We always choose the wrong hair care products for our hair because we do not know our hair type and this most times, affect the hair health and growth. It is only when you know your type of hair you can style it better and know how to take care of it.
Porosity, density, thickness, and elasticity are just a few of the characteristics that define the hair type. In this insightful article, you will learn in details about the different hair types which will help you choose the right hair styling techniques and hair care products.
1.POROSITY
Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. The higher the porosity, the more moisture and product it will absorb. One can have high hair porosity or normal (medium) or low. To determine the level of your hair porosity, submerge a single hair strand in a cup of water;
• If it is high -the hair strand sinks to the bottom. High porosity hair is more vulnerable to damage because it easily absorbs product ingredients. It also easily becomes harsh and frizzy. Following a wash, your hair may also dry out quite quickly. High porosity in the hair cuticle is caused by a large number of pores. It is frequently brought on by the frequent use of chemical-filled products or treatments. When your hair is very porous, it is never adequately moisturized.
• If it is medium or normal – you can find the strand floating in between the water and rightly balanced. This hair type takes in the correct amount of moisture. After washing it, your hair feels wet, but not sticky. It does not require a lot of maintenance and can hold any hairstyle effortlessly. Hair with normal porosity is less prone to damage.
• If it is low – your hair strand will float on the surface. This indicates that it takes a while for your hair to dry. Less pores make up your hair’s cuticles, which reduces how much water it can absorb. When using products, they frequently rest on top of your hair rather than sinking in since the water has a tendency to stay on the cuticle’s surface. Your hair feels sticky and remains moist for several hours after a hair wash.
2.DENSITY
The quantity of hair (the number of individual strands) on your scalp is referred to as your hair density. Hair density and hair diameter are different. Denser hair can complement thin hair, and vice versa. The mirror test can be used to identify any of the three degrees of hair density. Grab a big section of your hair and pull it aside. The extent to which you can see your scalp determines your hair density.
• Thin Density: If you can easily see your scalp, you have thin hair density. That means your hair is scantily placed.
• Medium Density: If you can see your scalp partially from underneath your hair, you have medium hair density.
• Thick Density: If you can hardly see your scalp, you have thick hair density.
3.HAIR DIAMETER
The breadth of a single hair strand is referred to as your hair’s diameter. To determine whether your hair is fine, medium, or thick, perform the strand test by holding a single strand of your hair between your thumb and index fingers.
• Thin Hair: You have thin hair if you can hardly feel a strand between your fingertips. The hair strand may occasionally be so thin that it is not even noticeable.
• Medium Hair: You have medium hair if you can just barely feel a hair strand.
• Thick Hair: You have thick hair if each individual hair strand can be felt clearly.
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4.HAIR ELASTICITY
The term “hair elasticity” describes how far a single hair strand may stretch before it snaps back to its original position. It is a reliable sign of healthy hair. The strongest of all hair types, hair with high elasticity offers a good degree of gloss and bounce. You need to pull out a damp hair strand and stretch it as far as you can to measure the elasticity of your hair. Your hair’s elasticity might be divided into one of three categories based on the results.
• High Elasticity: If a hair strand can be stretched out far without snapping, it has high elasticity. Thus, hair will be stronger. When wet, hair with a high degree of elasticity can be stretched up to 50% of its original length before breaking. Coarse hair is frequently quite elastic.
• Medium Elasticity: The degree to which your hair stretches before breaking is a sign of medium elasticity. The average woman has medium-elasticity hair. Making use of natural hair oils and masks will help strengthen your hair.
• Low Elasticity: Hair with low elasticity snaps almost immediately after being stretched.
5. HAIR GREASINESS
You can determine how often you should wash your hair by determining how greasy it is. As greasy hair tends to accumulate residue more quickly, you will also be able to choose the proper products, such as clarifying shampoos and conditioners.
Before going to night, properly wash your hair and allow it to air dry. Perform a patch test on your scalp as soon as you awaken. You can apply pressure with a tissue to your scalp, particularly behind your ears and close to the crown of your head. Your hair’s oiliness will depend on how much oil is left on the tissue.
• Oily Hair: If the tissue has a large, greasy patch, you have oily hair and a greasy scalp. This implies that you should wash your hair four to five times every week.
• Normal Hair: You have a normal scalp if there is only a very slight hint of oil. Washing your hair is acceptable once to twice a week.
• Dry Hair: The tissue hasn’t been coated in oil. This is a sign of dehydration. Make use of hair products that can both add and hold moisture.
• Combination Hair: If only certain areas of your scalp have oil formed on tissue, you likely have combination hair. The hair around your temples and behind your ears frequently secretes a lot of oil.