Salwa Salon's Practical Guide: Identify & Care for Your Hair Type Properly (Step-by-Step)

Having healthy, beautiful, and manageable hair is everyone’s dream. However, we often find it difficult to care for our hair, buy unsuitable products, or try various styles without maximum results. Did you know, the secret lies in one fundamental thing: understanding your own hair type?

As beauty instructors and strategists at SalwaSalon.com, we believe that education is the main key to authentic beauty. This tutorial article will guide you step-by-step to identify your hair type based on the globally recognized Andre Walker hair classification system. Furthermore, we will help you design the most effective hair care routine, ensuring every strand of your hair receives the attention it deserves.

Ready to unlock your hair’s full potential? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Understand Why Knowing Your Hair Type is So Important

Many people think all shampoos and conditioners are the same, or that one product can suit all hair types. This is a common misconception that can hinder the health and beauty of your hair. Why is it important to know your hair type?

• Correct Product Selection: Each hair type has unique needs (moisture, volume, oil control, etc.). Knowing your hair type helps you choose shampoos, conditioners, masks, and styling products that truly work.
• Effective Care Routine: Shampoo frequency, drying methods, and even the type of comb you use should be adjusted accordingly.
• Accurate Hair Problem Solutions: Oily, dry, tangled, or brittle hair often stems from a hair type not receiving proper care. With this understanding, you can find the root cause of the problem.
• Save Time and Money: No more wasting money on ineffective products or experimenting with incorrect treatments.

Now that you understand its importance, let’s get into the core of identification.

Step 2: Get to Know the Andre Walker Hair Type Classification System

The Andre Walker system is the most popular guide for identifying hair types, dividing them into four main categories (1, 2, 3, 4) and sub-categories (A, B, C) based on their curl pattern. Follow this explanation to start visualizing your hair.

A. Straight Hair (Type 1)

Straight hair has no natural curl pattern. It tends to be oilier at the scalp because natural oils (sebum) from the oil glands can easily spread from the roots to the ends.

• 1A: Very straight, fine, and thin. Tends to be difficult to style and lacks volume.
• 1B: Straight, but with a bit of volume and texture. Easier to style than 1A.
• 1C: Straight, thick, and often feels coarse. Has some body but remains straight.

Initial Tip: Focus on products that cleanse without weighing hair down, and provide volume if your hair is type 1A or 1B.

B. Wavy Hair (Type 2)

This hair type falls between straight and curly. Wavy hair tends to form a soft ‘S’ pattern.

• 2A: Very soft waves, almost straight, especially at the roots. Easily styled straight or wavy. Tends to be fine and easily tangled.
• 2B: More defined ‘S’-shaped waves that start from the mid-length to the ends. Tends to be slightly thicker and often prone to frizz.
• 2C: More pronounced, thick waves that start from the roots. The ‘S’ pattern is very clear, sometimes resembling loose curls. Often sensitive to humidity and highly prone to frizz.

Initial Tip: Frizz protection and wave definition are top priorities for this hair type.

C. Curly Hair (Type 3)

Curly hair has a tighter, more circular curl pattern, with a very clear ‘S’ shape or loose spiral pattern.

• 3A: Large, loose curls that tend to be shiny. The curl diameter is about the width of a marker. Quite easy to style, but prone to tangling if not cared for properly.
• 3B: Denser curls, tighter spirals, and wavy from the roots. The curl diameter is about the size of a pen. Requires extra moisture and curl definition to prevent frizz.
• 3C: Very dense and tight curls, resembling springs. The curl diameter is about the size of a pencil. Highly prone to dryness and brittleness, requiring intense moisture.

Initial Tip: Hydration and products that support curl formation are essential to maintain elasticity and prevent damage.

D. Coily Hair (Type 4)

Coily hair has a very tight, small, and often zig-zag curl pattern. Its texture can feel coarse but is actually very fine and fragile.

• 4A: Very tight curls with a clear ‘S’ shape. When stretched, this ‘S’ pattern is visible. The curl diameter is about the size of a knitting needle.
• 4B: Tighter zig-zag shaped curls with sharper angles than 4A. The curl pattern is not always clearly visible when dry.
• 4C: Very tight, dense curls that have no clear curl pattern when dry. Highly prone to shrinkage, tangling, and extreme dryness. This is the most fragile hair type and requires intensive hydration.

Initial Tip: Focus on maximum moisture, damage protection, and gentle styling to maintain the health of this hair type.

Step 3: Perform a Self-Test to Identify Your Hair Type

Now it’s time to apply this theory to your own hair. Follow these easy steps:

A. Observe Your Hair When Wet

After shampooing and before drying, let your hair be completely wet. Observe the natural pattern that forms. Is your hair:

• Falling straight without any bends? Most likely Type 1.
• Forming soft ‘S’ waves? This is Type 2.
• Forming distinct spirals? Perhaps Type 3.
• Forming very tight curls or zig-zags? You might be Type 4.

