About the Hair Type Classification System


Andre Walker, who has won numerous Emmys for his work on the Oprah show, has worked out a curly hair types system, which NaturallyCurly readers have adopted and modified. Many of you have seen it referenced on the discussion boards. For your convenience, we've put together these handy charts detailing the different types of curly hair, as well as added some recommendations and curly hair tips for all types of curls. You'll find information about all the curly hair types: Type 2a hair, Type 2b hair, Type 2c hair, Type 3a hair, Type 3b hair, Type 3c hair, Type 4a hair and Type 4b hair.

Find Your Hair Type

Click each icon for more information about that hair type

Type 2 Wavy Hair
Type 3 Curly Hair
Type 3c Kinky Curly Hair
Type 4 Kinky Hair

Type 4 - Kinky Hair

4a Hair Type Kelis

Facts

Type 4 is kinky, or very tightly curled, with a clearly visible curl pattern

Circumference: Crochet needle or even smaller

The hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very, very fragile

Type 4 hair can range from fine/thin to wiry/coarse with lots and lots of strands densely packed together

Type 4 hair has fewer cuticle layers than any other hair type, which means that it has less natural protection from the damage you inflict by combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening it

Type 4 hair is known to shrink up to 75% of the actual hair length

There are two Type 4 subtypes:

4a: Tightly coiled hair that, when stretched, has an "S" pattern, much like curly hair. It tends to have more moisture than 4b; has a definite curl pattern

4a celebrities: Macy Gray, Monique Coleman, Leela James

4b: Has a "Z" pattern, less of a defined curl pattern. Instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter "Z"; has a cotton-like feel

4b celebrities: Esperanza Spalding, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu

Click For More 4 Info

Tips

Use styling creams, butters and oils for type 4 hair

This hair type needs extra moisture and tender-loving care because it can be fragile

Detangle hair with a lot of conditioner in your hair and use a comb or detangling brush

Let hair air dry or use a hood dryer

Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls

Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrap hair in a satin cap


Check out CurlySuzy's Type 4 product recommendations to the right »