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Know Your Hair Type

Understanding your hair type and porosity is one of the most important steps in creating a regimen that actually works. Many of us confuse our hair type and porosity by comparing it to others, thinking it looks the same, when in reality, hair has its own unique strength, texture, and needs.

When I took the time to really understand my hair, I realized it was stiff but very thin, with high density, type 3C–4A, low-porosity fine strands. My hair is practically like silk — delicate, beautiful, but easily damaged. If I don’t treat it with gentleness and care, it breaks. For a long time, I avoided protein treatments because I didn’t realize my hair needed them to gain strength.

In the past, relaxing my hair caused constant breakage and left it greasy. I unknowingly built up product residue and had no real understanding of what my hair truly needed. By God’s grace, I still had some hair left — though I used to jokingly call it “shameless” because it seemed so fragile yet stubborn.

Naturally, my hair doesn’t require much to thrive. Simply putting it in a roller set and letting it air dry (or under a hooded dryer until fully dry for about 1 hrs) would leave it straightened. This method not only avoids heat damage but also prevents tangling and knots, which my hair is prone to, especially at the ends. I realized that keeping my hair straight worked far better for me than blindly following routines designed for others’ hair types.

Braiding my hair, even loosely, caused shedding from the roots. My hair could not withstand harsh chemical treatments, so I chose to go natural and focus on nurturing it instead. My scalp is also sensitive — even buns, done loosely, give me headaches. Nowadays, I let my hair be and am learning to embrace styles that suit my hair’s natural texture and needs, adapting to what I call my “easy, low-maintenance” approach.

I needed a strong, natural product to support growth and build strength, and the same applies to my children's hair today. Knowing your hair type and porosity can make a huge difference in growing it back healthy, strong, and beautiful.

Through my hair journey, I’ve discovered that understanding your hair type and porosity is essential for proper care and growth. Here are some of the hair types I’ve come to know:

• Naturally Curly – Defined curls that spring back easily.

• Thick – Hair with a lot of volume and density.

• Fuzzy – Hair with a coarse texture that may feel wiry or frizzy.

• Thin – Fine strands that are delicate and prone to breakage.

• Glorious Wave – Soft, wavy hair with natural movement.

• Kink – Tightly coiled hair with a textured pattern.

• Coil – Small, springy curls that form tight spirals.

Identifying your hair type is the first step to choosing the right products and creating a regimen that works specifically for your hair’s unique needs.

Take a moment to identify your hair type and porosity. This understanding is the foundation for selecting the right products and building a regimen that truly nourishes your hair.

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