The more you learn about the type of hair you have the better you can maintain a healthy head of natural locks and keep a well-styled coif! There are several elements that go into defining your mane, but the most basic hair identifier is texture. Texture refers to the diameter and thickness of each individual strand of hair and there are three basic hair texture types.
Fine
Fine hair texture is delicate and feels silky to the touch. Surprisingly, people with fine hair sometimes have more hair than people with thicker hair texture, but since each strand contains less protein structure, it doesn’t hold curl or volume well and can look flat, limp or thin. Fine hair has two hair layers- a cortex and a cuticle. You probably have fine texture hair if your hair:
- Doesn’t hold styles well
- Becomes weighed down fairly easily by products, causing the hair to look stringy
- Looks thin
- Breaks easily because it’s fragile
Those with fine hair texture types should avoid using products that are heavy or build residue. Our natural hair care products work great for fine hair and our Blossom & Bloom ginseng + biotin volumizing shampoo and Blossom & Bloom ginseng + biotin volumizing conditioner products are especially effective on fine hair texture as it cleanses the hair and removes residue and buildup from other styling products while also adding a little extra volume.
Medium
Medium or Normal hair texture is the most common hair type and it is not as fragile as fine hair. It can feel silky to the touch when it is straight and in healthy condition. Medium textured hair tends to hold style well, but can be prone to damage from high heat styling tools. Medium textures usually have two layers – the cortex and cuticle. You probably have medium textured hair if your hair:
- Holds styles fairly well
- Usually looks thick and covers the scalp well
- Is not as prone to breakage as fine hair, but can become vulnerable with overuse of heat styling tools
It is important with medium hair texture to keep it healthy and protect against damage from the sun and styling tools. It is also important to keep medium textured hair hydrated. Our Don’t Despair, Repair! strength + moisture leave-in mask and Farewell Frizz blow dry perfection heat protectant crème are the perfect choices for keeping your medium textured locks in tip-top condition.
Thick (Coarse)
Thick or coarse hair texture is the strongest hair texture and typically feels coarse or thick to the touch. Coarse hair contains all three hair layers – the cortex, cuticle and medulla. The medulla, the innermost layer of the hair shaft is a series of empty spaces filled mostly with protein and air which makes the hair appear thick. This hair texture usually takes longer to dry than others and can be resistant to various chemical treatments. It can tolerate heat well and resist breakage better than fine or medium hair. You probably have thick textured hair if your hair:
- Appears full
- Holds styles well
- Can tolerate higher amounts of heat
- Can be resistant to hair coloring and chemical relaxers
Thick hair can often appear dry and is susceptible to climate changes. It also has a tendency to look dull and lack shine. It is important to keep coarse hair properly hydrated. Our Curl Charisma defining shelfie essentials kit and Farewell Frizz rosehip, argan & coconut oil blend are perfect products for keeping coarse hair healthy and shiny.
