How to Identify and Care for Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 Hair for Beautiful Strands
There are many different hair types. 12 to be exact. But types 1 – 4 are the most common. Confused? Didn’t know they even had a number? We hear you!
That’s why we want to break down the four main hair types so that you might be able to identify yours and start treating it accordingly.
With expert quotes from Dr. Chaudhry M.B.B.S. of Scandinavian Biolabs and Dr. Ross Kopelman, hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, here’s how to know who your hair really is, and what it really needs.
What is hair type 1?
Dr Chaudhry says this is straight hair. “It is characterized by its sleek, smooth, and shiny appearance,” he explains. “It typically lies flat against the scalp, resists curling, and is prone to oiliness, especially at the roots.”
And apparently, tell-tale signs of type 1 are recognised when the hair is wet. “It usually has a fine to medium texture and shows no natural curl pattern when wet,” says Dr Chaudhry.
How to take care of hair type 1
“For this hair type, maintain a routine of washing every 1-2 days to manage oil buildup,” Dr Chaudhry advises. “Use volumizing or clarifying shampoos and lightweight conditioners, focusing on the ends. Look for products containing volumizing agents like panthenol or rice protein, and lightweight moisturizers such as glycerin.
“Avoid heavy oils or butters that can weigh the hair down.”
And if there was one styling product Dr Chaudhry would choose for type 1 hair? “A texturizing spray or powder,” he says. “This type of product adds volume and grip to naturally limp hair, creates texture, absorbs excess oil, and can extend the time between washes.”
Try Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist (£12) which helps to give flat hair a little bit more life.
Image – Ivanhaidutski/Stocksy
What is hair type 2?
Wavy hair. “It is identifiable by its S-shaped waves, which can range from loose to more defined,” Dr Chaudhry says. “This hair type is usually fine to medium in texture, though it can sometimes be coarse. It’s prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions, and may appear straight if brushed when dry.” And when wet? “Type 2 hair forms loose S-shaped waves.”
How to take care of hair type 2
It needs washing more frequently than type 1. “Aim to wash 2-3 times a week using a sulphate-free, moisturizing shampoo and a lightweight to medium-weight conditioner,” recommends Dr Chaudhry.
“Look for products with anti-frizz agents like silicones or natural oils, and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or aloe vera. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the waves. An ideal styling product for Type 2 hair would be a leave-in conditioner or wave-enhancing cream. These products help define waves while providing moisture and frizz control, enhancing the natural wave pattern and adding shine.”
Try Bumble & bumble Curl Light Defining Cream (£30/$36) which provides moisture at the same time as defining waves.
Image – Victor Torres/Stocksy
What is hair type 3?
Otherwise known as curly hair! “It is characterized by defined spiral curls, ranging from loose loops to tight corkscrews,” explains Dr Chaudhry. “This hair type is typically medium to coarse in texture and is prone to dryness and frizz. It’s often voluminous and can be subject to shrinkage. When wet, Type 3 hair forms clear spiral patterns.”
How to take care of hair type 3
“Use a moisturizing shampoo and a deep conditioner,” advises Dr Kopelman. “Look for ingredients like shea butter or argan oil to hydrate and define curls.”
Dr Chaudhry adds, “maintain a routine of washing 1-2 times a week [and] avoid drying alcohols and sulphates.”
And what about styling? “A curl-defining cream or gel would be an ideal styling product for Type 3 hair,” he says. “These products enhance the curl pattern while providing hold and moisture, helping to reduce frizz, define curls, and prevent dryness.”
Try Noughty Wave Hello Curl Butter 3-in-1 Treatment (£8) acts as both a mask for curly hair and a conditioner.
Image – JMaaspeopleimages.com/Adobe
What is hair type 4?
“This is coily or kinky, with a very tight curl pattern. It’s the most fragile and prone to dryness,” says Dr Kopelman.
Dr Chaudhry adds, “it is distinguished by its tight coils or zig-zag pattern. Despite its sturdy appearance, Type 4 hair is delicate and needs gentle handling. When wet, it forms tight coils or a Z-shaped pattern.”
How to care for hair type 4
If you’re not a fan of washing your hair and you’re type 4, there’s good news! “Wash once a week or less using a sulphate-free, deeply moisturizing shampoo or co-wash, followed by a very rich, intensely moisturizing conditioner,” Dr Chaudhry says.
“Look for products with heavy-duty moisturizers like mango butter or avocado oil, and proteins for strength such as hydrolysed proteins. Avoid any drying or stripping ingredients.”
He says a leave-in conditioner would be wise for type 4 every so often too. “These products provide intense moisture and help define coils, preventing dryness and breakage while enhancing the hair’s natural texture.”
Try ElastaQP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Leave-In Conditioner (£3.99/$9.99) which is ideal for strengthening brittle hair and leaving it glossy.
Image – Svitlana/Adobe
The takeaway
The lines between each hair type can often get blurred, particularly between types like wavy (2) and curly (3) so it’s easy to get in a muddle. You may think wavy, curly, coily? What’s the difference? But it’s important you identify yours correctly to give it the best treatment.
Look closely at how yours behaves when it’s wet, try to stick to the experts’ tips of how often to wash your particularly hair type and look for the appropriate ingredients on the label according to your hair type before you buy. You never know, it might just be the difference between a good and bad hair day!
Meet the experts
Dr. Chaudhry M.B.B.S. of Scandinavian Biolabs is a UK board-certified dermatologist. He’s also been featured on Insider, Glam, Woman & Home, MedicalNewsToday, MSN, Giddy, and more.
Dr Ross Kopelman is hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration.
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