Understanding your hair type is the key to achieving healthy, beautiful hair. Here's how to determine your hair type, along with expert tips for maintaining it.

1. Identify Your Curl Pattern

• What It Is: Your curl pattern reflects the natural shape of your hair.
• How to Assess: Wash your hair and let it air dry without using products.
• Andre Walker Hair Typing System:
• Type 1: Straight
• Type 2: Wavy
• Type 3: Curly
• Type 4: Coily

Tip: Hair can have multiple curl patterns on the same head, and your pattern may evolve with age, health, or environmental changes.

2. Assess Hair Porosity

• What It Is: Porosity measures how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
• Simple Test: Place a clean strand of hair in a glass of water:
• Floats: Low porosity (cuticles tightly packed).
• Sinks: High porosity (cuticles are spaced).
• Hovers: Medium porosity.

Why It Matters:
- High porosity hair needs protein-based treatments and protection from damage.
- Low porosity hair benefits from lightweight products to avoid buildup.

3. Determine Density and Texture

• Density: Refers to the amount of hair on your scalp:
• Thick: Scalp is not visible.
• Thin: Scalp is easily seen.

• Medium: Somewhere in between.

• Texture: Refers to the size of individual strands:

• Fine: Barely felt between fingers.
• Coarse: Thick like thread.
• Medium: A mix of both.

Note: Thick hair can be fine in texture, and vice versa.

4. Tips for Maintaining Hair Health

Daily Care

• Wash Regularly: Clean your scalp to remove buildup and prevent irritation.
• Use the Right Products: Match shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to your hair’s porosity, density, and texture.

Styling Tips

• Clarify Weekly: Use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup.
• Brush Straight/Wavy Hair: Stimulate your scalp with a soft-bristle brush.
• Avoid Wet Brushing: Wet hair stretches like fabric and can break easily.

Heat and Tools

• Use a Heat Protector: Before using curling irons or blow dryers, apply a heat protectant.
• Keep Heat Moderate: Use midrange heat settings to minimize damage.

Hydration and Protection

• Towel Dry Gently: Use a microfiber towel to avoid frizz and breakage.
• Moisturize Often: Apply leave-in conditioners and hydrating masks as needed.

Trimming

• Regularly trim split ends to prevent further damage and maintain length.

5. Hair Loss and Scalp Health

• Normal Shedding: Losing 50–100 hairs daily is typical.
• Excessive Loss: Consult a dermatologist or trichologist for persistent hair loss.
• Scalp Care: Avoid product buildup and treat scalp irritation promptly to maintain hair health.

Quick Product Recommendations

• Clarifying Shampoo: Use weekly to reset your hair.
• Leave-In Conditioner: Great for hydration and styling.
• Boar Bristle Brush: Ideal for straight or wavy hair to distribute oils.
• Heat Protection Spray: Prevents damage from styling tools.

Pro Tip: Your hair type is unique. By identifying your curl pattern, porosity, density, and texture, you can tailor your hair care routine for the best results. Remember, healthy hair starts with understanding and patience!

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