Understanding Your Hair Type: A Guide to the Hair Typing System

If you've ever felt confused about which products to buy or how to care for your natural hair, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at HairDreams Glasgow is: "What's my hair type, and what does that mean for my hair care routine?"

Let's break down the hair typing system that stylists use today—and more importantly, show you how to use it to make better decisions about your hair.

What Is the Hair Typing System?

The most widely recognized system is the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which classifies hair into four main categories based on your natural curl pattern:

Type 1: Straight hair – Lies flat from root to tip with no curl pattern

Type 2: Wavy hair – Forms an S-shaped wave pattern

Type 3: Curly hair – Distinct spiral curls that form ringlets

Type 4: Coily/Kinky hair – Tight coils or zig-zag patterns, often with shrinkage

Each type is further divided into A, B, and C subcategories to describe how loose or tight the pattern is. For example:

4A has a visible S-curl pattern the size of a crochet needle

4B forms tight zig-zag bends rather than defined curls

4C has the tightest coils with the most shrinkage and minimal visible pattern

Why Stylists Use This System

At HairDreams Glasgow, we use hair typing as a starting point in our consultations because it gives us a shared language. When you know you have 4C hair, for instance, it's easier to find tutorials, products, and styling advice that actually work for your texture.

The system also helps us:

Recommend the right products for your curl pattern

Set realistic expectations for styling and maintenance

Create customised treatment plans for protective styles, silk presses, or keratin treatments

The Full Picture: Beyond Curl Pattern

Here's what many people don't realize: your hair type number is only part of the story. Two people with 3C curls can have completely different hair experiences depending on:

Porosity

How well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low-porosity hair repels water and product; high-porosity hair absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast.

Density

How many strands you have per square inch—thin, medium, or thick density affects how much product you need and how long styles last.

Strand Thickness

Whether individual strands are fine, medium, or coarse. Fine 4C hair needs different care than coarse 4C hair.

Elasticity

How much your hair stretches and bounces back. Healthy hair with good elasticity handles styling better and breaks less easily.

How to Use This Information

At your next appointment at HairDreams Glasgow, we'll help you identify not just your curl pattern but also your porosity, density, and overall hair health. Here's what that looks like in practice:

Step 1: We assess your natural curl pattern using the 1–4/ABC chart

Step 2: We test your porosity and examine strand thickness and density

Step 3: We translate that into a clear plan—which cleansers, conditioners, and styling products will work best, how often to deep condition, and which protective styles suit your lifestyle

A Word of Caution

While the hair typing system is useful, it's not the be-all and end-all. Some people in the natural hair community have pointed out that it can feel hierarchical—as if straighter textures are somehow "better" than coily ones. That's not how we see it at HairDreams Glasgow.

Every hair type is beautiful and has its own strengths. Type 4 hair, for example, is incredibly versatile and holds protective styles beautifully. Our goal isn't to change your texture—it's to help you care for and celebrate the hair you have.

Ready to Learn Your Hair Type?

Understanding your hair type is the first step toward healthier, more manageable hair. Whether you're looking for a protective style consultation, a silk press, keratin treatment, or just want to learn how to care for your natural texture at home, we're here to guide you.

Book your consultation at HairDreams Glasgow and let's create a personalised hair care plan that works for your unique texture, lifestyle, and goals.

Questions about your hair type? Drop us a message or ask at your next appointment—we love talking hair!