Understanding your hair’s unique characteristics is the first step to building a hair care routine that actually works and this Hair Type and Porosity Guide is your starting point. Whether you’re wrangling curls, taming frizz, or trying to make your styles last longer, knowing your hair type and porosity level can completely change the game. Consider this your ultimate guide to decoding your strands—and finally giving them what they truly need.
What Is Hair Type? (And Why It Matters)
Your hair type is determined by the shape of your follicles, which influence how straight, wavy, curly, or coily your strands are when air-dried with zero product. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System is widely used to categorize hair into four main types:
- Type 1: Straight
- Type 2: Wavy
- Type 3: Curly
- Type 4: Coily or Kinky
Each is further divided into A, B, and C subtypes that describe differences in texture, density, and definition. If you’ve ever asked yourself “how to find your hair type?”—this breakdown is for you
Type 1: Straight Hair – Sleek but Prone to Oil
Straight hair lies flat and reflects light easily, giving it a signature shine. But that smooth texture also means oil travels quickly from root to tip—often making it feel greasy fast.
Subtypes:
- 1A: Baby-fine and ultra-straight—usually lacks volume.
- 1B: Straight with more body and a slightly thicker texture.
- 1C: Thick and coarse, more resistant to styling.
Care Tips:
- Use volumizing shampoo and dry shampoo to prevent limp roots.
- Avoid rich creams and heavy oils—they’ll weigh you down.
- Add life with texturizing sprays or lightweight mists.
Editor Pick: R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray adds instant volume without residue.
Why it made the cut:
✓ Lightweight, clean formula
✓ Adds volume without buildup
✓ Contains Biotin + Vitamin B5 to strengthen fine strands
✓ 4.5★ from 1,400+ users on Dermstore
✓ Cruelty-free, vegan
Best For: Type 1A–1C, Fine or Medium Density
Main Actives: Biotin, Panthenol (B5)
What It Does: Thickens, boosts volume, protects strands
Type 2: Wavy Hair – Balanced, Beachy, and a Bit Frizzy
If your hair dries into soft S-shaped bends, welcome to the wavy world. Type 2 textures sit between straight and curly, making them flexible—but sometimes frizz-prone.
Subtypes:
- 2A: Loose, fine waves—can fall flat without a lift.
- 2B: More defined waves with a tendency to frizz at the crown.
- 2C: Thick and coarse waves that border on curls.
Care Tips:
- Embrace your texture with sea salt spray or lightweight mousse.
- Try sulfate-free shampoos to avoid stripping natural oils.
- Add a deep conditioner weekly to keep frizz at bay.
Editor Pick: Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse is a holy grail for enhancing waves without stiffness.
Why it made the cut:
✓ Alcohol-free, silicone-free
✓ Aloe vera-based for balanced hydration
✓ Defines waves without crunch or stiffness
✓ Affordable, 4.4★ avg on Target & Amazon
Best For: Type 2A–2C, Medium to High Porosity
Main Actives: Aloe Vera, Coconut Milk
What It Does: Defines texture, prevents frizz, adds bounce
Type 3: Curly Hair – Spiraled and in Need of Moisture
Curly hair forms defined loops or ringlets and craves hydration. The twisty shape makes it harder for oils to travel down the strand, leaving curls thirsty more often.
Subtypes:
- 3A: Large, soft curls with a bouncy texture.
- 3B: Medium-sized corkscrew curls—more volume and frizz potential.
- 3C: Tight, springy coils with high density.
Curly Hair Care Routine Tips:
- Hydrate with leave-in conditioners and curl-defining creams.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers for gentle detangling.
- Minimize heat tools—your curls will thank you.
Editor Pick: Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream = instant definition and moisture.
Why it made the cut:
- ✓ Protein-free and moisture-focused
- ✓ Light enough for 3A, rich enough for 3C
- ✓ 91% naturally derived, with Babassu + Shea
- ✓ Trichologist recommended
- ✓ 4.6★ from 3,500+ reviews on Ulta
Best For: Type 3A–3C, Low to Medium Porosity
Main Actives: Babassu Oil, Shea Butter
What It Does: Hydrates, defines curls, lightweight styling
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair – Bold, Beautiful, and Shrinkage-Prone
This hair type has tight coils or Z-shaped patterns and is often the most fragile. Because the cuticle layers are tightly packed, deep conditioning for 4C hair is especially vital.
Subtypes:
- 4A: Soft, defined coils with an S-pattern.
- 4B: Less defined, fluffy strands with a zigzag shape.
- 4C: Tightly coiled, densely packed strands with major shrinkage.
Care Tips:
- Moisturize with the LOC Method (Liquid, Oil, Cream).
- Use natural oils like shea butter and castor oil to seal in moisture.
- Try protective styles to prevent breakage and retain length.
Editor Pick: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask: Creamy Deep Conditioner is a 4C favorite for melting tangles and restoring hydration.
