A Guide to Men’s Hair Types with Simple Tips to Find Yours and Style It Right (2024)

Your guide to pinpointing hair types and achieving effortless style.

It won’t be a sensational revelation if we tell you that finding the right hairstyle starts with understanding your hair type. Knowing your texture and characteristics allows you to pick cuts and products that fit perfectly. A great deal of men learn it by trial and error. But there’s a simpler way. This guide to different men’s hair types will walk you through determining your hair type and offer tailored styling tips to bring out the best in each look.

Hair Typing System

Your hair type is the natural texture and curl pattern of your hair. The Andre Walker Hair Typing System, commonly used in the beauty world, breaks down hair into types 1 through 4 based on hair texture. This hair type chart helps simplify what we see in the mirror.

Type 1 – Straight Hair. Just falls straight down, with no curl pattern at all.

Type 2 – Wavy Hair. Has a bit of a wave to it, could be loose or more defined waves.

Type 3 – Curly Hair. Tighter curls, from loose ringlets to corkscrews.

Type 4 – Coily Hair. Tight coils, ranging from spirals to Z-shaped curls.

Each of these hair types comes with subcategories A through C that focus on the intensity of the curl pattern and hair thickness. For example, type 2A hair is often straight at the root and will form loose waves or flicks at the ends whereas type 2C hair sports well-formed S-shaped waves throughout the length. Typically, A hair is fine, B hair has more body to it, and C hair is the thickest.

Unfortunately, you don’t get to choose what curl pattern to sport. It’s genetic and depends on the shape of your hair shaft. Straight hair, for instance, grows from round hair follicles, wavy and curly hair follicles are oval-shaped, and coily hair follicles are flat. True, tools like blow dryers or flat irons and chemical treatments can temporarily adjust curl patterns, but they’ll eventually spring back to their natural state as your hair grows.

Type 1 Hair

Type 1 hair is straight and smooth with a glossy finish. It lies flat and doesn’t curl.

Type 1A hair is ultra-straight, making it challenging to add volume since it naturally lays flat. It usually has a smooth, shiny appearance. Creating textured styles can be tricky with this type of hair.

Type 1B hair is straight but has more density than Type 1A, giving it a fuller appearance with a slightly less intense shine. This hair type typically lacks natural lift on its own.

Type 1C hair is straight yet has a thick, coarse texture with a hint of natural shine. It holds more volume than other straight hair types.

Straight hair is naturally oily since its texture doesn’t block natural oils from traveling down the shaft. This means it often looks shiny but can sometimes get greasy quickly. To keep oil under control, go for lightweight shampoos and avoid heavy conditioners. Texturizing products can also help add volume.

Shorter cuts like the classic crew cut or French crop work beautifully with type 1 hair. If you prefer a bit more length, a side-parted quiff or slicked-back style also works well, keeping your natural shine in play.

Type 2 Hair

Type 2 hair has a natural wave that forms an “S” shape. This hair type isn’t curly but also isn’t completely straight.

Type 2A hair has the loosest waves without much volume or frizz. It makes it easy to style straight or wavy.

A natural beachy look is easiest to achieve with type 2B hair. It brings in more defined waves with a bit of frizz.

Type 2C is the thickest and waviest, with well-defined, often frizz-prone waves that start at the roots.

Wavy hair is prone to frizz but tends to hold its shape well. Look for frizz-reducing shampoos and styling creams, and apply products while your hair is damp to lock in the shape. Use a wide-tooth comb to avoid breaking up the waves.

For type 2 hair, medium-length styles like a textured crop or relaxed waves work well. Layered cuts add definition, and a bit of sea salt spray or mousse enhances the wave pattern without weighing it down.

Type 3 Hair

Type 3 hair is curly, forming well-defined ringlets. This hair type often has more volume and bounce.

Type 3A hair forms loose, springy curls about the width of a piece of sidewalk chalk.

With 3B hair, the curls are tighter and more voluminous, often the size of a marker.

Type 3C hair has the smallest, most tightly packed curls in the type 3 range.

Curly hair can easily get dry, so choose moisturizing products and avoid harsh chemicals. Leave-in conditioners or curl creams can help maintain the curl shape and avoid frizz. Also, avoid brushing dry curls, as it can create frizz.

Type 3 hair suits a medium-length or long layered cut, which allows the curls to have movement. For a shorter option, a well-shaped fade keeps it easy to manage and keeps your curls looking sharp.

Type 4 Hair

Type 4 hair is coily and densely packed, often creating tight curls or “Z” patterns.

Type 4A hair features tight, springy coils about the size of a crochet needle.

4B coils bend at sharper angles, forming a zig-zag pattern with more density and shrinkage.

Type 4C has the tightest curls, often without a defined curl pattern. It creates a cloud-like, highly textured look.

Coily hair is the most fragile and tends to dry out quickly. It thrives on moisture, so look for rich creams, oils, and deep-conditioning treatments. Avoid overwashing and opt for protective styles like twists or braids to keep hair healthy.

A low fade or cropped look suits coily hair well. If you prefer longer styles, twists or short locs will give you a structured look that’s easier to manage with this texture.

Other Factors to Consider

While the Walker system is handy, it doesn’t cover everything. Your hair density (how thick it is on your scalp), porosity (how well it absorbs moisture), and scalp health also affect how your hair behaves and responds to styling. For instance, high-porosity hair absorbs moisture well but loses it quickly, while low-porosity hair resists absorbing moisture and may benefit from lightweight products that don’t weigh it down.

Understanding your hair type makes it easier to build solid hair care routines and pick haircuts and styling techniques that work with your texture. A few small changes can make all the difference in how your hair looks and feels.