Let’s Talk About Hair, Baby!
Okay, so by now we know that there are way too many different hair types in this world to keep count of all the time. The categories range from straight to coils and everything in between. In fact, I will explain some background knowledge on how our hair forms.
Our hair structure is mainly made up of the tough protein keratin. However, our hair strands have a structure that consists of several different layers. The three distinct layers are the cuticle, which consists of several layers of flat, thin cells. The cortex, which contains the keratin, bundled in a cell-like structure and the medulla, a disorganized and open area at the fiber’s center.
How Does this Relate to the Hair You Have?
The fibers you have will determine the shape of your hair cuticle, which in turn determine your hair type. People with straight hair have round hair fibers, and people with oval and other shaped fibers tend to have more wavy or curly hair.
The cuticle is the outer covering of the strands. Its structure slides as the strands swell. A single molecular layer that makes the hair repel water and coats the cuticle.
Knowing Your Hair Type
When you understand the hair that grows from your head, it is easier to deal with it. Identifying the types of things your hair can deal with, can help you in the styling process. That is because everyone’s hair is different!
From the straight locks to the beautiful coils, everyone’s hair needs different things when it comes to maintaining its luster and shine.
Not knowing what your hair needs can result in adverse outcomes. The most significant adverse consequences are you not appreciating what your hair can do, naturally. You will start looking at other people’s hair journeys for inspiration. Doing so doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, but if you don’t appreciate your hair, then you could be neglecting it in the long run.
In other words, don’t be envious! Learn your hair and love it, because you were born with these strands for a reason.
If you are learning how to take care of your hair, you probably did not know that hair has classification systems. Let’s dive into it!
Classification Systems
Classification systems are useful in determining what your hair needs in the long run, a far as TLC. To determine what your hair type is various systems help people classify their curl patterns.
It is essential to know what your hair type is as it is an excellent way to know how susceptible to damage your hair is and in turn, how to care for your hair properly.
Straight Hair
The first hair type we are classifying is straight hair. Straight hair is seen in most people of Caucasian or Asian descent but is also seen in other ethnicities as well. Different ethnicities are European Spaniards and even some tribes in Africa.
Straight hair reflects the most sheen and is also the most resilient of all the hair types. Straight hair is hard to damage, and even challenging to curl. This occurrence is because the sebum in this hair texture easily spreads from the scalp to ends without curls or kinks, and is also the oiliest hair type.
You may notice that people with this hair type seem to wash their hair more often than others. This type of hair does not need very much product so therefore, it can flourish off of one or two products every week or so.
Wavy Hair
You can see this hair type is almost every ethnicity, but you may notice you tend to see it mostly in people of mixed race. Wavy hair is fun to style because it has straight hair qualities as well as curly hair qualities. You can play around with different products and get different results every time.
Wavy hair has a texture and sheen between straight and curly hair and is likely to become frizzy. Thin wavy hair can be tamed and easily styled, however, medium and coarse hair can be hard to maintain. Yes, there are hair types within hair types!
Curly Hair
This hair type is seen in almost every ethnicity, as well, but is highly present in those of mixed race that contain African American descent. Curly hair, which, is known to have an S-shape. The pattern of the hair resembles an ‘S’ shape and sometimes a ‘Z’ shape. This type of hair is usually voluminous, climate-dependent, and damage-prone.
It is essential to take care of this type of hair, because of its susceptibility to injury. Constant direct heat or manipulation is a no-go!
If your curly hair lacks proper care, you can cause less defined curls. Some products can revive the curl pattern, but in most cases, it is best to avoid permanent damage at all costs.
Kinky Hair
Kinky hair is seen in most people of African descent but has been known to appear in other ethnicities as well. Kinky-curly hair features a tightly coiled curl pattern that is often very fragile with a high density. This type of hair shrinks when wet because it has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types and because of this, it is more susceptible to damage.
Taking care of this hair type can be a challenge to some, because of its vulnerability and tight curl pattern. With this type of hair, it is best to develop a hair care routine!
Time to Style!
Now that you understand each of the leading hair types people have let’s discuss how we style them. Because of the chemistry of each hair type, it may be hard to do specific styles with certain ones.
Fear not, because each hair type is unique and beautiful. They each bring a particular look and feel to the person wearing it, so in this case, we will be discussing different styles you can achieve with every hair type.
Looks You Can Achieve with Straight Hair
Simple and Straight
Waking up in the morning and straightening your hair can be a look all on its own. The sleek and shininess of your hair is a compliment of itself, and it takes little to no effort at all!
Straight and Ombre
Straight hair that colors into an ombre format is a more daring way of stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new and fresh.
Also, it's spring! The sun will shine on your newly colored locks and make them even brighter and beautiful!
