 3A has large loose curls, 3B springs the width of a marker, 3C tight corkscrews. Curly hair is naturally drier (sebum struggles down the spiral), so it needs more moisture — deep conditioning, leave-in creams, and the "squish to condish" method.

Type 4: Coily hair

Tight zig-zag or coil patterns. 4A has visible coils, 4B Z-pattern coils, 4C has no defined curl pattern. Coily hair is the most fragile and most dry — it craves rich butters, oils, protective styles, and minimal manipulation. The LOC (liquid-oil-cream) method was built for this hair type.

Why this changes your salon visits

Type 1 hair can be washed daily; type 4 hair should be washed weekly. Wavy hair wants a diffuser on low; curly hair wants the "praying hands" technique. A salon that understands your hair type will recommend cuts, treatments, and products that actually work — saving you years of trial and error.

Book a free hair analysis with our specialists and learn your exact type.