Everyday you see people with all color and style of hair. But did you know that you have a hair type? Yes! Not all hair has been created the same. Lets start with the basic structure of hair:
1) Hair grows from the follicle, which is long and bulbous. If you were to pull out a strand of hair you would see the bulge at the tip of the hair. The cells at the base of the follicle divide rapidly and is where you get your hair growth.
2) Each strand of hair consists of three layers, the first being the innermost layer called the medulla. This is only present though in thick hair though.
3) The middle layer is known as the cortex. This layer provides the strength, color and texture of your hair.
4) The outer most layer is called the cuticle and this is what protects the cortex. It is completely colorless.
Hair type can be determined by your hair's curl pattern. Our chief dermatologist Dr. Harish Koutam says, "Determining your hair type is essential to choose the right hair care products. Not every product will be well-fit for your hair. Your unique hair type deserves a customized hair care regimen that caters to your individual hair needs. For example, maintaining coily hair requires a lot of conditioning, unlike straight hair.” The amount of curling is based on your hair follicle's shape. Oval or asymmetrical follicles give rise to curlier hair. There are 4 basic hair types namely:
1. Straight
2. Wavy
3. Curly
4. Coily
1. Straight Hair
If your hair falls flat from the roots to the tips, you have straight hair. The hair texture is soft and silky, with no curls. Straight hair type often has a high amount of oil secretion. Straight hair is subdivided into:
Type 1A - This hair type is extremely soft, smooth and shiny. While this hair may feel like a dream for many, it lacks volume.
Type 1B - slightly thicker and bouncier than 1A.
Type 1C - Most coarse and thick straight hair.
2. Wavy Hair
Wavy hair lies between straight and curly. There is a slight curl pattern at the ends of your hair. However, it is not entirely curly. This hair type is subdivided into:
2A - Thin, wavy hair
2B - Wavy hair with medium thickness
2C - Thick and wavy hair
3. Curly Hair
Check if your hair strands have an 'S' pattern. Curly hair has an 'S' pattern and stays curly irrespective of straightening processes. It is frizzy and prone to tangles. Curly hair is subdivided into:
Type 3A - has loose curls
Type 3B - has medium curls
Type 3C - has tight curls
4. Coily Hair
Coily hair follows a 'z' pattern. It may seem rough and coarse and is prone to breakage. It has very tight curls. Coily hair is subdivided into:
Type 4A - is soft
Type 4B - is wiry
Type 4C - is extremely wiry
General hair care tips
1. Shampoo: Wash the hair with shampoo as often as needed. This will typically be when the hair becomes oily, which can happen at different rates for different people. Those with oily skin and hair may need to shampoo more often. Concentrate the shampoo on the scalp.
2. Condition: A person should use a conditioner after each shampoo. Concentrate the conditioner on the tips of the hair.
3. Dry: People can either wrap their hair in a towel and let it air dry or use a blow-dryer on the lowest setting. Using a blow-dryer can cause more damage to the hair than natural drying. However, there is research to suggest that using a blow-dryer at a distance of 15 centimetersTrusted Source and moving it continually can cause less damage to the hair than air drying.
4. Brush: Brush the hair when it is damp using a wide-toothed comb.
People should select their shampoo and conditioner based on their hair type.
If possible, they should try to limit:
Weaves and hair extensions: If possible, wear weaves and extensions that are lightweight. Wearing hair that is tightly pulled back can lead to hair loss, or traction alopecia.
Chemically treating the hair: People should try to leave some between color touchups. In addition, they should try to have one treatment at a time. This is because very treated hair is more prone to breakage.
Drying the hair using a towel: This can pull or twist the hair, causing it to snap. It can also ruffle the hair cuticles.
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