Complete Hair Type Guide
Discover your unique curl pattern, porosity, and texture. Learn how to identify your hair type and find the perfect Skala products for your specific needs.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Hair typing isn’t about labels—it’s about understanding what your hair needs to thrive. The hair typing system (developed by stylist Andre Walker) categorizes hair from Type 1 (straight) to Type 4 (coily), with subcategories A, B, and C indicating pattern tightness.
At Skala, we create 100% vegan, plant-based formulas for Types 2-4, because we know textured hair deserves specialized care. Whether you’re following the Curly Girl Method or building your own routine, this guide will help you find your perfect match.
Curl Pattern Types: 2A to 4C
Identify your curl pattern to find products that enhance your natural texture
Fine Wavy Hair
〰️Loose, barely-there S-shaped waves that tend to be fine and easy to straighten. Hair lies mostly flat at the roots with gentle bends starting mid-shaft.
Characteristics
- Fine, thin texture
- Minimal volume at roots
- Prone to becoming flat/oily
- Easy to style both wavy and straight
Medium Wavy Hair
〰️〰️Defined S-shaped waves that start closer to the roots. More volume than 2A with a tendency toward frizz in humid conditions.
Characteristics
- Medium texture and density
- Waves start mid-length
- Moderate frizz potential
- Holds styles well
Coarse Wavy Hair
〰️〰️〰️Well-defined S-waves from roots to ends. Thicker, coarser texture with significant volume and frizz potential. Forms ringlets when styled properly.
Characteristics
- Coarse, thick texture
- High volume and body
- Prone to frizz
- Can form loose spirals
Loose Curly Hair
🌀Large, loose spiral curls about the circumference of sidewalk chalk. Shiny with lots of body and movement. Defined S-shaped curl pattern.
Characteristics
- Loose, bouncy spirals
- Natural shine
- Combination of textures
- Frizz in humidity
Medium Curly Hair
🌀🌀Springy ringlets about the circumference of a Sharpie marker. Well-defined spirals with lots of volume. More prone to dryness than 3A.
Characteristics
- Tight, springy spirals
- Significant volume
- Needs moisture
- Defined curl clumps
Tight Curly Hair
🌀🌀🌀Tight corkscrews about the circumference of a pencil or straw. Dense with lots of volume. Can be cottony and lose definition without proper moisture.
Characteristics
- Very tight curls
- High density
- Requires heavy moisture
- Shrinkage of 20-50%
Soft Coily Hair
🌪️Tightly coiled S-pattern curls about the circumference of a crochet needle. Soft, delicate texture with lots of elasticity. Retains moisture better than 4B/4C.
Characteristics
- Defined S-curl pattern
- Fine, delicate strands
- Good moisture retention
- Shrinkage up to 70%
Wiry Coily Hair
🌪️🌪️Sharp Z-shaped angles with tight coils. Cottony texture that can feel wiry. Less definition than 4A but very dense with maximum shrinkage.
Characteristics
- Z-pattern coils
- Cottony, dense texture
- Needs intense moisture
- Shrinkage up to 75%
Dense Coily Hair
🌪️🌪️🌪️Tightly packed coils with no defined curl pattern. The most delicate and fragile hair type. Extremely dense with the highest shrinkage (up to 75%).
Characteristics
- No visible curl pattern
- Extremely fragile
- Requires maximum moisture
- Shrinkage 75%+
Understanding Hair Porosity
Porosity determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture—crucial for choosing the right products
Low Porosity
Hair cuticles are tightly closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Products tend to sit on top of hair rather than absorbing. Takes longer to dry but retains moisture well once absorbed.
Best for: Lightweight leave-in conditioners, heat to open cuticles, humectants like aloe vera.
How to Identify
• Products sit on hair surface
• Takes hours to air dry
• Resistant to chemical treatments
• Water beads up on hair
Normal/Medium Porosity
Hair cuticles are slightly raised, allowing moisture to enter and stay locked in. The easiest hair type to maintain. Requires minimal special treatment and holds styles well.
Best for: Most Skala products work great! Balanced routine with regular deep conditioning.
How to Identify
• Absorbs products well
• Dries in moderate time
• Takes color/treatments easily
• Looks healthy naturally
High Porosity
Hair cuticles have gaps and holes, absorbing moisture quickly but losing it just as fast. Often caused by damage, heat, or chemical treatments. Needs protein and heavy sealants.
Best for: Protein treatments, heavy butters and oils, intensive repair masks.
How to Identify
• Dries very quickly
• Prone to frizz
• Feels rough/dry
• Absorbs water immediately
Find Your Perfect Skala Product Line
Match your curl type with our specialized Brazilian vegan formulas
Mais Cachos
Best for 2A-3CLightweight hydration for wavy to curly hair. Perfect for Curly Girl Method beginners. Defines without weighing down.
Shop Mais CachosMais Crespos
Best for 3C-4CIntense moisture for super curly and coily hair. Rich formulas that penetrate deeply for maximum hydration and definition.
Shop Mais CresposSkala Expert
All Hair TypesProfessional intensive treatment masks for damaged, chemically-treated, or high-porosity hair needing repair.
Shop Skala ExpertBabosa (Aloe Vera)
Best for 2A-3BLightweight hydration with pure aloe vera. Perfect for low porosity or fine hair that needs moisture without heaviness.
Shop BabosaMaracujá
All Hair TypesBrazilian passion fruit strengthens and nourishes. Rich in vitamins for promoting healthy hair growth.
Shop MaracujáHair Cream
Best for 3A-4CMulti-purpose styling and treatment creams. Use as leave-in, curl definer, or deep conditioning mask.
Shop Hair CreamEssential Hair Care Tips by Type
Professional advice for maintaining healthy, beautiful textured hair
Always Deep Condition
Textured hair (types 2-4) needs regular deep conditioning treatments—at least once per week. Use our Skala Expert masks for intensive moisture and repair.
Avoid Sulfates & Silicones
Follow the Curly Girl Method by avoiding harsh sulfates and non-water-soluble silicones. All Skala products are CGM-approved and 100% vegan.
Protect at Night
Use a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap hair in a silk scarf before bed. This prevents friction, maintains moisture, and preserves your curl pattern overnight.
Moisturize & Seal
Apply water-based products first (like our leave-in conditioners), then seal with oils or creams. This LOC or LCO method locks in hydration for coily hair.
Detangle When Wet
Always detangle in the shower with conditioner and lots of slip. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers. Never brush dry curly or coily hair.
Build Your Routine
Create a consistent hair care routine based on your specific curl type and porosity. Consistency is key for healthy, defined curls.
Find Your Perfect Products
Now that you know your hair type, shop our complete collection of vegan, cruelty-free formulas designed specifically for textured hair.