Emmy winning stylist Andre Walker first developed a hair type system to classify his clients’ hair. With input from readers on natural hair forums and websites, we’ve refined the system and defined nine distinct texture types to help you choose the best products for your waves, curls and coils.
Coily Hair (Type 4)
4A: Coily Springy
Tight, coily, fragile curls
Well-defined “S” curl pattern
Crochet needle or smaller in circumference
4B: Coily Crimpy
Tight, coily, fragile curls
Less defined “Z” curl pattern
Hair bends in sharp angles
4C: Coily Ziggly
Tight, coily, fragile curls
Curl pattern won’t clump without styling
Little to no visible definition
Curly Hair (Type 3)
3A: Curly Twirly
Loopy “S” pattern with well-defined curls
Hair has a lot of body and spring
Curls are sidewalk-chalk size in circumference
3B: Curly Spirally
Loopy “S” pattern with well-defined curls
Hair has a lot of body and spring
Sharpie size in circumference
3C: Curly Coily
Tight corkscrew curls
Hair will bounce back when pulled
Pencil or straw size in circumference
Wavy Hair (Type 2)
2A: Wavy Swavy
Gentle “S” shaped waves
Hair lays close to the head
Benefits from light styling products
2B: Wavy Curvy
Stronger “S” shaped waves
Hair lays close to the head
Has a tendency to frizz
2C: Wavy Whirly
Strong “S” shaped waves or curls
May have underlayer of straight hair or ringlets
Frizzes easily