If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s my real hair type?”—you’re not alone. The question has gone viral on TikTok, with creators showing how to decode your texture, curl pattern, and porosity in fun, relatable ways. But beyond the beauty filters and #hairtok trends, knowing your hair type is actually a game-changer for your routine.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down the way TikTok does—quick, visual, and super easy to understand. Get ready to find out whether you’re Team 2A, 3B, or somewhere totally in between.
💡 What Is Hair Typing Anyway?
Hair typing is a simple way to understand your natural curl pattern, which helps you pick the best products, tools, and techniques for your strands.
It’s usually broken into 4 main categories:
- Type 1: Straight
- Type 2: Wavy
- Type 3: Curly
- Type 4: Coily/Kinky
Each category is further split into A, B, and C subtypes—based on tightness of the wave, curl, or coil.
🔍 The Hair Types—Explained Like TikTok
➤ Type 1: Straight Hair
- 1A: Super straight, thin, and soft. Rare.
- 1B: Straight with a little volume.
- 1C: Straight with slight bends or frizz. Looks flat but has texture.
➤ Type 2: Wavy Hair
- 2A: Loose S-shaped waves. Easy to straighten.
- 2B: Defined waves with frizz. Harder to smooth.
- 2C: Thick waves with some curls. Often looks messy fast.
➤ Type 3: Curly Hair
- 3A: Big, loose curls. Think soft spirals.
- 3B: Springy curls with more volume.
- 3C: Tight corkscrews. Full and defined.
➤ Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
- 4A: Soft coils with defined loops.
- 4B: Z-pattern curls with less definition.
- 4C: Tightest coils, super fragile, high shrinkage.
🧪 Bonus: Don’t Forget About Porosity
TikTok says: “It’s not just the curl—it’s the absorption.” Porosity is how well your hair holds moisture.
- Low porosity: Water sits on top. Needs light products.
- Medium porosity: Balanced. Most products work.
- High porosity: Soaks up everything. Needs rich, sealing products.
Do the TikTok test: Spray water on a strand. If it beads, you’re low porosity. If it soaks in fast, you’re high.
💇♀️ Why Your Hair Type Matters
Knowing your type helps you: ✅ Pick the right shampoo and styling products
✅ Understand how often to wash or deep condition
✅ Figure out your best styling techniques (diffuser vs. air-dry, oils vs. mousse)
🧠 FAQs: Hair Type Breakdown
Q1: Can I be more than one hair type?
Yes! Most people have a mix of textures—like 2B in the front and 3A in the back. That’s totally normal.
Q2: Does your hair type change over time?
It can. Hormones, damage, heat, and aging can shift your pattern slightly.
Q3: What if I’m still not sure about my type?
Try analyzing your natural hair when it’s product-free and air-dried—or ask a curly hair stylist for help.
✨ Final Thoughts
Knowing your hair type is like unlocking a cheat code to better curls, waves, or sleek styles. The more you understand your texture, the easier it is to love it, style it, and take care of it like a pro.
💬 Already know your type? Drop it in the comments!
For more curl + straight hair tips, tutorials, and TikTok-inspired hacks, follow us on social media and check out our website. Your healthiest hair era starts here.
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