One of the most widely used hair classification systems or hair typing chart was created by Oprah Winfrey’s hair stylist, Andre Walker known as the Andre Walker Hair Classification System. He talks about his system in his book “Andre Talks Hair”. His system is the original & the one we still refer to classify hair textures. See the hair type chart below.
But the truth about this hair classification is its purely aesthetic. It doesn’t speak to hair needs or make up. This is why I have taken a deeper look at hair typing for beginners and how to make it work for your hair.
SEE ALSO: What Hair Typing Doesn’t Tell You
| Type # | Hair Texture | Hair Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | Straight (Fine/Thin) | Very Soft, Shiny, Hard to hold a curl, hair tends to be oily, hard to damage. |
| 1b | Straight (Medium) | Has lots of body. (i.e. more volume, more full) |
| 1c | Straight (Coarse) | Hard to curl. (i.e. bone straight) Most Asian women fall into this category. |
| 2a | Wavy (Fine/Thin) | Can accomplish various styles. Definite “S” pattern. Hair sticks close to the head. |
| 2b | Wavy (Medium) | A bit resistant to styling. Hair tends to be frizzy. |
| 2c | Wavy (Coarse) | Hair has thicker waves. Also resistant to styling. Hair tends to be frizzy. |
| 3a | Curly (Loose Curls) | Thick & full with lots of body. Definite “S” pattern. Hair tends to be frizzy. Can have a combination texture. |
| 3b | Curly (Tight Curls) | Medium amount of curl. Can have a combination texture. |
| 3c | Curly (Tight Curls or Corkscrews) | Tight curls in corkscrews. The curls can be either kinky, or very tightly curled, with lots and lots of strands densely packed together. (3c not in book) |
| 4a | Kinky (Soft) | Tightly coiled. Very Fragile. Has a more defined curly pattern |
| 4b | Kinky (Wiry) | Tightly coiled. Very Fragile. Less defined curly pattern. Has more of a “Z” shaped pattern. |
| 4c | Kinky (Zingy) | Some say 4c looks identical to 4b except that the curls are so tightly kinked, there is seemingly no definition. (Also not in book) *From NaturallyCurly.com |
Mine is 4c and really dry, kinky and keep on bracking & very short, have tried all sorts of stuff with no improvement now i heard of this jamaican extra black costoroil they say it helps and am trying to find it in the bloggs but havent managed to order it. Its complicated, i am 62 yrs old,
I am sort of a 2a type. just cut off my LONG hair to shoulder-length, and i am wondering why i didnt think of doing that sooner! i LOVE my new short hair, and i CANNOT WAIT to start new and fresh with my hair, and i am starting NATURALLY!
I just cut my hair yesterday (April 29th) after transitioning for 8 months. I got tired of the stringy look and could not style other than braids or twists to work with the strands. I am glad for the change but a little self-conscience. My son laughed, more of a snicker and my hubby has not seen it yet. My mom and sisters (sisters are both natural) loved it.
I am leaning more towards the 3c/4a typing and I have low porosity. I did it to see my natural curl pattern and to get healthy hair.
Not a true TWA but it is shorter then I am use to working with and THANKS for help and encourage with the transformation. There is a wealth of information out here and I am confused by some but my sisters and blogs such as yours I think I will be A-O-K!