Hair Types For Men – A Comprehensive Guide To The Four Hair Types
Have you ever felt frustrated while styling your hair? Many people feel aimless when it comes to what haircut to get, what products to buy, and how to style their hair. This is because a lot of people are unfamiliar with the four different hair types! Each person has a unique hair type and texture based on a number of factors such as genetics. It can feel overwhelming to find answers online, but not to worry. This comprehensive guide to understanding hair types for men has all the information you’ll need to feel confident in your hair knowledge.
Hair Type vs. Hair Texture
Believe it or not, curly hair is defined as a hair texture, not a hair type. There are four Hair types:
- Straight – hair grows from scalp without curving
- Wavy – hair grows from scalp slightly curved
- Coiled – hair grows from scalp in coils or curls
- Kinky – hair grows from scalp in tight coils resembling “z”
Hair Texture:
Straight
Curly
The reason why “curly” is not a hair type is because curls can be defined by a number of different hair types such as wavy, coiled, or kinked. All curly hair textures are a result of hair growing from the scalp in a curved manner. The way our hair grows from our scalp is mostly determined by genetics; it is a set, permanent factor of our genetic makeup. The only way to change the way our hair grows is through chemical treatment.
Straight Hair
Straight hair is defined simply by hair that grows straight without any curving, resulting in no wavy, coiled, or kinky curls. If the hair becomes long enough (over 7 inches) you may find the slightest bit of curving. This is because of external factors such as heating tools, damage, and daily wear and tear. To tell if you have straight hair, allow your hair to grow past three inches. If no curves have formed at three inches or beyond, your hair is straight. Straight hair is easy to brush and maintain. Styling can be a bit more complicated if you’re looking for volume. Use a texture spray and a blowdryer on damp hair to add volume to the ends and roots.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is characterized by hair that has grown from the scalp in a curved manner. Some people mistake wavy hair for straight hair because it doesn’t always curve above three inches in length. To determine whether your hair is wavy or straight, allow some length to grow. Wavy hair is easy to style and is most often seen in medium length hairstyles such as the bro flow. Wavy hair is curly hair so it’s recommended to use a leave-in conditioner once a week for hydration and definition.
Coiled Hair
Coiled hair is what most people consider to be curly hair. This is likely due to the fact that coiled hair begins to coil within the first two inches of length, creating a very distinct shape. Coiled hair can be a bit more time consuming to care for, but is definitely worth it to have voluptuous and beautiful curls. A leave-in conditioner is recommended for hydration and definition. Brushing your hair while in the shower with a wet brush and conditioner can help keep your curls in place and less frizzy vs. if you were to brush your hair dry, out of the shower.
Kinky Hair
Kinky hair is the last of the four hair types and is the curliest hair out of the hair textures. Kinky hair is mostly found on people of African descent but is also found amongst other races of people. The length needed to form the curls in kinky hair is so short that the shape can be seen right off the scalp. Moisture is the best tool for kinky hair. A regular hydrating conditioner should be used a few times a week and a deep conditioner once every two weeks. Butters and oils are your best friend.
Regardless of age, race, and gender, understanding your hair type can be monumental in your hair journey. Without knowing your hair type, it is very difficult to formulate a hair care routine and styling routine, let alone one that works for you. With this guide of hair types for men, you’ll be able to confidently formulate a routine that works for you because of the base knowledge of your hair.
For more information about hair types, click here.
For more information about hairstyles for different hair types, click here.