B. Observe Your Hair When Dry

Let your hair air dry naturally (without heat tools). Once completely dry, observe its curl pattern again:

• Remaining straight, even when completely dry? Confirm Type 1. Then identify sub-types 1A, 1B, or 1C based on thickness and volume.
• Are the ‘S’ waves becoming more defined or more voluminous? You are Type 2. Note whether the waves are fine and easily straightened (2A), more pronounced (2B), or already very voluminous and prone to frizz (2C).
• Do the curls form beautiful and elastic spirals? You are Type 3. Distinguish between large and loose curls (3A), tighter and denser curls (3B), or very tight like springs (3C).
• Do the curls shrink into a very tight or dense zig-zag pattern? You are Type 4. Note whether the pattern still looks like an ‘S’ (4A), is more zig-zag (4B), or has almost no clear pattern (4C).

Our Tip: Perform this test several times under different conditions (after different hair treatments or without products) to get the most accurate results. If you have difficulty identifying it, don’t hesitate to consult directly with our experts at Salwa Salon.

Step 4: Adjust Your Hair Care Routine Based on Your Hair Type

Identifying your hair type is just the beginning. The next step is to apply the correct care. Here is our practical guide:

A. For Straight Hair (Type 1)

• Focus: Oil control and volume enhancement.
• Shampoo & Conditioner: Choose lightweight products (volumizing or clarifying). Apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends to avoid greasy roots.
• Shampoo Frequency: Can be daily or every other day, depending on how quickly your hair gets oily.
• Additional Tips: Use dry shampoo to absorb excess oil. Avoid overly heavy styling products like thick creams or serums that can weigh hair down. For more voluminous results, try blow-drying with your head upside down.

B. For Wavy Hair (Type 2)

• Focus: Wave definition and frizz control.
• Shampoo & Conditioner: Look for products that hydrate without weighing hair down, often labeled “for wavy hair” or “anti-frizz”.
• Shampoo Frequency: 2-3 times a week.
• Additional Tips: After shampooing, squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel (do not rub). Apply a lightweight mousse or wave-specific gel when hair is still wet, then scrunch your hair upwards. Let it air dry naturally or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. Avoid brushing dry hair, which can break the wave pattern and cause frizz.

C. For Curly Hair (Type 3)

• Focus: Deep hydration, curl definition, and tangle prevention.
• Shampoo & Conditioner: Use sulfate-free shampoos and rich, moisturizing conditioners. Consider the co-wash method (shampooing with conditioner only) for days when your hair isn’t too dirty.
• Shampoo Frequency: 1-2 times a week.
• Additional Tips: Detangle hair only when wet and after applying conditioner, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. After shampooing, apply leave-in conditioner and curl cream evenly. Let it air dry naturally or use a diffuser. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.

D. For Coily Hair (Type 4)

• Focus: Intensive hydration, protection, and extra gentle care.
• Shampoo & Conditioner: Choose low-lather shampoos (low-poo) or co-wash. Use a very rich conditioner and perform deep conditioning regularly (1-2 times a week).
• Shampoo Frequency: Just once a week or even every two weeks.
• Additional Tips: Use natural hair oils like castor oil or shea butter to seal in moisture. Opt for protective styles like braids or loose buns to reduce manipulation. Avoid heat from styling tools. Always use a satin pillowcase or head wrap when sleeping.

Step 5: Understand Other Factors That Affect Your Hair Care

Besides curl type, there are two other important factors that significantly influence your hair’s needs:

• Hair Texture: How thick or thin each strand of your hair is (fine, medium, coarse). Fine hair requires lightweight products, while coarse hair can handle heavier products.
• Hair Porosity: Your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture (low, medium, high). Low porosity hair struggles to absorb products but retains them easily. High porosity hair absorbs easily but also loses moisture quickly.

Understanding texture and porosity will perfect your hair care. Look out for our next article, which will delve deeper into this!

Conclusion: Healthy Hair Starts with Self-Understanding

Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge and practical steps to identify your hair type and care for it properly. Remember, the journey to healthy hair is a personal process that requires patience.

Every strand of your hair is unique, and with appropriate care, you can optimize its beauty. If you feel you need further assistance, or wish to receive professionally tailored treatments, our experts at Salwa Salon are ready to guide you. Visit Salwa Salon or schedule a consultation to get in-depth hair analysis and the best care recommendations.

Believe us, your beautiful crown deserves the best. Let’s make it happen together at Salwa Salon!