CURLY HAIR TYPES: HOW TO IDENTIFY AND TREAT THEM

As a curl expert professional, it is essential to understand the characteristics and terminology of all the different hair textures and learning what hair products are effective on which hair types is a must. The main features to take into account for a proper diagnosis are the race, ethnicity, and nationality of the client. Understanding hair genetics and the Universal Texture Chart (UTC), will give you the knowledge to identify which hair type your client has. Recommend treatment routines in-salon and at-home that are specific to the client’s hair needs, and last but not least, recommend ad hoc hair styling and cutting tips.

HAIR TERMINOLOGY

Keep scrolling and reveal the main terminology you need to know to be able to offer a more inclusive range of hair services in-salon.

• RACE is a socially defined category, based on real or perceived biological differences between groups of people; typically based on physical appearance. i.e., skin & eye color, hair texture, etc.
• ETHNICITY is a socially defined category based on common language, religion, nationality, history, or other cultural factors.
• NATIONALITY is belonging to a particular nation by origin, birth, or naturalization.

THE UNIVERSAL TEXTURE CHART (UTC)

The chart below gives further details on the hair texture and movement pattern categorized by numbers, which indicate the hair texture and the letters specify the movement pattern.

Type 1: Straight                                                A: Subtle

Type 2: Wavy                                                    B: Medium

Type 3: Curly                                                     C: Strong

Type 4: Coily

WAVY HAIR, TYPE 2

When strands curve or form an “S” shape it is an indicator of wavy hair. This hair known as Type 2 is the balance between Straight vs Curly. Wavy hair is usually identified as “Beach Waves” or “Tussled” and can be styled easily. Frizz and flyways start to become more evident the stronger the wave becomes.

Type 2: HOW TO IDENTIFY WAVY HAIR

• Mild to natural hair shine.
• Subtle to pronounced ‘S’ blend or movement.
• Versatile to style

TYPES 2 A, B, and C of WAVY HAIR

Some of the characteristics these three wavy hair types share in common are:

• Shine
• ‘S’ bend
• Fine to medium hair density
• Natural height or volume
• Product and heat can either encourage or control the desired hair movement
• Flyways

CURLY HAIR, TYPE 3

Curly hair will naturally range from loose curls, buoyant spirals to tight spirals curls, which have some mild shine but are prone to frizz. This hair is referred to as Type 3. Those with Type 3 hair will be aware that a different selection of hair product ranges and techniques are needed to manage and maintain healthy curly hair.

Type 3: HOW TO IDENTIFY CURLY HAIR

• Clear “spiral” shape when wet or dry
• Varied hair density
• Reactive to environment

 TYPES 3 A, B, and C of CURLY HAIR

Some of the characteristics these three curly hair types share in common are:

• Natural height and volume
• Product and heat can either encourage or control the desired movement

COILY KINKY HAIR, TYPE 4

Coily hair, commonly referred to as Afro-textured or kinky hair, Type 4 is naturally very dehydrated and spongy in texture. It can be soft and fine or thick and wiry. Strands from very tight, small curls of zig-zags right from the scalp and are prone to major shrinkage.

Type 4: HOW TO IDENTIFY COILY/KINKY HAIR

• Most fragile due to least cuticles present
• Varied hair density
• Reactive to environment
• Washing steps will change due to texture

TYPES 4 A, B and C of COILY/KINKY HAIR

Some of the characteristics these three coily hair types share in common are:

• Low to no shine
• Naturally dehydrated

RE/START PERSONALIZED IN-SALON AND AT-HOME HAIR TREATMENTS

Discover the entire range of RE/STAR Curls. From wavy, to curly or coily hair, find out which      products are ideal for your clients’ in-salon treatment & to continue taking care of their curls at-home.

IN-SALON AND AT-HOME TREATMENTS FOR EACH CURLY HAIR TYPE

Become an expert at identifying hair textures and offer your clients personalized RE/START Curls hair treatments specific to their needs. Visit our PROSHOP site to get your hands on this range to enhance the natural beauty of any type of textured hair.