Hair Type: All
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This article is all about texture! Another important key factor in determining what products and regimen works for you. Firstly, the definition of hair texture must be established. Secondly, your texture is part of learning your hair traits. The behaviors that make your hair uniquely yours. It is necessary to understand how your hair works so that you can take care of it properly. You want all your efforts to make positive impact on your hair.
What is Texture?
The true definition of texture is not your curl pattern. Let's get that out of the way. Common misconception. But we debunk all myths and misconceptions over here! Your hair texture is the width of your individual hair strand or how thick your individual hair strand is. In the last article, I talked about the volume of all your hairs on your head. Here, we are zooming into a more microscopic level. Now we are getting into the thickness of your singular hairs. It is even more important to understand your texture because we are all dealing with our hair on an individual level. If your individual hairs are not being cared for properly, your entire hair will suffer.
Fine-Textured Hair
Fine hair is very, very thin. It feels soft and cottony, or very silky but very fragile. If you have thin baby hairs, think of that...but all over your hair. Fine hair has a very thin width and must be handled with the upmost care. Certain products and behaviors are such a problem for this hair texture. If you have fine hair, be mindful how you handle it and what products you put in it.
Fine-Textured Hair Characteristics
Fine hair usually has to be left alone. Like low-density hair, is extremely sensitive to tension and weight. Pulled styles like tight pony tails and buns can easily split the hair causing mid-shaft breakage. It can also weaken the hair. Heavy extensions and braids are a hard no for this hair as well. If you notice that every time you wear braids or other extension styles and almost each time, you see some type of hair damage including weakened hair, more broken hair than usually, excessive and prolonged shedding, limper curls, and/or signs of traction alopecia (bald spots)--you might have fine-textured hair. This hair does best when it is left alone. A simple wash and go and then leave it ALONE. It is too fragile to be manipulating constantly and too thin to wear heavy extensions. Just leave this hair texture alone.
Like low-density hair, fine-textured hair absolutely and positively cannot handle HEAVY products. No shea butters, no solid oils like coconut oils, no heavy oils like castor oil, and be cautious with pomades (hair grease). The heavier the product, the more cautious you should become. If you are good at balancing hair product, yes you can use the products lightly. Very lightly. But I do not recommend it. Stick to lightweight oils and hair products.
See the previous article on hair volume to find out what products work for fine-textured hair. The same products that work for low-density hair can be applied to fine-textured hair. The article will be linked in 'related articles'.
Normal-Textured Hair
Normal-textured hair is just that. It is normal. The hairs are not too fine and super thin but they are not thick and wiry. It's in the middle. It is also average hair. Many people have normal textured hair and their texture can handle both lightweight and heavier products. Normal-textured hair is thick enough to have strength to it but thin enough to still be flexible. This is the happy medium and this hair type can handle most protective styles and products.
Normal-Textured Hair Characteristics
Normal-textured hair is thicker than fine hair but thinner than coarse hair. It has some substance to it but it is still flexible. This hair can handle higher amounts of manipulation and heavier products. Because this hair type is in the middle, it is important to balance your hair care. Heavier products should be applied with a lighter hand. Lighter products can be applied with a heavier hand.
Braids, weaves, and other extensions are fine on this hair. Always make sure to keep taking care of your hair in protective hair styles. Keep hair clean and moisturized so it does not get dehydrated and lose its flexibility. Never keep a protective style longer than 4-6 weeks unless you absolutely know what your hair can handle.
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See the previous article on hair volume to find out what products work for normal-textured hair. The same products that work for normal-density hair can be applied to normal-textured hair. The article will be linked in 'related articles'.
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Coarse-Textured Hair
Coarse-textured hair is my favorite hair type. Very hard and wiry. This is the texture where people would call your hair "unmanageable", "hard and tough", and "not pretty". Coarse hair is wiry and closely matches thick body hair. If you pull one hair out, you can see that one individual hair strand for miles. Coarse hair is brittle and strong but has issues with breakage. Breakage is your biggest enemy when dealing with this type of texture.
Coarse-Textured Characteristics
Like I previously stated, coarse texture is brittle. Very hard and wiry and absolutely requires low manipulation. Handling your hair too much is not good for this hair type. Because this texture is prone to breakage, keeping hair strong but flexible is key. Maintaining moisture through protein and hydration balance is key. This hair texture can handle protective styles like braids, weaves, and other extensions. Do be mindful about taking care of your hair during the protective process by keeping it clean and moisturized. Do not leave any protective style in your hair past 4-6 weeks unless you absolutely know what your hair can handle.
Coarse hair can handle heavier products. Coarser hair is higher in mass (on an individual hair strand level) and thus, can handle heavy products. In fact, heavy products push water deeper into the hair strand so that it reaches the cortex. This ensures moisture retention for a long period of time. Moisturized hair is soft, manageable, and very flexible. Coarse hair can be flexible but this hair type is the hardest to grow, the hardest to retain length, and the hardest to keep moisturized. If you have this hair texture, you must really put effort into understanding exactly what your hair needs to flourish. No worries though, I absolutely love this texture and I have a vault of scientific and experienced advice for you.
See the previous article on hair volume to find out what products work for coarse-textured hair. The same products that work for high-density hair can be applied to coarse-textured hair. The article will be linked in 'related articles'.
Hair Texture Diagram
Below is a diagram that puts into visual perspective what each hair type is.
Important Information
Your hair texture is one of the keys to determining what products work for you. The previous article highlighted volume which is an important factor as well. Remember the general rule, the lower or finer you go, the less product you need and the lighter your products should be. The higher or coarser you go, the more product you need and heavier your products can be. There will be an article that will put all the factors together (porosity, density, and textures) and I will highlight a regimen map. It will explain how to map all the factors to determine the specific regimen that works best for you. Don’t worry, all the information you need is coming!
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First volume, now density! These are the major keys to honestly understanding your hair traits and behaviors. Understanding your hair is the first step to having consistent hair health. Remember, healthy hair is hair that is strong, retains moisture, retains length, and retains thickness. Healthy hair is consistent. I hope you liked reading this article as much as I liked writing it. Make sure to follow the social media pages on Instagram and Tik Tok: @africanhaircarescience. Comment, like, and subscribe to this website as well! All support is welcome and appreciated. Share this article with someone and make sure to join the blog next week :)