I don’t think it comes as a surprise to all when I say that there are many different hair types… my hair type is completely different to my best friend’s, and that’s okay! If you dream of having long luscious locks like Sabrina Carpenter (no, cos same), chances are the products she uses for her hair aren't going to completely agree with yours, and that’s because every head of hair has its own type and personality! 

Using the wrong products for your hair type is like “waiting for rain in this drought, useless and disappointing” (iykyk!!!!!!!) 

The Andre Walker Hair Typing System

Oprah Winfrey’s hairstylist in the 90’s created the Andre Walker Hair Typing System (named after himself of course 💅🏼) which helps determine what hair type you have. Bear with me as the system includes both numbers and letters, but trust that by the end of this, you too will be an expert in determining your hair type and therefore the best products to level-up your haircare routine! 

According to the chart, there are four Hair Types that are labelled with numbers, then their subtypes are labelled with letters, e.g. 2C or 4A. The letters correspond to the subtypes that describe the characteristic of each hair type, such as how loose or tight your curls are. 

So, let’s break it down, shall we?

TYPE 1 - STRAIGHT

To put simply, Type 1 hair is straight hair. And more interestingly, Type 1 hair can usually be classified as oily. Due to the nature of its rounded follicle shape, the natural oils produced by our scalp have an easier time travelling down the hair strand, which equals shiny but quick-to-grease hair. If this sounds like you, hey join the club!

The subtypes for Type 1 are more defined by the thickness of the strands;

1A - Fine; so think super straight. Usually thin and delicate, if you try to feel a strand between your thumb and finger you probably won’t feel it.

1B - Medium; has a medium texture, and a bit more oomph compared to 1A. The strand feels thicker than 1A.

1C - Coarse; harder to curl. It requires elbow grease to style and may need some extra-strong hold hairspray and creams. 

For Type 1 hair, your best friends will be products that won’t add unnecessary moisture and oils. It may also pay to add a dry shampoo into your routine, as frequent hair washing may cause your scalp to overproduce oils. 

TYPE 2 - WAVY

Type 2 hair are the wavy-haired girlies. Type 2 hair isn’t defined by strand thickness like Type 1 hair; instead, its subcategories define the S-pattern wave of the hair from the root! The hair follicles are more oval-shaped that produce slightly asymmetrical fibres (hence the S-patterned waves).

2A - Fine waves that can be easy to straighten. There is a loose S-pattern, but the hair sticks relatively close to the head. Products may weigh the hair down, and trying to create some volume may be tricky. 

2B - The S-pattern develops from the mid-lengths. Again, it’s a step up from 2A, where it may take a bit more effort to straighten. 

2C - The waves are coarser and the S-pattern starts closer to the root of the hair. This texture is more prone to frizz and if this is your hair type, you may notice your scalp tend to get drier. 

For Type 2 hair girlies, think: hydration, frizz control and lightweight-hold products.

TYPE 3 - CURLY

Curly girls RISE UP! Type 3 hair ranges from loose but bouncy curls to tight and springy curls. It has a more definite S-pattern, compared to Type 2 hair. The follicles of this hair type grow from an oval shaped follicle from an angle to the scalp. Because of this curly hair may not be as shiny-looking as Type 1 or 2 hair, as the bends in the hair can make it harder for light to reflect evenly off the surface.

3A - Fine hair but with volume, and has a definite S-pattern curl. 3A hair may be frizzy, but curls can be soft and bouncy. 

3B - Curls tend to be tighter and fuller. Curls have a combination of textures, where some areas may have tighter curls while another part of the head may have looser curls. 

3C - Curls are tight and very thick! Curls tend to be the size of a pencil (i.e. if you stick a pencil down a curl, it should fit, albeit tightly), and can be packed tightly together which could mean volume-town for your hair. 3C is the most prone to drying and breaking (if this is you, sorry), which means that your hair may CRAVE major moisture! 

It’s important to keep moisture levels at peak to ensure proper care for Type 3 hair girls, so think: moisture, definition and detangling.

TYPE 4 - COILY

Think tight coils for Type 4 hair. Typically this hair type can be very tightly coiled and fragile. It can often appear as coarse, but the individual strands can be really fine hair that may be densely packed together, which is what contributes to its appearance and volume.

4A - the Andre Walker System describes 4A as tightly coiled, with a very definitive O-shaped pattern. 

4B - Is also tightly coiled, but has a less defined pattern. This type is described as having more of a Z-shaped pattern.

4C - There may be no visible defined pattern with 4C hair, unless you’re really getting in there for a look! This type is the tightest and can also be the most fragile. It’s prone to easy breakage if you use your comb too roughly or often! It requires deep and frequent nourishment to keep 4C happy. 

To ensure happy Type 4 hair, think: moisture retention and protection.