I remember when straight hair was the “in” thing, and that was the worst time for me. Why? Well, let me enlighten you! My hair has a natural curl in it, and it doesn’t matter what I do, the curls always find a way to come back. BUT, after a few months I learned to embrace my hair! I started learning the different techniques to style my hair.

Did you know there are even different types of curls! WHAT! That is correct and it doesn’t matter if you have short or long hair, they always look GREAT! Did you know not all of us have the same curly hair “type”? I know!

Let’s start at the beginning. Andre Walker divided the hair into 4 different categories. Now let’s start with who is Andre Walker – Andre Walker is the hairstylist of THE ONE AND ONLY Oprah Winfrey. So, he knows what he is talking about.
The categories are:
Type 1: Straight (Definitely not me!)
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type3: Curly
Type 4: Coily Hair

Please note that there is a difference between Wavy, curly and coily hair. See, it is very complicated to understand. Now the biggest difference is the size of the curl. Do not think that these are all the categories! They then divide the hair types into 3 sub categories! This is divided into A, B and C according to the diameter of the hair. WOW, that is a lot of information!

If you are still a bit confused do not worry there are pictures and definition on the way!

Type 1 – Straight:

This is the only hair type that doesn’t have any sub categories. It is pretty straight forward, if you know what I mean *wink* *wink*. Straight hair is the absence of curls – meaning you will not see a bend in straight hair. Straight hair reflects the light and this is why it has the most shine. The bad part about straight hair is that it becomes oily very quickly as the natural oils are evenly distributed from the roots to the tips.

How do we care for straight hair?

• Make use of dry shampoos! Dry shampoos are the best – especially for straight hair. Dry shampoo helps to get rid of all the sweat and oil in your hair. Please note that you still need to wash your hair and this only works for a day not for longer periods though!

• To achieve more volume dry blow dry your hair, and lightly spray it with some hairspray to ensure that it stays in place.

• When washing your hair try to make use of a sulphate free shampoo to help get rid of he excess oil.

• Make use of lightweight formula conditioners!

Type 2A – Wavy Hair:

And here we start with the subcategories! This is an awesome look. This hairstyle has a fine, loose tousled texture. This is almost like straight hair – but it has some kind of a bend to it. The type 2a wavy hair is easy to style, it can be worn straight or wavy, with the help of some heating tools. According to Stylecraze the best products to use is a lightweight mouse and sea spray, as it allows your hair to have more volume and texture.

Type 2B wavy hair:

Here we are! My hairstyle. This is an awesome hair type if you want to make messy buns! Let me expand on what type 2b hair is. When your hair tends to be straight from your roots to mid- section and then it starts to curl in some crazy s-shape then you also have type 2b hair! This hair type is a bit harder to manage, as it tends to frizz more. Make use of a mouse to help you manage type 2b hair.

Type 2C wavy hair:

This type of hair has more definition than type 2a and 2b. Here the curls start from the root and goes all the way down to the tips. The best of this type of hair – It tends to be thick! The bad part is that is does frizz a lot.

How do we manage wavy curls?

• Wash your hair 2-3 times a week with lightweight formulated shampoo’s or conditioners!

• Make use of an old cotton T-shirt to dry your hair, this helps to add definition to it.

• Since we are obsessed with using straighteners or curling irons to help style our hair – make use of a HEAT PROTECTER!

• A wide toothed comb will become your best friend.

Type 3A Curly hair:

WOW guys these are beautiful – when I have time, I style my hair this way! These are big loose curls each defined with an S-shape with each strand as thick as a 2 chop sticks. The only problem with this hair type is that is frizzes!

Type 3B Curly hair:

These are also amazing; they are curled but a little more tightly and are as thick as a marker. Unfortunately, they do not shine but the one thing they do not lack is VOLUME! Get a styling cream that will help you block humidity.

Type 3C Curly hair:

They are known for the corkscrew or ringlet curls. These curls are tightly packed together on the head. They have a lot of volume. Best way to treat this hair type is to make use of hair stretching techniques, to prevent the 3c curls from shrinking and making your hair look shorter than it is.

How do we manage type 3 curls?

• Make use of natural shampoos

• NO straightening!

• Sleep on a soft pillow, maybe silk or satin.

Type 4A Coily hair:

These types of curls are wiry and fine textured. They also have an S-shape and are about as wide as a crochet needle. Keep this type of hair moisturized with thick creams.

Type 4B Coily hair:

This is a unique kind of curl which looks absolutely stunning! They do verify in size as well, but one thing is for certain they do have a Z shape.

Type 4C Coily hair:

This is very similar to type 4b hair – the only difference is that 4b hair lacks definition, and is more prone to shrinking. The hair appears shorter than what it actually is. This is a very delicate hair type, actually the most delicate type of hair, and needs to be treated with LOVE.

How to manage type 4 Coily Hair:

• Please do not blow dry your hair as it can lead to damaging your hair.

• Deep condition your hair to help it keep moisturized, twice a month would be perfect.

• Work with a wide toothed brush and small sections of hair.

• Sleep on a satin pillow case or wear a satin bonnet.