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)

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4A: Coily Springy

Tight, coily, fragile curls

Well-defined “S” curl pattern

Crochet needle or smaller in circumference

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4B: Coily Crimpy

Tight, coily, fragile curls

Less defined “Z” curl pattern

Hair bends in sharp angles

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4C: Coily Ziggly

Tight, coily, fragile curls

Curl pattern won’t clump without styling

Little to no visible definition

Curly Hair (Type 3)

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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

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3B: Curly Spirally

Loopy “S” pattern with well-defined curls

Hair has a lot of body and spring

Sharpie size in circumference

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3C: Curly Coily

Tight corkscrew curls

Hair will bounce back when pulled

Pencil or straw size in circumference

 

Wavy Hair (Type 2)

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2A: Wavy Swavy

Gentle “S” shaped waves

Hair lays close to the head

Benefits from light styling products

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2B: Wavy Curvy

Stronger “S” shaped waves

Hair lays close to the head

Has a tendency to frizz

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2C: Wavy Whirly

Strong “S” shaped waves or curls

May have underlayer of straight hair or ringlets

Frizzes easily