Hair Type Research Paper

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A popular discussion amongst the natural hair community is hair typing. Natural hair, in particular, can be extremely complex as one person can have multiple hair textures on their head. Subsequently, determining your hair type can benefit you greatly as you embark on this journey. Knowing your hair type can, not only, help you figure out which products work best with your particular texture of hair, but it can also help you determine which hairstyles will work best with your hair. As the natural hair movement has evolved, so have the hair typing systems. Currently there are three main typing systems, Andre Walker, L.O.I.S, and F.I.A. Each typing system is incredibly nuanced, so I 've included more detail on how to find your type in Appendix …show more content…

Andre Walker Curl Type System

Andre Walker 's hair type system is perhaps the most well known. He is a celebrity hair stylist, who amassed a huge following after Oprah revealed that he was her personal hair stylist. With the Andre Walker system, each hair type is organized into four main number categories and then broken down into sub-categories by letter.

Type 1 Styling Tips: Hair can be sensitive to oiliness, so try to avoid very heavy products like butters and creams. Light oils and serums should be used sparingly.

Type 2 Styling Tips - This hair is not as reliant on products that are moisturizing. Use lighter products like mousse or gels that can enhance the curl. Try to avoid thick moisturizers or butters, as they will weigh the hair down. Avoid a lot manipulation and air-dry the hair. A dab of pomade works wonders to keep flyaways at bay. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to help keep curl shape and avoid tangles.

Type 3 Styling Tips - Moisture is a Type 3 's best friend. Oils, butters, and creams will help keep the hair pliable and shiny. Always use conditioner whenever detangling during washday. Be sure to keep hair manipulation to a minimum, and sleep on a satin pillowcase whenever …show more content…

Type 4 Styling Tips - This hair needs to be moisturized much more than Type 1 or 2 hair. Therefore weekly or biweekly conditioning treatments are recommended. Allow hair to air-dry whenever possible, and avoid using a brush or comb on dry hair. To maintain hairstyle, sleep on a satin pillowcase.

L.O.I.S African American Natural Hair Typing System

L.O.I.S is a thorough guide that classifies hair based upon the visual shape, feel and density of the hair. It can be tricky to categorize the hair, because the variation of width, texture and shape that occurs throughout the head. Many naturals love this system because of the amount of options it gives them.

Styling Tips for Fine to Medium, Thready Wiry, or Silky, I, or O Patterns: Hair can be sensitive to oiliness. Light oils and serums should be used sparingly. This hair is not as reliant on products that are moisturizing. Use lighter products like mousse or gels that can enhance the curl. Try to avoid thick moisturizers or butters, as they will weigh the hair down. Avoid a lot manipulation and air-dry the hair. A dab of pomade works wonders to keep flyaways at bay. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to help keep curl shape and avoid

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