Drop a clean strand of hair in a glass of water. Let it sit for 3β5 minutes.
Slide your fingers up a strand. Bumps = high porosity, smooth = low.
Spray water on dry hair:
Traits: Water resistant, slow to dry, product buildup.
Avoid: Heavy butters and too much protein
Traits: Easy to manage, balanced moisture, moderate drying time.
Avoid: Over-processing or frequent heat
Traits: Absorbs and loses moisture quickly, frizz, tangles easily.
Avoid: Bleaching, excessive heat, and harsh brushing
| Type | Subtype | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 1Aβ1C | Straight β fine to thick, flat, shiny |
| Type 2 | 2Aβ2C | Wavy β soft waves to frizzy waves |
| Type 3 | 3Aβ3C | Curly β loose curls to tight corkscrews |
| Type 4 | 4Aβ4C | Coily/Kinky β tight coils, often dry |
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Low | Repels moisture, slow drying |
| Medium | Balanced absorption/drying, easy to style |
| High | Absorbs easily but loses moisture fast, often damaged |
Description: Excessive shedding or thinning of hair from the scalp.
1 Genetics (Androgenetic alopecia)
2 GHormonal changes (thyroid, pregnancy, menopause)
3 Poor diet (lack of protein, iron, biotin)
4 Stress (physical or emotional)
5 Harsh styling (tight hairstyles, excessive heat)
6 Medical conditions (alopecia areata, PCOS)
Signs: Thinning hair, hair on pillow or comb, visible scalp.
Use mild shampoos, reduce stress, and include iron and protein in your diet. Try a biotin supplement.
Description: Hair tips become dry, frayed, and split due to damage.
1 : Overuse of heat tools (straighteners, curling irons)
2 : Chemical treatments (coloring, perming)
3 : Mechanical stress (rough combing, towel drying)
4 : Lack of regular trimming
Signs: Hair strands splitting into two or more ends, frizzy or straw-like tips.
Trim hair every 6 weeks, use nourishing oils and avoid heat.
Description: Hair that breaks easily, feels fragile, and lacks elasticity.
1 : Overwashing or harsh shampoos
2 : Lack of moisture/protein
3 : Chemical overprocessing
4 : Environmental damage (sun, pollution)
5 : Vitamin deficiency (especially iron, zinc, vitamin D)
Signs: Breakage during brushing, short broken hairs, rough texture.
Trim hair every 6 weeks, use nourishing oils and avoid heat.
Description: Hair appears flat, lifeless, and lacks natural shine.
1 : Product buildup on scalp/hair
2 : Lack of natural oils
3 : Dryness due to over-washing or weather
4 : Using hot water for hair wash
Signs: Matte finish, limp hair, less light reflection.
Trim hair every 6 weeks, use nourishing oils and avoid heat.
Description: White flakes, itchiness, and tight-feeling scalp.
1 : Fungal infection (Malassezia)
2 : Dry climate or dehydration
3 : Harsh shampoos
4 : Poor scalp hygiene
Signs: Flakes on shoulders, itching, visible scales on scalp
Trim hair every 6 weeks, use nourishing oils and avoid heat.
Description: Hair gets greasy quickly and looks flat.
1 : Overactive sebaceous glands
2 : Washing too infrequently (or sometimes too often)
3 : Using heavy conditioners or oily products
Signs: Sticky hair, limp volume, scalp acne.
Trim hair every 6 weeks, use nourishing oils and avoid heat.
Description: Hair stands up or curls separately instead of lying smooth.
1 : Lack of moisture
2 : Humid environment
3 : Heat styling
4 : Wrong hair care products
Signs: Flyaways, puffiness, rough texture.
Trim hair every 6 weeks, use nourishing oils and avoid heat.
Description: Scalp or hair smells bad even after washing.
1 : Scalp infections
2 : Product buildup
3 : Excessive sweating
4 : Fungal or bacterial overgrowth
Trim hair every 6 weeks, use nourishing oils and avoid heat.
Use sulfate-free shampoos 2β3 times a week. Avoid harsh scrubbing. Massage scalp gently to improve circulation.
Use a rinse-out conditioner every wash. Try leave-in conditioners or serums with aloe vera, argan oil, or keratin for softness and shine.
Use DIY masks like:
Eat iron and biotin-rich foods like spinach, eggs, fish, nuts. Stay hydrated. Consider collagen or biotin supplements if needed.
Ingredients: Biotin, keratin, jojoba oil
Use: Strengthens roots, adds shine
Buy on iHerbIngredients: Collagen, protein, amino acids
Use: Enhances hair and skin strength
Buy on iHerbIngredients: Biotin, zinc, folic acid
Use: Boosts hair growth, improves skin texture
Buy on iHerb