Hair falls into different categories, each requiring different care. How do you define your hair type? Here's how. 

Just as there are different types of skin, so there are different types of hair, classified according to texture, shape and other specific characteristics, which make it possible to establish a precise course of action for adopting the right hair routine and promising good health. 

Different hair types and their characteristics

Straight hair: Straight hair is smooth, with no curls or waves, and falls like a curtain over the shoulders. 

Wavy hair: Wavy hair has an intermediate texture between straight and curly hair. Wavy hair forms gentle waves and can be more or less pronounced, depending on the individual.

Curly hair: Curly hair has wide, defined, spiral curls or tight but soft curls, all depending on the hair's initial structure.

Curly hair: Curly hair has very tight, tight curls, creating a denser, voluminous texture.

Frizzy hair or afro hair: Frizzy hair is extremely curly, often Z-shaped, and tends to be very dense and tight. It can vary in curl size and shape.

In addition to these hair types according to their shape, hair can also be classified according to their thickness:

Fine hair: Fine hair has a smaller diameter and tends to be more delicate.

Medium hair: Medium hair is neither too thin nor too thick in diameter.

Thick hair: Thick hair has a larger diameter and is more robust.

Finally, hair can be classified according to its level of porosity:

Low-porosity hair: Low-porosity hair has tight cuticles and resists moisture absorption.

Medium-porosity hair: Medium-porosity hair has a balanced capacity to absorb moisture.

High-porosity hair: High-porosity hair has more open cuticles, making it more likely to absorb moisture, but also to lose it quickly.

It's essential to understand the type of hair you have, as this will help you choose the products and hair care products best suited to your specific needs. Each hair type has unique characteristics and requires a different approach to its care and styling.

How do you determine your own hair type? 

Determining your own hair type can be really helpful in choosing the right products and treatments for your specific needs. Here's how you can do it yourself to identify the shape, thickness and porosity of your hair and concoct the best hair routine for you: 

1. Determine the shape of your hair (straight, wavy, curly or frizzy):

It's probably what we define right from the start, the shape of the hair we perceive from childhood, but it can happen that we've camouflaged it for so long that we can't really define it anymore.

To determine or regain the shape of your hair, follow these steps:

° Wash and condition your hair as usual.

° Let your hair dry naturally without styling or using styling products.

Observe the natural shape of your hair after it has dried. If your hair is perfectly straight, you have straight hair. If it has soft waves, you have wavy hair. Defined curls indicate curly hair, and very tight or Z-shaped curls inevitably reveal curly hair.

2. Determine the thickness of your hair (fine, medium, thick):

To evaluate the thickness of your hair, you can :

° Take a single strand of clean, dry hair between your fingers and feel its texture.

If the hair strand is barely perceptible or difficult to feel between your fingers, you have fine hair.

° If you can feel the strand of hair between your fingers, but it doesn't feel thick or thin, you have medium hair.

° If the hair strand is clearly thick and easy to feel between your fingers, you have thick hair.

3. Determine the porosity of your hair (low, medium, high):

Hair porosity refers to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. Here's how to determine your hair's porosity:

Take a clean, dry lock of hair.

Observe the hair strand to identify any small cracks or visible pores in the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair).

If the cuticle appears smooth and closed, you have low-porosity hair. If it appears slightly open, you have medium-porosity hair. If it appears very open, you have high porosity hair.

Oily hair, dry hair or normal hair? 

To determine your hair type (greasy, dry or normal), you can take into account certain specific signs and characteristics. Here are a few guidelines to help you identify your hair type:

Oily hair :

Oily hair tends to become greasy quickly after washing, often within a day or less. You may notice a greasy or oily appearance on the scalp, roots and sometimes even the lengths. Greasy hair can feel heavy, flat and lacking in volume. You may also experience itchy scalp or oily dandruff.

Dry hair :

Dry hair looks dull, rough and brittle. You may experience frizz and unmanageable strands. Dry hair tends to lack moisture and can be prone to split ends. It needs additional moisturizing treatments(hair serums, masks, conditioners) to maintain its shine and softness.

Normal hair :

Normal hair has a healthy, balanced appearance. It is neither too greasy nor too dry, and is relatively easy to style. You can usually wait a few days before washing it again without it becoming greasy or too dry.

If you're having trouble pinpointing your hair type, try following these steps:

1 - Wash your hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to remove any build-up of hair products or sebum.

2 - Let your hair dry naturally without styling or using styling products.

3 - Carefully observe the appearance of your hair after it has dried. If you notice signs of oiliness, dryness, or if your hair appears healthy and balanced, you will be able to identify your hair type.

Keep in mind that hair type can vary according to different factors such as season, climate, use of hair products and overall health. If you have persistent problems with your hair, or if you're unsure about your hair type, don't hesitate to consult a hairdressing professional or dermatologist for personalized advice.