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Natural Hair Type Guide: 1A–4C, Porosity, Density & Texture

Natural Hair Type Guide: 1A–4C, Porosity, Density & Texture

Nov 15, 2025

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How to Identify Your Natural Hair Type - A Complete Guide

Understanding your hair type is the foundation of every healthy natural hair journey. When you know your curl pattern, porosity, density, and texture, you can choose the right organic products, create routines that actually work, and avoid the trial-and-error frustration so many people experience.

This guide will help you identify your hair type and better understand how to care for it using clean and organic products  just like the ones we have at Effie's Beauty and Organics.

 

When it comes to natural hair, understanding your hair type is crucial for proper care and styling. From 1A to 4C, each hair type comes with its own unique characteristics that require specific attention. In addition to hair type, factors like porosity, density, and texture play a significant role in how you should care for your natural hair.

What are the Different Hair Types?

Natural hair types are categorized from 1A to 4C based on curl pattern and texture. Type 1A is straight hair, while Type 4C is tightly coiled or kinky hair. Understanding your hair type can help you choose the right products and styling techniques for your specific needs.

Understanding Porosity

Porosity refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. Low porosity hair has a hard time absorbing moisture, while high porosity hair quickly absorbs and loses moisture. Knowing your hair's porosity can help you select the right products to keep your hair properly moisturized.

Decoding Hair Density

Hair density refers to how many strands of hair you have on your scalp. It can be categorized as low, medium, or high density. Understanding your hair density can help you determine the best hairstyles and hair care routines for your hair.

Understanding Hair Texture

Hair texture refers to the thickness of individual hair strands. It can be fine, medium, or coarse. Knowing your hair texture can help you choose the right products and styling techniques to enhance the natural beauty of your hair.

By understanding your natural hair type, porosity, density, and texture, you can create a personalized hair care routine that caters to the specific needs of your hair. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you, and embrace the beauty of your natural hair.

1. Curl Pattern: Understanding 1A to 4C

Curl pattern refers to the natural shape of your hair strands -  straight, wavy, curly, or coily. It’s commonly identified using the hair typing system:

Type 1: Straight Hair

  • 1A: Very straight, fine, and doesn’t hold curls easily

  • 1B: Straight with slight body

  • 1C: Straight with a thicker texture and slight bend

Type 2: Wavy Hair

  • 2A: Loose, beach-wave pattern

  • 2B: More defined waves with slight frizz

  • 2C: Deep waves with occasional loose curls

Type 3: Curly Hair

  • 3A: Big, loose curls

  • 3B: Bouncy, springy ringlets

  • 3C: Tight corkscrew curls

Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair

  • 4A: Tight S-shaped coils

  • 4B: Z-pattern, fluffy coils

  • 4C: Very tight coils that shrink up to 70–80%

Why this matters:
Different curl patterns need different levels of moisture, product thickness, and styling techniques.

 2. Hair Porosity: How Well Your Hair Absorbs Moisture

Porosity is one of the MOST important factors.

Low Porosity Hair

  • Water sits on top before absorbing

  • Takes long to dry

  • Products build up easily

  • Needs lightweight moisture and gentle heat

Medium/Normal Porosity Hair

  • Absorbs moisture easily

  • Holds styles well

  • Least high-maintenance

High Porosity Hair

  • Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast

  • Prone to dryness and frizz

  • Needs richer creams, butters, and sealing oils

How to test it:

  1. Place one clean strand of hair in a glass of water.

  2. Watch and observe. If:

  • Floats = low porosity

  • Sinks slowly = medium

  • Sinks fast = high

3. Density: How Full Your Hair Appears

Density is about how many hair strands you have, not the texture.

How to check it:

Look at your scalp in natural light.

  • Scalp is easily visible = low density

  • Partially visible = medium density

  • Hard to see scalp = high density

Why it matters:

  • Low-density hair needs lighter products to avoid weighing it down.

  • High-density hair needs richer products to control volume and frizz.

4. Hair Texture (Strand Thickness)

Texture refers to the thickness of individual hair strands.

Types:

  • Fine: Thin strands, break easily

  • Medium: Strong, flexible

  • Coarse: Thick, strong, resistant

Texture helps determine the best styling methods and how much heat your hair can handle.

5. Putting It All Together

A full hair type includes 3 - 4 components.
For example:

  • 4C, low porosity, high density, coarse hair

  • 3A, medium porosity, fine hair

  • 2C, high porosity, medium density

6. Using Effie's Beauty Products for Your Hair Type

 

For 4A–4C Hair

Use:

  • Deep conditioners

  • Shea/mango butter creams

  • Rich hair oils (sealant oils)

For 2–3C Hair

Use:

  • Lightweight leave-ins

  • Aloe-based gels

  • Moisturizing shampoos

For Low Porosity Hair

Use:

  • Lightweight oils (argan, jojoba)

  • Aloe-based moisturizers

  • Gentle heat when conditioning

For High Porosity Hair

Use:

  • Butters

  • Thick creams

  • Sealant oils (castor, avocado)

 

Closing

Understanding your hair type is the first step to loving your natural hair. At Effie’s Beauty and Organics, we champion organic solutions that nourish, protect, and support every curl pattern.

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