Knowing your hair type and wave can help you find the perfect method of routine to achieve healthy, shiny and defined hair.

To determine the right products it is important to know at least the type of hair, its thickness, porosity, oiliness and elasticity of your hair. Stick around to find out everything you need to know before taking the first step!

Why is it important to know what my type of curl is?

The pattern of your hair is an important factor, since if you are just starting out, it is best to build a simple and basic routine that is healthy and natural. It is obvious that there are things in advance that you already know about yourself and your hair, so before you continue: you must rule out the products that are not suitable for you. For example, if you have straight hair, afro products are not for you. And if your hair is wavy, rule out those that can overdry your hair, since it is normal that you need more hydration.

The first thing to do when starting a curly mindful self-care routine is not to overwhelm yourself! With the method, it is very likely that the pattern of your hair will change and it will probably be altered so much that you will hardly recognize it. Many people, at first, have a pattern and, over time, they realize that it is a very different one, and that is that the hair changes as you progress and your real curl begins to heal and emerge completely renewed. If, in addition, your hair is damaged due to toxic products, dyes, highlights or straightening, the difference that you will observe will be very noticeable.

Before you jump right into the Curly Method:

It is important to be clear that the curly method is a technique that helps you master and make 100% natural hair flourish with your waves, curls and even straight hair, without the need for chemical products, irons, or heat dryers that still damage plus the actual structure of your mane. So that we understand each other: although this routine has the surname curly , there is a base suitable for all types of hair, which will be customized according to the needs of each hair.

The perfect time to know the type of hair and curl you have should be when the hair is completely healthy and hydrated. If you consider that your hair has suffered a lot, the ideal is to start a basic routine and implement essential care that will help you recover the strength and health of your hair. And, when you notice this change (and we assure you that if you implement the routine, you will notice it), analyze your hair correctly.

Starting point: what is my type of curl?

Here, we will give you the simplest tips to quickly discover what type of hair you have and how you should enhance it.

 In general, there are four different types of hair, which are subdivided into other variants. The most important, and where you have to start , is in the first categories: type 1 (straight), type 2 (wavy), type 3 (curly) and type 4 (afro). The categories are divided into subgroups A, B or C, since, depending on the type of wave, curl, or spiral, your hair will tend more towards one subgroup than another. But remember! Your hair can share different characteristics and categories , so the ideal is that you can be clear about which shapes are the most similar to your hair.

 Taking this classification of hair and its textures into account, you should tend to use personalized natural cosmetic products to take care of yourself, without the need for harmful chemicals and ingredients in the long term, to get the full potential of your hair with very little. In addition, you will keep forever in the drawer all kinds of tongs, irons and dryers.

Straight to the finish line: how do I classify my hair?

Type 1: Straight Hair:

This type is the one with completely straight hair and perhaps it will tend to generate a very delicate and soft wave. Its subtypes are the following:

• 1 A: stands out for being the smoothest of all. It barely presents volume, it is straight and very fine.
• 1B – This ready hair type is a little thicker and more shaped, with a little more volume than the previous one.
• 1 C: the hair is thicker and has more shape, so it can have more volume, perhaps caused by some curves, but they are not waves. Although it is fine hair, it can hold up to styling as well as wavy hair.

Type 1 hair care recommendations:

• Always use light care products .
• If necessary, use specific lines for oily hair, especially when washing it. It is essential that the root is very clean.
• Products that provide volume are a very good option.
• Wash it frequently but never in an exaggerated way, since it can favor the increase of fat. Leaving an interval of 1 or 2 days in some cases helps regulate fat.
• The air from the dryer r must not be too dense or too hot. Use it on the ends.
• It is important to add a good split end repairer to your routine.

Type 2: Wavy or Wavy Hair:

A wavy mane has S-shaped waves, and although it is smoother at the root, from the mid-lengths to the ends it begins to have a slight curvature and greater volume . This hair is very difficult to classify, because it tends to frizz easily and it is very difficult to maintain its definition. But, if you hydrate it, the volume and its waves will be completely bewitching and impressive. There are three divisions in type 2:

• 2 A: when the hair tends to be between wavy and straight. This type has a very slight S-shape, the roots are quite straight and it doesn't usually have a lot of volume despite its soft waves; since the hair is usually finite.
• 2 B: in this case, the hair has a more pronounced S, in addition, from the scalp the wave is a little more noticeable and it has more volume. Being thicker, it tends to frizz and loses its wave easily.
• 2 C: in 2C hair, the waves are more marked, it can even form more defined spirals than in the previous two. The spirals start from the top and it looks very voluminous. Like 2B, it tends to frizz.

