What your type? Hair type that is..... Hair types 1, 2a-4c defined

Have you ever had someone walk up to you and say girl you have that 3c hair? Or have you ever heard someone talk about a natural female behind their back (SMH) and say  "ummm girl, she says she's a 4a, when she knows that she's a 4c". You are looking at them like what the heck is a 3c, 4a/4b???

In my next series of post, I(Red Velvet) will be giving you the breakdown on hair typing systems. For some time, I have noticed that hair typing systems have been gaining popularity. Every time you turn around there is a new kind of new hair typing system popping up.

When I first decided to become natural in 07/08, there was only two kinds of hair typing systems that I knew about the Andre Walker hair typing system and the L.O.I.S hair typing system (which will be the topic for my next post).

 In this post, we will be discussing the Type 1 to Type 4  hair typing system created by Andre Walker. Now you are wondering who is Andre Walker???......................

Andre Walker is a 5-time Emmy award winning personal hairstylist for Oprah and other celebrities. In December 1998, he released a book called "Andre Talks Hair". 

This book defines the four basic types of hair textures and helps women find out their own hair texture type. This book also explains how to care for each of the four different hair texture types. Although, I do not agree with some of his opinions about natural hair (especially type 4 hair..a topic for another day).This book gave birth to the ever so popular type 1 to type 4 hair typing system.  

Despite the popularity of Andre Walker's hair typing system. Many naturals were dissatisfied with the limited amount of sub-types for type 3 and type 4 hair. They also felt that Andre Walker's  original hair typing system was a "one size fits all" hair typing system. So a few years ago, modified versions of Andre Walker's hair typing system were created. These modified versions included the new hair sub-types 3c and 4c, which suited naturals that didn't fit the 3b/4a category for 3c and the 4b category for 4c.


Below I have provided you with the breakdown on these 4 different hair texture types.

Type 1 hair is straight hair. This hair texture type has absolutely no curl pattern. This hair texture type can range from fine to coarse. This hair texture type has a hard time holding curly styles.

Type 2 hair is wavy hair. Depending on the subcategory has a slight curl pattern. This hair texture type can range from fine to coarse. This hair texture type can effortlessly rock straight and curly hairstyles. Depending on subcategory, this hair type is prone to frizzing and can be a bit resistant to styling.

2a	Wavy        (Fine Texture)	Has a slight wave pattern and very easy to style.
2b	Wavy (Medium Texture)	Has a definite wavy pattern and a bit resistant to styling and prone to frizzing.
2c	Wavy (Coarse Texture)	Has a definite wavy/curly pattern. Also resistant to styling and prone to frizzing.

Type 3 hair is curly hair that has a definite S-shape curl pattern. Depending on the sub category has a loose to tight S-shaped curl pattern. This hair texture type can range from fine to coarse. This type like type 2 hair is prone to frizzing. This hair type can be resistant to styling like type 4 hair.

Note: subcategory 3c DIDN'T exist in Andre Walker’s hair typing system.

3a	Loose Curls	Has well defined loose S-pattern curls. The circumference of these curls varies in size (Ex. a piece of sidewalk chalk and etc.). Prone to frizzing.
3b	Tight Curls	Has a definite S-pattern curl in the form of ringlets or corkscrews .The circumference of these curls varies in size (Ex. a Crayola marker and etc.). Prone to frizzing.
3c	Tight Curls/ Tight Corkscrew Curls	Has tight curls and/or tight corkscrew curls. The circumference of these curls varies in size (Ex. a straw and etc.). These curls have a well-defined  (kinky or very tightly curled) curly S-pattern. Has lots of strands of hair clumped together. Prone to frizzing and can experience shrinkage.

Type 4 hair must be handled with care and has a tightly curled and coiled S-shaped pattern or Z-shaped pattern. This hair texture type can range from fine to coarse. This type like type 3 is prone to frizzing. This hair type is resistant to styling. This hair texture type also experiences hair shrinkage.

Note: subcategory 4c DIDN'T exist in Andre Walker’s hair typing system.

4a	Kinky, Tight curls and/or Tight coils	Has very well defined tight coils and/or tight curls. The circumference of these curls and/or coils varies in size (Ex. a coffee stirrer and etc.). Has lots of strands of hair clumped together. Prone to frizzing and shrinkage.
4b	Kinky, Tight coils and Z-patterned hair	Has tight coils and not very defined curls. Instead of hair curling up in an S-pattern it bends in the shape of a “Z” creating a Z- shaped pattern. Has lots of strands of hair clumped together. Prone to frizzing and shrinkage.
4c	Kinky, Z - patterned hair	Almost the same as type 4b but is a bit kinkier which makes it harder to see the Z- shaped pattern. Has lots of strands of hair clumped together Prone to frizzing and shrinkage.

Now that I have given you the break down on the hair types and sub-types. "It's time to put the name to the face"..(lol). Listed below, is one of the best modified versions of Andre Walker's hair typing system created by NaturallyCurly.com. They have "coined" their own terms for type 2- type 4  hair  texture sub-types. NaturallyCurly.com is also a fabulous resource for Type 2-Type 4 hair. 

Photo Courtesy of NaturallyCurly.com

Now keeping in mind the information I have provided you with....... I can finally answer the question asked by one of our readers. 

What's my hair texture type?..........

Red Velvet's Hair Texture Type

Based on the  hair typing system listed above I would be a 3c on the of my hair  top and 4a in the back of my hair.

Coco's Hair Texture Type

At this point in time, Coco's hair texture type is unknown until her hair has grown out some more.

Many naturals have placed a great deal of importance on hair typing systems, which has its pros and cons. Some naturals use hair typing systems to help take better care of their hair which is  A PRO.  Some naturals use their hair type as a superiority thing which is A CON.

I (Red Velvet), personally do not Believe in “Good” or “Bad”  Hair.  I think it is very ignorant of people to refer to other people’s hair as “Good Hair” or “Bad Hair. It’s just “HAIR” and “HEALTHY HAIR IS THE BEST TYPE OF HAIR TO HAVE...PERIOD". No specific hair texture type is more superior than the other. I feel like we should ALL embrace the hair God gave us. 

Like many other naturals, I feel  that they are too many different variables to consider when trying to place a label on one's hair texture type (like combination of textures, porosity, density and etc.). What may work for one  4a natural may not work for another 4a natural.  I use hair typing systems as a mere guideline to take better care of my hair and you should too.

So Readers..........

 What's your type? Do you find hair typing system to be helpful in your natural hair journey? If yes, Why? If no, why not?