The 7 Hair Types and Their Needs
If you want to know the care requirements for each hair type, we recommend you start by classifying them.
There are two different ways to classify hair types: based on ethnicity and based on hair fiber.
- Classification based on ethnicity, which basically comprises three types: Caucasian, Asian and African hair. However, this does not take into account the biodiversity and mixed races.
- Classification based on type of hair fiber. This is a better classification since it takes into account the curvature of the hair fiber and is the way in which hair has been historically described, which is also broken into types I-VII.
Find out the specific needs of hair based on its hair fiber type
Type I – Straight: this hair type is straight, easy to manage; it can be very shiny, but needs products that provide it with volume and thickness.
Type II – Slightly Wavy: this hair has wavy patterns toward the ends; it is easy to manage and needs products that increase its shine and give it a smooth texture.
Type III – Wavy: it generally has more open curls, is very thick and needs control and cohesion.
Type IV – Very curly: it forms S-shaped curls that are well-defined, has lots of volume, frizz and looks less shiny. This hair type needs many care products and almost always requires a full line of treatment – shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, combing cream and hair oil.
Type V – Tightly curled: it has well-defined, smaller curls, lots of volume and frizz. This hair is more difficult to care for and looks less shiny. It needs a complete product line focused on controlling its volume and frizz, cohesion and shine.
Type VI – Very tightly curled: these are tighter curls, always in a corkscrew pattern. It recoils back to its original shape if stretched. For this type of hair, the products must focus on a high moisturizing power and shine.
Type VII – Coily: this is generally a very fragile and dry hair. It grows as small coils that are not well-defined. This hair type is harsh to the touch; it needs hydration and products that help improve its texture.
When developing hair products, it is important to keep in mind the characteristics and needs of each hair type. The basic care offered by the use of shampoo and conditioner is no longer enough for today’s consumers.
Avoiding chemical treatments that modify the hair structure is a growing trend around the world. This movement advocates for the acceptance of one’s natural hair. There are many consumers nowadays who are experiencing a so-called “hair transition,” and having specific products for their hair type is essential to succeed in that acceptance.
Our team of experts in Personal Care product formulations can help you formulate products that are suitable for each type of hair. Contact us for more information!