You can stay simple and use colors that compliment your natural hair color, or you can go bold and choose colors that you would not typically have, such as, different reds and platinum blonde mixes.
Layers
Layers compliment the natural shape of your face. They can be cut short or long depending on your preference.
Anyone can pull off the layered look because they are the type of style that anyone can have fun and experiment with at any point!
Sleek Ponytail
This look is beautiful for those who want something simple, yet elegant. This look is suitable for any date night occasion and can have anyone turning heads to look at you all night!
When styling for this look, make sure you get all the stray hairs.
Side parts/Middle Parts
This look may seem simple, but it makes a big difference in the person who is wearing them. Try this with longer hair. The style will give the person a sporty, yet simple look for a day out on the town.
High Ponytail
This style is adorable because it gives childhood vibes with a new adult-like feel to it. You can do a messy ponytail or a sleek one. Either way, you will be turning heads all night.
Looks You Can Achieve with Wavy Hair
Soft Waves
Soft waves are subtle, yet elegant and daring at the same time. They compliment the shape of your face because they fall directly in front of it.
This style is something you can pull off in any season and at any event.
If you want more of a wavy look, use your curling iron and put a few extra curls in it. Comb them out after, to get a natural look.
Short Cuts
Everyone is in the mood to cut their hair! Use your waves to compliment your cut hair and make it into a messy paradise. Messy waves paired with a shortcut can make you look playful and fun, yet also mysterious.
Beach Waves
I can hear the ocean in the distance right now! Beach waves are perfect for every season, but they come in handy at the actual beach in the summertime.
This look is stylish, playful and it typically looks fantastic on anybody wearing them.
A Pop of Color
Add some bold colors to your waves this year! Shades of orange, red, blonde and brown, can make your curls pop without any extra effort.
Some shine spray can add to the aesthetic and will make everyone turn heads all night long.
Messy Buns
The good part about wavy hair is, you can make it as dirty or clean as you want it to be. Try a messy bun on for size. A messy bun is cute, and it tells people that you can be attractive without really trying to be.
Half Up-Half Down
This look is similar to the look you would be going for with a messy bun. The look is cute because you still have some length to your hair. It will not take away from its natural beauty.
You also get to keep your strands out of your face which can also be a plus!
Looks You Can Achieve
70s-Inspired Curls
This look is all about big, voluminous, and straight-up great curls. You can wear bangs with it and add some extra curls in your head with a wand if you feel like it.
Thick, shoulder-skimming curls are a thing of disco dreams. Maybe, even add some hairspray for volume!
Highlights
Highlights will make every single curl in your headstand out on its own, ready to take on the world. Add some lowlights to compliment the highlights and get a mix of flavor every time you go out on the town.
Pigtail buns
Who says that hairstyles you had when you were a kid can't still be cute? Use your curly hair to create two hair buns in your head that are not only adorable but different!
The Short Bob
Curly bobs are what everyone has been rocking since the year began. Why not keep the trend going?
The curly bob is beautiful, elegant and will turn everyone's heads in a second. You can make the look messier or sleeker if you'd like.
Layered Curls
When putting layers in your curls, it looks like every curl has a chance to shine. It also makes your curls stand out more, and it gives your hair more volume and luster. If you like big beautiful curls, this may be the look you should be going for this year!
Sleek Ponytail with Curls
We all love the sleek ponytail, but adding some luscious curls can add an utterly different feel to the look you are trying to achieve. It shows everyone that you can be elegant and different while keeping it classy and fresh.
Up-Do
The original up-do is adorable! Add some curls and make it pop! With that said, put your hair in a high ponytail and let the curls run down your face.
The sex appeal is uncanny and will be the talk of the night for everyone who decides to approach you.
Looks You Can Achieve with Kinky Hair
Let Your Kinks Show!
There is nothing better than letting your kinky hair go wild and free! You will appreciate its natural texture and flow because it is yours!
The Pineapple
Pair this look with a cute headscarf and let all your coils fall in front of your face for a natural and chill look.
The Bun
Show off your kinks in a natural kinky bun. Let your curls have their time to shine, flourishing.
Comb Out Curls
You hear me right! Comb out those kinks and give your look a little more volume. There is nothing better than combing out your curls knowing they are still there to capture the hearts of many.
Blown Out Look
The blow out has been famous for years and years. Blow out your kinks and play with your length a little bit! Do not use too much heat!
Colorful Locks
Don't do the usual colors! Color the tips of your kinks any blues, purples, pinks, greens, and more for a daring look that only you can pull off!
Braid out/Twist Out
Take the time to give your kinks a different feel, and a different curl pattern. Your hair can hold many curl patterns for long periods of time, so take advantage! Make sure to let the braids or twists set in the head long enough to make the style pop.
Which One Are You?
What is your hair type? What styles do you like to do with the hair you have?
Leave a comment below!
