Natural Hair Types Chart | What Type Am I?

Deciphering your natural hair texture can be tricky. An expert breaks down how to identify your hair type, plus styling advice you need to know.

By Sarah Plail & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division
Update Date: 31 Aug 2026

After months of debating, you’ve decided to go natural—congratulations! While going natural is a very personal decision, it’s not a journey you have to take alone. You’ll join the millions of women who are already a part of the natural hair community. The first thing you’ll notice when you go natural is that it’s not just about your hair—it’s a lifestyle. So much so that the natural hair community even has its own lingo!

Before you try to figure out what words like stretching, no-poo, and pineappling mean, you should start with the basics like—what’s your hair texture? There’s a lot of conflicting information about hair types, but Ashley Brown, a Mizani brand ambassador and artist, is here to clear up any confusion. She’s breaking down everything you need to know about natural hair types using a hair texture chart and how you can identify your own.

What is a hair texture chart?

While many hair typing systems exist, Brown relies on the Mizani Texture Key.

“The Mizani Texture Key is an amazing tool to use when determining your hair type. It is exclusive to Mizani and has detailed descriptions of the characteristics and personality traits of every hair/texture type,” Brown explains. “The Texture Key breaks down growth pattern, body/volume, elasticity, and the porosity of each type of hair.”

Brown says it’s important that everyone know it is possible to have more than one hair type.

“In fact, when it comes to textured hair, it’s very rare to have just one type of texture. More often than not, women and men with textured hair have two—sometimes three—different types of texture that make up the personality of their hair,” she says.

Understanding the different characteristics that make up your hair type will help you and your stylist choose your perfect hair care routine.

How do I know my hair texture type?

To determine your true hair texture, you’ll want to examine your strands while they are completely free of product. Wash and condition your hair, then allow it to air dry. As your hair dries, begin to examine your texture.

Does your hair dry straight? Does it curl up? Do you have loose waves or zig-zag ringlets? Once you’ve thoroughly examined your hair, refer to the Mizani Texture Key, a hair texture chart that breaks down hair textures into eight types.

What are the different types of natural hair?

Texture Type 1

If most of your hair dries straight or has a very minimal wave, you have type 1 hair.

Brown says this hair type normally lacks body and volume unless manipulated. Hair with this texture type is usually quite fine and lacks any curl pattern.
Also known as: Type 1A-B.

How to Care for Texture Type 1 Hair

Type 1A-1B hair tends to be oilier than other hair types. It’s best to wash this hair type regularly—the frequency varies from person to person, but in general, two or three times a week should suffice.

Best Products for Texture Type 1 Hair

If you have type 1 hair, you should opt for lightweight products that won’t weigh your hair down. We recommend incorporating a once-weekly clarifying shampoo into your routine. Try the Matrix Total Results High Amplify Root Up Wash Clarifying Shampoo.

Texture Type 2

If your product-free hair slightly resembles beach waves—an open wave with a loose S-curve—you have type 2 hair. Brown says this hair type typically has more body than type 1 hair and is less prone to frizz.
Also known as: Type 2A-B.

How to Care for Texture Type 2 Hair

Type 2 hair is synonymous with waves, so why not go full-on beach babe and air dry your hair? Using heat can result in frizz, so ditch the blow dryer and enjoy effortlessly tousled tresses.

Best Products for Texture Type 2 Hair

Enhance your natural waves with a texturizing spray. A hairspray and hair wax hybrid like Redken Styling Spray Wax adds texture and definition without that waxy feel.

Texture Type 3

If you have wavy hair with distinct S-shaped curves, you have type 3 hair. Loose, spiral curls would also be considered texture type 3. Brown says this hair type is more vulnerable to frizz than hair types 1 and 2.
Also known as: Type 2C-3A

How to Care for Texture Type 3 Hair

Using a hydrating or smoothing shampoo and conditioner can help with your frizz-fighting efforts. Biolage Professional’s Smooth Proof Anti-Frizz Shampoo can help to detangle and defrizz strands.

Best Products for Texture Type 3 Hair

To combat frizz further, use a heat protectant before blow-drying your type 3 hair. We recommend Kérastase’s Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow Dry Primer.

Texture Type 4

You have texture type 4 hair if your curls are defined with mixed curl patterns—think loops to spirals and ringlets to corkscrews. The Mizani stylist says this hair type has a natural bounce and is susceptible to frizz.
Also known as: Type 3B

How to Care for Texture Type 4 Hair

It’s a good idea for people with type 4 hair to figure out their hair’s porosity. Hair with a lower porosity requires lightweight products, while higher porosity hair types need something heavier and more moisturizing.

Best Products for Texture Type 4 Hair

Look to incorporate hair masks into your wash routine. The A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask from Matrix is made from Manuka honey, which is super hydrating for curls.

Texture Type 5

If your hair is undeniably curly (like tight corkscrew curls) with defined S-shapes forming into coils, you have type 5 hair. The curlier your hair, the drier it tends to be.
Also known as: Type 3C

How to Care for Texture Type 5 Hair

Co-washing is often advised for people with type 5 hair. A good routine for hair texture type 5 hair often adds moisture and hydration.

Best Products for Texture Type 5 Hair

Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner works for all hair types and textures.

Texture Type 6

If you have medium coils close to the scalp and moderate shrinkage, you likely have type 6 hair. This hair type usually has less movement than the others.
Also known as: Type 4A

How to Care for Texture Type 6 Hair

Consider using a deep conditioner or a hair mask as part of their wash day routine. Mizani’s True Textures Moroccan Clay Mask is a great option.

Best Products for Texture Type 6 Hair

If you’re looking to elongate your coils try Mizani’s True Textures Curl Define Pudding.

Texture Type 7

If you have tightly coiled, springy coils closer to the scalp, you have hair type 7. Texture type 7 (and 8) is one of the most fragile hair types, so you want to ensure your everyday styling and handling routines are as gentle as possible.
Also known as: Type 4B

How to Care for Texture Type 7 Hair

Using a satin (or better yet, silk!) bonnet, wrap, or pillowcase can help minimize frizz and breakage.

Best Products for Texture Type 7 Hair

Use the Mizani True Textures Twist & Coil Jelly to define your natural coils and curls.

Texture Type 8

If your hair is so coiled that your curl pattern resembles zig-zags, you have type 8 hair.
Also known as: Type 4C

How to care for Texture Type 8 hair

Try the L.O.C. method (leave-in or lotion, oil, cream). Using this method can also keep frizz at bay and prepare your hair for styling.

Best Products for Texture Type 8 Hair

The Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil is a leave-in treatment that boasts 25 benefits, including protection and moisturization for all hair types.

Looking for more personalized products for your hair texture? Hair.com has you covered.