Hair Types - which hair type are you?

There are two popular curly hair definition systems out there: a numbered system created by Andre Walker (Oprah Winfrey’s hairstylist) and a shape system created by Lorraine Massey (author of The Curly Girl Handbook).  

Both systems have their merits however they are a bit confusing if you’ve never seen them before.  It’s hard to give your hair a specific label as your hair type may have a few characteristics of one or more types.  Depending on your hair type, you may even be a combination of hair types.  

At CurlyCanadians, we refer to the following hair types: Straight, Wavy, Coily and Afrokinky.  Throughout the site we will refer to these three hair types as much as possible.  Also note that your type is as individual as you are.  We hope that these types point you in the right direction in discovering your personal curly hair care routine.

Straight Hair Type

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  • Known to be shinier than other hair types due to its ability to reflect more light
  • Hair shaft can be fine to thick in texture
  • Difficult to hold styles
  • Possible to have a slight wave or curl despite pin straight appearance
  • Prone to excess oils on scalp
  • Possible to develop static during winter months or in dry climates

Coily Hair Type

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  • Thick & full with lots of volume
  • Tend to be looser, in the shape of soft S’s, combined with those that are tight
  • Definite "S" pattern
  • Sometimes tends to be frizzy
  • Curls densely packed together
  • Have a ropier appearance
  • Seems to wilt if it gets too long
  • Looser during some seasons and tighter during others
  • Tangles and snarls under the top layer of hair at the nape of the neck

Wavy Hair Type

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  • Hair has subtle "S" pattern
  • Hair that occasionally develops a natural wave after a shower and at the beach
  • Can appear straight in winter with no effort
  • A slight bend at the ends depending on the length
  • Frizz appears on humid days
  • Somewhat resistant to styling
  • Has a natural shine
  • Dry on the ends
  • Can accomplish styles with varying degrees of difficulty

Afrokinky Hair Type

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  • Curls that contract tightly if cut too short 
  • Lots of small spirals 
  • Hair follicle is very fragile  Curl can appear in Z-patterned shape  
  • Hair that appears thickly textured but is actually baby-fine and delicate 
  •  A high frizz factor Prone to breakage 
  • Hair that soaks up as much moisture as you feed it