African American hair is typically categorized according to a curl pattern that can be seen in natural hair. This categorization is often referred to as the "Andre Walker System," named after the hair stylist who created it. Here are the hair types as per this system:
1. Type 1 (Straight Hair): This hair type is not typically seen among African Americans. It's straight and doesn't have any curls or waves.
2. Type 2 (Wavy Hair): This is also not a common hair type among African Americans. It has a slight wavy pattern and is not as straight as Type 1.
3. Type 3 (Curly Hair):
- Type 3A: Hair has big, loose curls and a slight amount of frizz. The curls are well-defined and springy.
- Type 3B: Hair has medium-sized curls, ranging from ringlets to tight corkscrews. It's typically voluminous.
- Type 3C: Hair has tight curls or coils and lots of strands packed together, which gives it more volume. The curls are usually the size of a pencil or straw.
4. Type 4 (Kinky or Coily Hair):
- Type 4A: Hair is full of tight coils. It has a defined curl pattern that resembles a “s” or “z” shape when stretched, similar to a spring. This type of hair retains moisture well but is still prone to dryness.
- Type 4B: Hair has a less defined pattern of curls and looks more like a "z" as the curl is not uniform. The hair bends with very sharp angles, like the letter "Z".
- Type 4C: Hair is similar to 4B but the curls are so tight that they might not even look like curls at all. This hair type is the most prone to shrinkage and dryness.
This system has been a helpful starting point for many people when it comes to hair care. However, it's important to note that everyone's hair is unique and might not fit perfectly into one category. Some people might have more than one type of curl pattern on their head, which is completely normal. It's also worth mentioning that hair health and its characteristics are influenced by other factors, too, such as genetics, diet, climate, and hair care routines.
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