Curly to Straight: Mastering Hair Types and Tailored Care

When it comes to hair, one size really doesn't fit all, and we'd like to think that's one of the things that keeps the hairdressing game interesting!

From pin-straight strands to tight coils, understanding the different hair types is crucial for creating lasting styles and keeping your clients' hair healthy and looking its best.

So whether you're a seasoned stylist or a hairdressing student, knowing how to work with all hair types is the foundation of your craft. Let's break down the types and explore how to care for them, plus the must-have products for your professional kit in 2025.

What Are the Different Types of Hair?

Hair types are typically categorised from Type 1 (straight) to Type 4 (coily), with subcategories (a, b, c) based on texture and curl pattern. 

Each type has unique characteristics that affect how it behaves, styles, and responds to the products you use.

What Is Type 1 Hair and How Can You Take Care of It?

Type 1 hair is straight and shiny since natural oils travel easily from the scalp down the hair shaft. However, it can be prone to oiliness and may lack volume.

Type 1a Hair

• Features: Super straight, fine, and silky.
• Challenges: Can be flat and hard to style.
• Care Tips: Use a lightweight, volumising, and dry shampoo to combat oiliness. A root-lifting spray can help add volume without weighing it down.

Why not try the INDOLA Lift It Up Spray?

Type 1b Hair

• Features: Straight with a bit more texture and body.
• Challenges: It may get greasy at the roots while remaining dry at the ends.
• Care Tips: Use a balancing shampoo and conditioner. A blowdry cream can enhance natural volume while keeping ends smooth.

Why not try the L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Serioxyl Advanced Purifier & Bodifier Shampoo?

Type 1c Hair

• Features: Straight with noticeable waves or bends.
• Challenges: Prone to frizz and dryness.
• Care Tips: Frizz-fighting serums and hydrating masks are essential. Finish with a heat protectant before styling.

Why not try the Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Frizz Away Smoothing Oil?

What Is Type 2 Hair and How Should You Take Care of It?

Type 2 hair is wavy, with textures ranging from loose waves to more defined ones. It strikes a balance between straight and curly.

Type 2a Hair

• Features: Loose, barely-there waves.
• Challenges: It can look flat and needs definition.
• Care Tips: Use a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse or sea salt spray to define waves without making them crunchy.

Why not try Morgan's Sea Salt Spray?

Type 2b Hair

• Features: More defined waves with slight frizz.
• Challenges: Can lose shape or get weighed down by heavy products.
• Care Tips: Opt for a sulphate-free shampoo and a leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture. A curl refresher spray is perfect for mid-day touch-ups.

Why not try the Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure R-TWO Resetting Shampoo?

Type 2c Hair

• Features: Waves that border on curls, often thicker and more frizz-prone.
• Challenges: Needs both definition and frizz control.
• Care Tips: Use a curl cream or gel and diffuse hair to enhance texture. Deep-conditioning mask treatments will help combat dryness.

Why not try the Osmo Curl Revival Re-Energising Gel?

What Is Type 3 Hair and What Can You Do to Take Care of It?

Type 3 hair is curly, with defined curls that range from loose loops to tight spirals. It's often voluminous but can be prone to dryness and tangles.

Type 3a Hair

• Features: Big, loose curls with a smooth texture.
• Challenges: Frizz and lack of definition.
• Care Tips: Lightweight curl creams or gels work wonders. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle without breaking the curl pattern.

Why not try the Pro-Tip Extra Large Wide Toothed Shampoo Rake (245 mm)

Type 3b Hair

• Features: Springy ringlets with more volume.
• Challenges: Can be prone to dryness and shrinkage.
• Care Tips: Hydrating shampoos and leave-in conditioners are your best friends. Scrunch in curl-defining products and air-dry or diffuse for best results.

Why not try the Osmo X.Posed Leave-in Treatment?

Type 3c Hair

• Features: Tight curls with a lot of volume and texture.
• Challenges: Tangles easily and can get very dry.
• Care Tips: Use a co-wash and a rich curl cream. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb while conditioning, and seal in moisture with a lightweight oil.

Why not try the L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Curl Expression Moisturising Shampoo?

What Is Type 4 Hair and How Can You Take Care of It?

Type 4 hair is coily, featuring tight curls or kinks. It's the most fragile hair type, requiring extra care to retain moisture and prevent breakage.

Type 4a Hair

• Features: Tight, springy coils with a defined curl pattern.
• Challenges: Dryness and shrinkage.
• Care Tips: Use a sulphate-free shampoo, a deep conditioner, and a curl butter to define and hydrate. Protective styles can help retain moisture.

Why not try the Cantu Shea Butter Sulfate-Free Hydrating Cream Conditioner?

Type 4b Hair

• Features: Z-shaped curls that are less defined but full of texture.
• Challenges: Prone to tangling and breakage.
• Care Tips: Apply a leave-in conditioner and seal with a heavier oil like shea butter. Twist-outs are great for elongating the curl pattern.

Why not try the Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream?

Type 4c Hair

• Features: Tightest curl pattern, often with minimal definition.
• Challenges: Extreme shrinkage and dryness.
• Care Tips: Incorporate the LOC method (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) to keep hair hydrated. Avoid excessive manipulation to prevent breakage.

Why not try the Schwarzkopf Oil Ultime Finishing Oil Argan?

Understanding Hair Types

Understanding and respecting all types of hair is the cornerstone of excellent hairdressing.

Each hair type requires specific products and techniques to thrive and as a hair care professional it is important to have a broad knowledge of each type, after-all, you never know whose going to come through the door!

Whether you're recommending a tailored hair care set or giving styling advice, embracing diversity in hair types makes you a more skilled and versatile professional, which could lead to more clients on your books!

Quick Product Recommendations...

• Type 1: Volumising sprays, frizz serums.
• Type 2: Curl-enhancing mousse, sea salt spray.
• Type 3: Curl creams, deep conditioners.
• Type 4: Co-washes, rich oils, and butters.

By mastering these basics, you'll be ready to handle any hair type that comes your way!

Explore the full range of hairdressing essentials at CoolBlades where you'll find options tailored for every hair type and style!

Why Choose CoolBlades for Your Professional Salon Supplies?

We're a family-owned business led by a hairdressing expert with over 30 years of experience. We're dedicated to helping salon professionals like you save money without sacrificing quality.

If you enjoyed this article, visit the CoolBlades blog for more expert content created just for salon professionals like you!