Understanding your hair type is the first step toward better grooming and healthier hair.
For Black men, whose textures range from loose waves to tight coils, knowing your hair type can make all the difference in how you wash, style, and maintain your crown.
Identifying your hair type
Hair types are generally categorized by numbers and letters:
- Type 1: Straight hair (rare among Black men)
- Type 2: Wavy hair (2A–2C)
- Type 3: Curly hair (3A–3C)
- Type 4: Coily or kinky hair (4A–4C)
Most Black men fall into the Type 3 or Type 4 category.
- Type 3A–3C hair has defined curls that may be loose or springy.
- Type 4A hair has soft coils with a visible curl pattern.
- Type 4B–4C hair has tighter coils or a zig-zag pattern with less defined curls, and it tends to be more fragile and prone to shrinkage.
To identify your hair type, examine your natural hair when it’s clean, dry, and free of products. Look for how it curls or coils, and how it responds to moisture.
Grooming tips by Hair type
- For wavy and curly hair (Types 2 and 3):
Use lightweight leave-in conditioners or curl creams to define your pattern without weighing it down. Avoid heavy greases that can build up on the scalp. Gentle brushing or finger-combing helps maintain curl shape. - For coily and kinky hair (Type 4):
Moisture is key. Use thicker products like shea butter, castor oil, or cream-based leave-ins. Co-washing (washing with conditioner instead of shampoo) helps retain natural oils. Low-manipulation styles like twists, braids, or sponge curls reduce breakage. - All types:
Keep your scalp clean, trimmed, and moisturized. Regular deep conditioning (at least once a week) and using a satin durag or pillowcase at night helps reduce dryness and breakage.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to Black men’s hair. Whether you’re sporting waves, curls, or coils, learning your hair type empowers you to create a grooming routine that works for you—not against you.
