Understanding Your Curls
Ever wondered what factors are important to consider when understanding your curl's unique design? Or how to classify your curls? This page is for you!
Important Factors
Density at the Scalp
Density is measured by the number of hairs per square inch. Each area of the head may be different from another. It is helpful to know where you have thinner or denser areas.
We also take into consideration the density from the roots to the ends of the hair.
Texture
Texture is how the individual strands of hair relate in size as well as the cuticle. We refer to this as fine, medium and coarse. Texture will often be different on the Hairline, Crown or in the Nape (underneath at base of skull).
Porosity & Drying Time
Porosity is the ability of a surface to absorb moisture. We classify this as high, normal, low and non porous. High porosity hair will absorb water very quickly and dry quickly - most likely less than a couple hours. Non/low -porosity hair will appear to resist getting wet and most likely take all day to dry.
Detangling Time
The other 3 factors contribute to the amount of time it takes for your hair to be detangled.
Finer strands will be more likely to tangle. If detangling takes longer than 15 minutes, it is considered that to be hair that requires extra attention and additional time required to be added to the appointment.
How to Define Your Hair When Booking
You will notice when booking appointments, services are categorized by the type and amount of hair one has. This helps us to book the appropriate amount of time for each individual.
To help determine which option best describes your hair, check out the guide below.
Very Fine/Thin Hair
Someone with very fine/thin hair can easily see through to the scalp and see through the mid section and ends of the hair without moving the hair. They may be experiencing hair loss. The individual strands will be very fine and the hair will dry extremely quickly.
*If it takes more than 15 minutes to detangle, please choose the next level up when scheduling.
If there's any concern with matting, please contact us for custom scheduling times.
Did you know there are different types of curls?
You will find that you will always have a combination of multiple curls on every section of your head! And no one has the same type! Take a look below and see if you can identify what type your curls may closest resemble. As well as, their characteristics!
2 abc Curls
2abc curls will start a few inches or more from the scalp. It is often difficult to achieve volume. The curls will be more of a "S" shape pattern and can appear wavy with some loose spiral curls. 2abc curls have the least amount of frizz among the types. Incorrect products may weigh the hair down and they often require protein and lighter amounts of moisture.
2a Curl Type
The bends that create waves will be farther apart. A few inches apart. May also include straighter pieces. Root area will be flatter.
2b Curl Type
Curls will be "S" shape with bends being a couple of inches apart.
2c Curl Type
Curls will be "S" shape and include some Spiral shapes. Wave/curl will start closer to the root/scalp. Most likely not at the scalp. More volume than 2 a&b types. Bends will be closer together. Aprox. 1-2 inches apart.
3 abc Curls
3abc curl patterns will start close to or at the scalp with definite curl shape. They absorb products well for definition and requires moisture and some hydration. Results will depend on absorption of products. Smoothing and holding products will keep cuticle sealed. Use oils and butters lightly.
3a Curl Type
Curls will start closer to the scalp however may still be slightly wavy before turning into a curl. May also still see combination of "S" shapes and Spirals. Bends are about an inch apart. or slightly more. Achieving volume will be much easier. Slight to moderate amount of frizz.
3b Curl Type
Curls will start at the scalp. Achieving moderate volume will be expected. May be combined with tighter "S" shapes with ends turning into Spiral shapes. Spiral shapes will also start at scalp. Or many "S" shapes that are tighter. Moderate amount of frizz.
3c Curl Type
Most amount of volume for these types. Tendency will be to have tighter Spiral shapes starting at scalp. Will also show more frizz then the 3a&b types.
4 abc Curls
4abc curls will start at scalp with definition or no definition at the scalp. These textures will require lots of moisture, hydration and products for hold and sealing of the cuticle. They may be more likely to not absorb product and are the most likely to work well with oils and butters.
4a Curl Type
Curls will continue to get tighter and closer. Some to moderate frizz. Moderate amount of volume. Will absorb products well for definition. Definite coils and tight curls.
4b Curl Type
Hair will start to have less definition at scalp and clumping of curls will appear at the end of hair. Moderate to higher level of frizz. Will have natural high volume. Curls may resemble tiny coils or Spirals.
4c Curl Type
Least amount of definition to curls. Clumping will be in sections. Will not be seeing distinct shapes. If there is a shape it will be very tiny. Tendency to not absorb water or products. Most amount of frizz and volume. Shapes may resemble tiny "Z"'s or "S"'s.