Why it made the cut:
- ✓ Creamy, protein-balanced + silicone-free
- ✓ Developed for Type 4 hair
- ✓ Murumuru + Mango Butter for intense hydration
- ✓ 4.7★ rating with editor endorsements from Byrdie & Allure
- ✓ Black-owned, science-based brand
Best For: Type 4A–4C, Medium to High Porosity
Main Actives: Murumuru Butter, Mango Butter
What It Does: Softens coils, restores elasticity, boosts hydration
Hair Porosity: What It Means for Moisture and Styling
Hair porosity is one of the most important (but often overlooked) elements in your routine. It determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture—and it might explain why your strands either guzzle up product or reject it entirely.
If you’ve ever felt like your hair should love that viral leave-in, but it just… sits there? Yep, it’s probably a porosity thing.
Not Sure Where You Fall? Take the Porosity Quiz
Before we dive into each type, take our quick Hair Porosity Quiz to find out exactly where your strands land. In less than 2 minutes, you’ll get tailored results—and a head start on building a routine that actually works for your hair’s needs.
- If your hair takes forever to dry, or products bead on the surface, you’re probably in the low porosity club.
- If it drinks up moisture but still feels dry? High porosity might be your culprit
Low Porosity: Why Your Hair Needs Extra Help Absorbing Moisture
If your hair takes forever to air dry or if water beads up on your strands in the shower, you might be in the low porosity club.
- Cuticles are tightly sealed.
- Products and water struggle to penetrate.
- Long drying times are common.
Editor Favorite: Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner works like magic on low porosity hair
Why it made the cut:
- ✓ pH-balanced and cuticle-penetrating
- ✓ Liquid formula easily absorbed
- ✓ Lemongrass promotes scalp health
- ✓ 4.6★ avg with rave reviews on NaturallyCurly.com
Best For: Low Porosity, All Hair Types
Main Actives: Lemongrass, Silk Amino Acids
What It Does: Hydrates, detangles, enhances scalp circulation
Medium Porosity: Your Hair’s Sweet Spot
Medium porosity hair is the most balanced—it absorbs moisture well and holds styles longer.
- Slightly raised cuticle allows for good moisture retention.
- Responds well to most products.
- Less prone to damage.
Care Tips:
- Alternate moisture and protein treatments every few weeks.
- Avoid over-processing or excessive heat.
Editor pick: Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner helps maintain that sweet balance
Why: Protein-heavy, which can disrupt porosity balance if overused.
Why it made the cut:
- ✓ Dual-use: rinse-out or protein treatment
- ✓ Balanced with protein and moisture
- ✓ Pea Protein + Resurrection Flower for repair
- ✓ 4.7★ from 2,300+ reviews
Best For: Medium Porosity, Type 2–4
Main Actives: Pea Protein, Resurrection Flower
What It Does: Strengthens, hydrates, improves manageability
High Porosity: Fast to Absorb, Fast to Dry Out
If your hair feels constantly dry, tangles easily, or absorbs products too quickly, you likely have high porosity hair—especially if it’s been bleached, heat-damaged, or chemically treated.
- Cuticles have gaps or holes.
- Soaks up water quickly—but loses it fast.
- Prone to frizz, breakage, and tangles.
Care Tips:
- Use heavy creams, butters, and oils to lock in hydration.
- Rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle.
- Add regular protein treatments to strengthen strands.
Editior Pick: Leave-In Conditioner for High Porosity Hair: TGIN Miracle RepaiRx Leave-In Conditioner is intensely nourishing and restorative.
How to Identify Your Hair Type and Porosity at Home
Ready to decode your hair?
For Hair Type:
- Wash and let your hair air dry without product.
- Observe your natural pattern—straight, wavy, curly, or coily?
Porosity Hair Test at Home:
- Take a clean, dry strand of hair.
- Drop it into a glass of water.
o Floats? → Low porosity
o Sinks slowly? → Medium porosity
o Sinks quickly? → High porosity
Bonus Tip: Do this test after clarifying your hair for the most accurate results.
FAQs: Your Top Hair Questions, Answered
What’s the best product for curly hair?
A curl-defining leave-in or gel with aloe vera, shea butter, or flaxseed is ideal for enhancing shape and holding moisture.
How often should I deep condition?
- Curly/Coily: Once a week
- Wavy/Straight: Every other week or as needed
Can I change my porosity?
You can’t change it permanently—but the right products can help manage its effects and improve moisture retention.
How Understanding Your Hair Type and Porosity Can Transform Your Routine
A personalized hair care routine isn’t just about using trendy products—it’s about choosing what works for your specific strands. That’s where a Hair Type and Porosity Guide comes in. It helps you understand the science behind your texture, identify what your hair actually needs, and avoid trial-and-error frustration. From battling frizz to maintaining hydration, this guide gives you the knowledge to treat your hair with real intention.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate What Makes Your Hair Unique
Whether you’re learning how to find your hair type or doing a porosity hair test at home, knowing your hair inside and out gives you the power to care for it confidently. From deep conditioning for 4C hair to finding the perfect leave-in conditioner for high porosity hair, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a best fit for you.
Embrace your pattern. Nourish your porosity. And build a routine that lets your hair thrive.