Think you know your hair type but can’t seem to find products that will work for it? Chances are, you may not be as in tune with your hair type as you thought. Much like understanding your skin type is crucial for implementing an effective skincare regimen, determining your actual hair type can play a massive role in the efficacy of your daily hair care routine. And yet, figuring out your correct hair type may be easier said than done. In addition to the obvious categories like straight, wavy, curly, and coily, there are also several other factors to consider in pinpointing your unique hair type, including your hair’s porosity and scalp moisture. If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—we’re here to help! Below is everything you need to know about determining your exact hair type and what that means for your daily hair care routine.

Hair Texture

First thing first, let’s talk about the texture of your hair. Hair texture generally refers to the natural shape or pattern of your strands. If you’re unsure about which category you fall into, leave your hair free of products and let it air dry the next time you wash your hair. If it dries straight without a bend or curl, then your hair is straight (or type 1, as it is commonly referred to). If it dries with a slight curve or “S” shape, then it is considered wavy (type 2). If it dries with a defined curl or loop pattern, it’s likely curly (type 3), while tight curls, spirals, or zig-zag patterns are considered coily (type 4).

Hair Structure

When we talk about hair structure, we’re referring specifically to the thickness of the strands, which can affect how well your hair will hold styles and react with certain products. Generally, your hair can fall into three categories: fine, medium, and coarse (or thick). An easy way to tell which category your hair falls into is to take a single strand from your hairbrush and lay it down on a plain, flat surface. Next, cut a piece of sewing thread about six inches long (choose a similar color to your hair if you can) and place it next to your strand of hair. If your hair appears thinner than the sewing thread,  your hair is fine, while if it seems thicker, it’s likely coarse. Anything in between them would be medium.