This is how to determine your hair type

“What’s my hair type?”

It’s a question that can determine a lot about how you manage your daily styling routine, not to mention the products you need to best suit your strands. So whether your mane falls flat at the slightest increase in humidity, or your curls continuously refuse to behave, we’re here to help.

From super-fine to coarse and all that frizziness in between, you’re about to determine your hair type, once and for all! Welcome to your best hair day. Ever.

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SO, WHAT IS MY HAIR TYPE?

STRAIGHT

Greasy, oily, limp, lifeless – are these the words you associate with your ‘do? Fret not, fellow flathead, for there is beauty in straight hair, too! The way to approach is this: know what styles are going to work – and what won’t – in your favour, because the sooner you do, the sooner you’ll stop those dead-straight strands from raining on your parade. So if you can’t get more than one-and-a-half days between washes and you’ve got an unnerving addiction to dry shampoo, then stick around, because we’re about to get real. Let’s break things down a little…

Straight strands type #1: Dakota Fanning, Gwyneth Paltrow

Baby-fine and oh so wispy, these strands ain’t going to hold a curl, no matter how hard you try. For an instant lift, keep a dry shampoo or texturising spray on hand, and avert your eyes from thick shampoos and conditioners – they’ll only weigh your ‘do down and turn up the grease factor twofold.

bh recommends: Kérastase Couture Styling V.I.P Volume in Powder, TONI&GUY Casual Matt Texture Dry Shampoo, Batiste Wild Dry Shampoo, De Lorenzo Absorb

Straight strands type #2: Kendall Jenner, Clémence Poésy

Okay, so here’s another straight shooter: this type of ‘straight hair’ tends to either have a fuller hair follicle, or fine strands – but lots of them, and typically a kink or slight bend toward the ends, but no real oomph. Oh, and don’t forget the frizz. Sound familiar? To give this type volume and texture, nothing works better than styling powder. Start by applying it to the roots, and give the ends a sprinkling or two for some real body. Nix that frizz with a light serum, cream or bi-weekly mask – just don’t go too heavy with the prods.

bh recommends: evo haze styling powder, Schwarzkopf Extra Care Instant Volume Powder, TIGI BedHead Joyride Texturising Balm, MooseHead Demon Dust THICKEN-UP Styling Powder

WAVY

Those with straight strands might look at this category of locks with envy, but it can be tough getting those waves to behave. Without the right haircare goods on your side, wavy locks can mean risky business.

Wavy mane type #1: Kate Hudson, Joss Stone

Does the term “bedhead” spring to mind? You’ve got the goods to rock a bit of texture, but if you really want to flaunt your carefree style, you need to show it just a lil’ love. With a curling iron, take small sections of hair and loosely curl, then lightly spritz with some sea salt spray, and scrunch.

bh recommends: ELEVEN Australia Sea Salt Texture Spray, Fudge Sea Salt Spray, John Frieda Beach Blonde Ocean Waves Sea-Salt Spray, Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray

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Wavy mane type #2: Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens

Thicker and coarser, this type of wave generally requires more maintenance, but styled right and the results are dreamy. To get your mane to behave, mousse is the answer. It won’t interfere with your natural movement, but it’ll ensure whatever style you’re creating stays. Wavy manes of this calibre need downtime too, so when you’re giving the heat styling a rest, make sure your locks soak up oils that will nourish them back to life.

bh recommends: Indola Innova Sculpture Mousse, VO5 ® Mega Hold Mousse, Richard Ward Anti-Ageing Argan Mousse, Arbonne Pure Vibrance Texturizing Mousse, Moroccanoil Treatment, L’Oréal Paris ELVIVE Extraordinary Oil-In-Cream

Wavy mane type #3: Shakira, Lorde

When your hair is bigger than your body, takes a full 24 hours to dry and requires a whole army to straighten, what can you do but embrace this big and bouncy head of hair! Like curlier hair types, this type of wave should be handled with care: finger-styling and deep-conditioning treatments are a must to keep them looking so wild and free.

bh recommends: TRESemmé Platinum Strength Deep Conditioning Treatment, Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

CURLY

Just because you were born with natural body (a lotta body) and luscious texture, doesn’t mean you should be a natural when it comes to styling it. Well lady, that’s all about to change. If you’re blessed enough to be born with a fabulous ‘fro we’ve got four words for you: Put. The. Dryer. Down.

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Curly hair type #1: AnnaLynne McCord, Andie Macdowell

Similar to the last of the wavy-maned maidens, this curl type has a mixture of both waves and curls. Wear it natural – you’re the lucky one! Your hair has body! Just remember that your curls are prone to knots and tangles.  

bh recommends: KMS California ADDVOLUME Body Build Detangler, L'OCCITANE Aromachologie Revitalizing Detangling Spray, De Lorenzo Infinite Detangler, Aveda Be Curly Intensive Detangling Masque

Curly hair type #2: Solange Knowles, Kelis

Ranging from the tightest corkscrew curls to ones you can poke a finger through, these curls are much coarser than other hair types. Because of the many twists and turns of this texture type, it’s hard to get moisture to the scalp and maintain shine. But despite all the #naturalhairproblems, there’s nothing better than a confident woman and her ‘fro.

bh recommends: Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ultimate Remedy Extreme Restoration Treatment, TONI&GUY Hair Care Reconstruction Mask, Arbonne Pure Vibrance Hair Revitalizing Mask

Which of these hair types is best suited to you?