What are the different hair types?

April 8, 2026

Discover your hair type – and what it truly needs

From straight to coily: no two hairs are the same
Each hair type has its own character, needs, and care.

Straight hair? That calls for lightweight formulas that maintain volume.
Wavy hair? Balance is everything – not too heavy, not too light.
Curly hair? Hydration and frizz control are key.
Coily hair? Intensive nourishment and protection make all the difference.

But here's the twist
Your hair type is just the beginning.

Factors like porosity, thickness, and scalp health determine how your hair truly behaves. That's why it's important to look beyond just your curl pattern.

Understand your hair, choose consciously – and let your natural texture shine.

Type 1 – Straight hair

No curl or wave
Often shiny, but can get greasy quickly
Difficult to hold volume

Subtypes:

1A: super straight & fine
1B: a bit more body
1C: thicker, can be slightly wavy

For straight hair, it's all about lightweight care and balance. Choose conditioners that hydrate without weighing down, combined with ingredients that help regulate sebum production.

Consider:
✔ Lightweight conditioners
✔ Oil-balancing ingredients
✔ Minimal use of heavy masks

Overly rich formulas can have the opposite effect.
When you overload straight hair with heavy emollients, it immediately falls flat – losing volume and quickly looking greasy or lifeless.

Less is more: light, smart formulas ensure airy, healthy, and shiny hair

Type 2 – Wavy hair

Soft S-shape
More volume than straight hair
Can frizz in humidity

Subtypes:

2A: slight wave
2B: more defined S-shape
2C: almost curly

Wavy hair loves the perfect balance ⚖️
Too little hydration? → frizz.
Too heavy products? → your beautiful waves disappear.

It's essentially the "middle child" of hair types: it needs care, but with caution.

Therefore, choose:
✔ Balanced hydration
✔ Lightweight conditioners
✔ Anti-frizz ingredients without weighing down

The key is to nourish your hair without "overloading" it, so your natural wave remains beautifully visible.

The right balance ensures soft, defined waves with a natural bounce

Type 3 – Curly hair

Defined curls
Often dry and prone to frizz
Needs hydration

Subtypes:

3A: loose curls
3B: springy curls
3C: tight, compact curls

Curly hair loves hydration 💧 – and lots of it.
But it's not just about moisture, it's about the right balance between hydration, frizz control, and protein.

Therefore, choose:
✔ Hydration-rich formulas
✔ Anti-frizz systems
✔ Balanced protein support

Curls are naturally more prone to dryness and frizz, so consistent care is key.

And yes… humidity is the ultimate test.
If your formula isn't right, you'll immediately see it in frizzy, less defined curls.

The right formula ensures bouncy, shiny curls that maintain their shape – regardless of the weather

Type 4 – Coily / Kinky hair

Very tight curls or zigzag pattern
Shrinks significantly (shrinkage)
Needs a lot of nourishment and hydration

Subtypes:

4A: small coils
4B: zigzag structure
4C: very compact, little visible definition

Curly and coily hair is rich in texture, versatile, and unique 💫 – and requires conscious, thoughtful care.

The well-known hair typing system (1–4) is a good starting point. It mainly looks at your curl pattern and gives you a general idea of your hair type.

But… it doesn't tell the whole story.

Factors such as:
✔ Density (how much hair you have)
✔ Porosity (how well your hair absorbs moisture)
✔ Strand thickness
✔ Elasticity
✔ Scalp health

…are just as important. They determine how your hair truly behaves and what care it needs.

Two people with the same hair type can have completely different hair – precisely because of these characteristics.

Conclusion
The hair typing system is a useful basis, but not a complete picture.
The key to healthy and radiant hair lies in understanding your unique hair structure and needs.

Listen to your hair – it knows exactly what it needs