Your Hair Type Does Not Equal Your Curl Pattern

At Beauty Braids & Beyond, we believe that true hair care starts with understanding more than just your curls—it’s about knowing how your hair absorbs moisture, how thick each strand is, and how strong and resilient your hair really is. Two people can have the same curl pattern but completely different hair needs. That’s why it’s important to go beyond curl typing and consider key hair characteristics that impact your routine.

When it comes to understanding hair, many people rely on the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which categorizes hair into four types: straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily/kinky (Type 4). While this system helps identify curl patterns, it does not fully define your hair type.

How can I better understand my Hair Type?

1. Porosity: How Your Hair Absorbs Moisture

Porosity determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.

• Low porosity hair resists moisture, meaning product tends to sit on top rather than being absorbed. Lightweight, water-based products work best for this hair type.
• High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Deep conditioning and sealing with rich butters or oils can help lock in hydration.
• Medium porosity hair holds moisture well and thrives with a balanced routine of hydration and protein treatments.

Why It Matters:

Without understanding porosity, you might struggle with dryness, product buildup, or over-moisturizing, leading to limp or brittle hair.

2. Density: How Thick or Full Your Hair Appears

Density refers to the number of hair strands per square inch of the scalp.

• Low-density hair appears thinner, so lightweight, volumizing products help create fullness.
• High-density hair appears thick and full, often benefiting from heavier creams and butters for definition and control.

Why It Matters:

Density affects which styling techniques work best. For example, thick, high-density hair may need more hold for definition, while low-density hair benefits from lighter products that won’t weigh it down.

3. Strand Width: How Thick Each Hair Strand Is

Strand width describes whether your hair strands are fine, medium, or coarse.

• Fine hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Too much product can weigh it down.
• Coarse hair is stronger but often requires extra moisture to stay soft and manageable.

Why It Matters:

Your strand width determines how hair responds to styling, heat, and products. Fine hair may need lighter products like mousses, while coarse hair often thrives with rich, creamy formulas.

4. Elasticity: The Strength & Flexibility of Your Hair

Elasticity measures how much your hair can stretch before breaking.

• High elasticity hair stretches and bounces back easily, indicating strong, healthy hair.
• Low elasticity hair snaps easily and may need more protein treatments for strength.

Why It Matters:
Elasticity is a key indicator of hair health. If your hair stretches but snaps quickly, it may need strengthening treatments. If it feels brittle, more moisture may be the answer.