How do you tell the hair type?

Six hair types and three ways to tell which one is in your chair.

Six types

• 

  1A / 1B

  ›

  Fine, straight, don't hold a curl well

• 

  1C

  ›

  Smooth, thick, hold their shape well

• 

  2A / 2B

  ›

  Wavy, shiny, usually don't frizz

• 

  2C

  ›

  More porous, can look smooth once blow-dried straight

• 

  3

  ›

  Thick, curly, often dry

• 

  4

  ›

  Afro-textured, very tight coils

Three ways to tell

1. 

   By eye

   Check the thickness, shine, frizz and curl pattern of the hair.

2. 

   A test strand

   Curl one strand and see how well it holds the curl.

3. 

   Questions for the client

   Does the hair frizz in humidity, and how long does a curl usually hold?

Mixed types happen too, for example 1B/2A.