Hair comes in all sorts of colors, textures, and forms. Your client’s hair type affects what products you may use. For example, curly hair has different needs than straight hair. The four main hair types range from straight to curly. Understanding each hair type doesn’t just help grow your client base, but it also enables you to give your customers expert advice. Expand your knowledge on the different types of women’s hair so you can care for anyone in your salon!

Type One: Straight Hair

Straight hair isn’t uncommon. It’s typically oily; the natural oils cover the hair more easily than other hair types. Many people recommend using dry shampoo to prevent the hair from looking oily or dirty.

Like all hair types, there’s a subset of three variations of straight hair. Each subtype has slightly different characteristics that define it.

Type 1A

Women with type 1A have soft and shiny hair, but there’s little to no volume. You can easily make a client’s hair appear thicker by adding layers!

Type 1B

Like type 1A, type 1B hair is soft and shiny. Type 1B hair is different because it’s not as thin as type 1A. Help your client care for their hair by using:

• Light creams or gels
• Sulfate-free shampoos

Also, tell your clients to avoid products designed to weigh hair down, such as items with processed oils and silicone serums.

Type 1C

Type 1C isn’t as easy to style as other straight hair types since it’s thick and coarse and may not hold a curl. However, while shorter lengths work for type 1C hair, seasoned hairstylists give clients long layers, so maintenance is a breeze!

Type Two: Wavy Hair

Many women wish for wavy hair since it’s all the rage, especially the “beach waves” look. You can tell your client has wavy hair if it seems to have an “S” shape. This shape becomes more defined with each hair type, being the least noticeable in type 2A hair.

Type 2A

This is the “beach wave” many try achieving with hot tools and other styling products. Women with type 2A hair naturally have it. An interesting fact about this hair type is it isn’t prone to frizzing. If your clients want to give their beautiful waves more definition, swap out oil-based products for a mousse or a gel!

Type 2B

Type 2B hair isn’t as fine as type 2A; the wave has more definition and looks slightly tighter. This hair often looks frizzy, but styling products keep it looking sleek and beautiful.

Styling Tips

What color or cut do the experts recommend for these beautiful waves? Balayage is a great option because it adds dimension to the waves.

Sit your client down in the salon styling chair and start mixing up the right colors for this dye job! Buy the best salon furniture at Salon Equipment Center to keep your clients comfortable as you show off your knowledge of each hair type!

Type 2C

Wavy hair is most pronounced in type 2C; it starts at the crown and cascades down. Some even have very loose spiral curls. Because this hair type is prone to frizzing, some find themselves constantly straightening their hair. Prevent your clients from ruining their hair with heat by introducing them to:

• Leave-in conditioner
• Curl defining gel
• Lightweight mousses

A lightweight mousse will keep their waves moist and prevent them from frizzing; it also avoids unwanted damage from hot tools.

Type Three: Curly Hair

Women with type three hair have curls. Depending on the type, these curls range from light to tight corkscrews. When pulled straight, the hair returns to its curly shape. While natural curls are beautiful, they also require a lot of work and shouldn’t be brushed.

Type 3A

Women with type 3A hair have longer, well-defined curls. These curls are big and loose! Since there’s less natural oil throughout this type of hair, it’s more likely to frizz or dry out.

Maintenance Tips

Help your customers style their hair with mousse. It’ll keep unwanted frizz controlled and gives more shape to their natural curls! Styles for type 3A hair vary depending on how much time the client is willing to style.

Type 3B

Sometimes type 3B hair looks like ringlets, and other times it’s tighter like a corkscrew. Like type 3A, it tends to frizz, but it’s also rather coarse and dense. So, what expert knowledge should you share with type 3B clients? Avoid products high in silicone or sulfates; extended usage causes breakage.

Type 3C

Type 3C hair is very curly and well-defined. Some problems associated with this are frizziness and having little body since the curls don’t have the definition of 3A or 3B hair. In addition, 3C curls are tight and look much more like coils than other curls. Use a leave-in conditioner on your client’s hair, and rake it through the curls when the hair is damp. Most experts recommend allowing type 3C hair to air-dry since blow drying could cause frizz or breakage.

Type Four: Coils

If your client has coiled hair, avoid using heat on it since it’ll damage the hair. Interestingly, coily hair could have an “S” shape, but it may also have a “Z” shape. While some women cut their coily hair short to make maintenance a breeze, others have it braided.

Type 4A

Women with 4A hair usually have tight coils; their hair may look wiry. The circumference of the curls is that of a crochet needle. When clients with this hair type are at your shop, use leave-in moisturizers.

Type 4B

4B hair is “Z” shaped and has sharper angles than 4A hair. 4B hair is soft yet more fragile. The curl pattern is also very tight, so using the right products is essential for a great styling job.

Expert Styling Tip

Keeping the hair moist is essential to caring for it. You should use moisturizing products on clients. Other ways to treat the hair include using:

• Coconut or castor oil before washing
• Washing it in sections
• Using a finger to detangle

Using a comb or brush won’t help much with this hair type. So instead, help clients by combing through it with your fingers or with a wide-toothed comb immediately after washing.

Type 4C

Of all the hair types, 4C is both the most fragile and has the tightest coils. Combing it too often could lead to breakage, which no one wants. Instead, make sure your customers take care of their coils by using coconut oil or shea buttercreams.

Understanding the different types of women’s hair helps you know how to best take care of everyone that walks into your shop. Remember, some hair types are naturally oily and may need dry shampoos, while others need moisture. In addition, the extended use of hot tools could damage the hair, so educate your clients.

Keep your clients happy and comfortable by shopping at Salon Equipment Center for all your salon furniture! The high-grade upholstery will keep your salon looking high-end.