Hair Type Quiz: Which Mane Looks Like Yours?
Trust us: this is the *only* hair type quiz you'll ever need!
There’s something we’re dying to tell you: knowing your hair type makes it easier for you to take care of your tresses; from the type products you should be using in your mane routine to the hairstyles that work best. But it’s not always easy to figure out on your own, which is why we’ve created a super easy hair type quiz, just for you.
All you have to do is identify which one of the hairstyles closely resembles your own. Then, after you’ve done that, you’ll find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your gorgeous hair type. And don’t forget to check out our cheat sheet table, below, for a quick overview of all the hair types.
| Hair Type | Characteristics | Best Products |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Fine,Straight hair | Dry Shampoo |
| 1B | Straight with Slight Bend | Dry Shampoo |
| 1C | Slight Wave, Frizz-prone | Hair Serum |
| 2A | Loose Wave | Hair Mousse |
| 2B | Wavy Hair | Sea Salt Spray |
| 2C | Thick,Wavy Hair | Hair Serum |
| 3A | Loose,Natural Curls | Leave-in Conditioner |
| 3B | Spiral Curls | Hair Oil |
| 3C | Tight corkscrew curls | Cleansing Conditioner |
| 4A | Defined Tightly Coils | Curl Cream |
| 4B | Fluffy, Z-shaped Coils | Hair Oil |
| 4C | Kinky Texture,Shrinkage-prone | Hair Oil |
Type 1: Straight Hair
Did you click on this picture? If so, it’s likely you fall into the straight-strand group (AKA type 1 hair). And if you have baby-fine, straight hair, just like this model does and find your locks can’t hold curls as well, you’ve got 1A hair.
Type 1B Hair
Though you might think straight hair has just one type, it doesn’t! In this pictured example, the model has fuller-looking locks with a slight bend at the ends, giving an almost wavy effect.
Type 1C Hair
Have super-thick straight hair with a few waves? Prone to a little frizz? If the answer to both these questions is yes, then you’ve definitely got type 1C hair.
Top Product Picks for Type 1 Hair
While it’s amazing having straight hair, you’re most likely to deal with limp locks and oily strands.
The good news: these are all things a trusty dry shampoo, like the TRESemmé Instant Refresh Volumising Dry Shampoo, can help you with.
This will instantly freshen up your style, allowing you to go an extra day between washes, while also giving your locks the volume you crave. Now, you can’t argue with that, can you?
Type 2: Wavy Hair
In most curly hair type quiz articles, you’ll notice that type 1 hair isn’t mentioned and that the typing system starts from type 2 hair (AKA wavy hair).
If you happened to click on this lovely lady, you have got one of the most desirable hair types of all! This type 2A hair has a loose S-shaped pattern, with the hair often being quite fine. The best thing about it? It’s pretty easy to manage.
Type 2B Hair
Some ladies have to hit the sand or use a sea salt spray to get beautiful beachy waves, yet others are just born with it. If this sounds a lot like your hair (and looks like this model’s mane), then you definitely fall under the 2B hair category.
Type 2C Hair
Got wavy hair with a very distinct S-shaped pattern, that’s borderline curly, perhaps with some loose spiral curls hidden in the underbrush, too? Then you have type 2C hair.
Since this wavy hair type is thick and heavy, your hair is prone to more frizz – but that can all be sorted…
Top Product Picks for Type 2 Hair
Now that you’ve taken this hair type quiz and know that you’ve got this amazing hair type, you’re probably wondering which hero hair product you should use. Our fave for this mane type? The VO5 Big Volume Mousse, of course!
Not only does this curl-inducing mousse offer you heat protection, but it also gives your hair fabulous bounce and volume. Did we forget to mention it also has frizz-fighting properties, too? It has won over our hearts and our hair!
Type 3: Curly Hair
Did you click on this gorgeous picture? If so, your natural curls are loose, light and have a definite S-shape pattern, which means you’ve got 3A hair (AKA curlicious locks).
Due to the unique shape of your curls, natural oils from your scalp find it difficult to get to the ends of your hair. And without enough hydration, you may experience issues with frizz, dryness and a lack of mane definition, so a leave-in conditioner is a must-have.
Type 3B Hair
Type 3B hair tends to look as though spiral curls have been stretched out, without a defined pattern throughout. Since this natural hair type has a lot more volume and body (something many of us can only dream of), it can easily become dry and dull.
Type 3C Hair
When you’ve got type 3C hair, your tight corkscrew curls tend to be high in density and much coarser than the other hair types that fall under this category.
And as fabulous as this hair type is, with its ’80s glam goddess vibes, you’ll be dealing with dryness, frizz and experience a lot of tangling.
Top Product Picks for Type 3 Hair
The best way to tackle the mane issues that come with having type 3 hair? Simply by rethinking your hair washing system! Following a co-washing system will leave your hair feeling smooth, nourished and prepped for styling.
Our current fave for curl-tastic care? The TIGI Bed Head Calma Sutra Cleansing Conditioner, which is formulated with ingredients that pack a punch. This sulphate-free cleanser works to refresh, detangle and hydrate type 3 curly hair – everything your curls need!
Type 4: Kinky and Coily Hair
When it comes to hair types, people often forget that the type 4 hair category exists, but there’s no way we could leave it out of our curly hair type quiz. But it does and here’s what to know…
Type 4 hair strands are small, tightly-coiled and they maintain a visible S-shape curl pattern, much like the model above.
Type 4B Hair
In this example, the model’s curl factor is less noticeable and has more of a Z-shape to it, which you can tell by the way the hair bends. This shape can make 4B hair appear much shorter than it is, as it shrinks a lot.
While other hair textures may not experience this as much, you can choose to work with it or try out curl-stretching, low manipulation hairstyles.
Type 4C Hair
Less defined natural curls? Then you’ve got type 4C hair. Since you’ve got lots of densely packed Z-shaped strands in your mane, it can make it hard to tell what your curl pattern is.
Yet due to the density of these beautiful, ‘fro-tastic coils, your hair is extremely prone to dryness and damage.
Top Product Picks for Type 4 Hair
Since your locks are the most delicate and prone to dryness and damage, your natural hair texture will benefit from following the LOC, LOCO or LCO method (which stand for liquid, oil and cream).
You can give your locks the TLC it deserves by using the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment. The lightweight, non-greasy formula with intensive nourishing properties instantly helps replenish lipids, softens and adds shine. Go on, add it to your hair kit, ASAP!
