You can find your hair type by checking its texture, curl pattern, and oil level. The main hair types are straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Use a simple at-home test — wash, air dry, and observe — to identify your type and choose the right products for it.
Knowing your hair type helps you care for your hair the right way. It guides you in choosing the best shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. Many people struggle to identify their exact type — but it’s easier than it looks. In this quick guide, Brothers Barber explains how you can find your hair type at home in just a few simple steps.
What Is Hair Type?
Your hair type is the natural pattern and structure of your hair. It’s defined by how straight, wavy, curly, or coily your strands are — plus how much oil your scalp produces. Understanding this helps you style and care for your hair properly.
Main Hair Types Explained
Each hair type has its own look and behavior. Here’s a quick overview:
- Straight Hair (Type 1): Shiny, smooth, and tends to get oily faster.
- Wavy Hair (Type 2): Falls between straight and curly, with loose S-shaped waves.
- Curly Hair (Type 3): Forms clear curls or ringlets and may need extra moisture.
- Coily Hair (Type 4): Tight curls or coils that are dense and prone to dryness.
How to Check Your Hair Type at Home (Step-by-Step)
1. Wash Your Hair
Cleanse your hair with a gentle shampoo and skip conditioner. This removes buildup that can affect the results.
2. Let It Air Dry
Don’t use a dryer or brush. Let your hair dry naturally to see its real texture.
3. Observe the Pattern
Look in the mirror and check your strand shape:
- Falls flat = Straight
- Slight S-shape = Wavy
- Clear curls = Curly
- Tight coils = Coily
4. Check Your Scalp Oil Level
After 24 hours, touch your scalp.
- Feels oily = Straight or wavy hair
- Feels dry = Curly or coily hair
5. Note Your Hair Thickness
Take one strand between your fingers.
- Barely visible = Fine
- Noticeable = Medium
- Thick and strong = Coarse
Now you know both your texture and strand type — your complete hair profile.
FAQs
How do I identify my hair type?
Wash and air dry your hair without any products. Then check the shape of your strands — straight, wavy, curly, or coily. This reveals your natural hair type.
How to check hair type at home?
You can test it by washing, air drying, and observing your texture in the mirror. Also, feel your scalp after 24 hours to know if it’s oily or dry.
Which hair type is rarest?
The rarest hair type is Type 1A, which is completely straight and very fine. It’s most uncommon outside of East Asian hair types.