Type 2 hair care recommendations:

• Use products with a light texture that do not weigh you down but that help you maintain the definition of the waves and avoid frizz.
• Also, avoid products that contain a lot of oils.
• If you usually use a leave-in before defining your hair and you feel that it is too heavy for your hair, rinse it out a bit with water. The leave-in will be a great ally because it will contain the frizz , but remember not to abuse the amounts.
• After applying the gel or mousse, use the "popping" technique, and if you want more defined waves you can use a diffuser.
• Avoid using a dryer at high temperatures and high power.
• Start with small amounts and gradually increase if you think your hair will bear the weight of more product.

Type 3: Curly or Curly Hair:

This type of hair shows hair with more defined and elastic curls , forming much more defined spirals or loops. It has much more volume than type 2, and also tends to frizz if the hair is not well hydrated or damaged. They tend to lose their natural definition when they do not receive the necessary nutrients, since the oils that the hair generates are not thick and do not reach the ends as they have so many curves and waves. Type 3 is also divided into three subgroups:

• 3A: It has more definition than 2C, but unlike 2C, its S-shaped curls are much more defined and bouncy. They are also of a larger circumference and tend to be softer.
• 3 B: The curls are smaller and the spirals are tighter. It has a great volume and the waves do not come undone easily.
• 3 C: This hair has very defined and compact curls. The volume changes noticeably, and the curls shrink much more, and their elasticity is more resistant.

Type 3 hair care recommendations:

• This category is prone to frizz in general: add styling creams or fixing gels to prevent frizz and loss of definition.
• We recommend alternating washes with cowash and lowpoo shampoo to keep it more hydrated.
• Try to style the hair when it is soaked , as it will be much more manageable. Using gels with moisturizers can benefit your hair.
• The best ally will be a separate-toothed comb , so the product will be distributed throughout all the strands.
• If you want your curls to be more defined, scrunch your hair with your hands to further activate the curls.
• Focus care on hydration. The curl does not come undone easily and is usually voluminous hair, so you can use the leave-in without fear of weighing it down.
• Use oils and creams to keep strands sealed and in place.
• When you notice that your curly hair has heavy product buildup, a clarifying shampoo will be your best ally.

Type 4: Very Curly, Coily or Afro Hair:

Coily or Afro type hair is the most delicate hair par excellence of all. Its “zig-zag” or Z shape is described by hair with very small, dense, low-definition curls . With fewer cuticle layers, it tends to dehydrate quickly, so it's important to create a good hydration routine. Like the other categories, it is divided into three:

• 4A: They are very small, tight curls and tend to have a more cylindrical shape. It stands out for being quite fragile, frizzy, porous and with a thin strand. The curl pattern is more of a closed S-shaped curl than a Z-shaped one. This pattern also retains moisture better and “shrinks” less.
• 4 B: its curls are smaller than 4 A, the length is reduced by up to 70-80% and its shine tends to be less glossy. The ends are usually more defined than the roots, the pattern goes from being S-shaped to Z-shaped and you have to take care of it correctly since the hair tends to break easily if it is not cared for properly.
• 4 C: Afro hair is par excellence with a very poorly defined curl, porous and the most fragile of all. It also has a zig-zag shape, with small, tight curls. The type of porosity causes them to quickly lose moisture and tend to break a lot.

Type 4 hair care recommendations:

•   The co-wash technique is the most recommended, along with a good detangling conditioner to avoid over-drying the hair.
•   Regularly, do a deep hydration routine . The best option is care using the LOC technique (leave in, oil and cream).
•   Take advantage of products rich in oils that help seal the cuticle and retain the hydration that we provide. It's important to seal in moisture with butters and oils to enhance shine .
•   Apply leave-in to wet hair from root to tip to control frizz, don't be afraid to weigh hair down as it needs a lot of hydration and that will benefit it.
•   A great technique to improve curl definition is the fingers coins technique .
•   To add definition and length to your curls , use braids or Bantu knots , they are ideal to show off shiny hair and defined curls.

The goal: a world of naturally conscious self-care:

And here we come! We know that if you are entering the curly world of healthy, natural and conscious self-care routines, you may be a bit saturated with so much information.

We have been in that place, so, from experience, if you are starting, it is best that you go step by step . First, be clear about the state of your hair and the type of hair and curl you have. Starting with a basic care routine is ideal for enhancing shine, hydration, waves, and saying goodbye to frizz, knots, and dryness.

 Remember! It is very likely that you share different categories or subcategories and nothing happens. Ideally, you start with a stable and continuous base to discover the pattern of your hair, and you can always count on our team.

So, if you need personalized advice, you can write to us at info@keymescosmetics.com , and we will help you find the perfect method for you. Send us a photo of your hair and tell us the state you feel it is in and we will advise you in the best possible way. Easy and free!

We welcome you to the curly world, do not hesitate to discover other recommended articles on our website.