There’s nothing better than going to the hair salon, getting a fresh cut and color, and having someone else wash and style your hair. In fact, most people can agree that their hair always looks its best as you’re leaving the salon. That being said, wouldn’t it be great if you could get the same amazing hair at home?
At Marie’s Beauty Salon & Supply, we love nothing more than being able to pamper you at our salon, but we also want you to look and feel your very best even when you’re not sitting in one of our chairs. If you’re unsure what products will work best for your hair, a member of our staff will be more than happy to steer you in the right direction. However, the first step to getting great hair in between trips to the salon is to understand your hair type and what products work best. Continue reading our guide to hair types below, and when you’re ready to stock up on all the right products for your hair, visit Marie’s Beauty Salon & Supply in Anchorage today!
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair speaks for itself. If you have Type 1, or straight hair, it means that your hair has no natural curl whatsoever. Additionally, the strands of your hair may be fine or coarse, but they fall straight down without any curl or wave. With straight hair, it’s not uncommon to struggle with oily or greasy hair. As a result, many people may try washing their hair every single day, but if you’re not using the right product, it could cause more harm than good. Consider looking at the back of the products you use in your hair to determine if they are adding more oil to your hair, and avoid products that do. With that in mind, washing your hair too often can also lead it to be more oily. If you’re constantly stripping your hair of its natural oils, it may cause your scalp to produce more oil, making your problem even worse. Instead, consider using dry shampoo to help combat the oily texture.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
2A
Those with type 2A hair typically have a nice tousled look, meaning from the top of their scalp to around eye level, their hair is pretty straight, but from eye level down, their hair has soft, undefined waves. For this type of hair, it’s best to stay away from oil-based or creamy products, as they can add too much weight and flatten out your waves. Instead, consider using a light mousse or a gel to really define the waves.
2B
Similarly to type 2A waves, type 2B waves start at about eye level and go all the way down. However, instead of being undefined in their shape, type 2B waves have more of an “S” shape. This type of wave is perfect for creating a beachy look, but it may take more effort if you want to straighten your gorgeous waves. As with 2A waves, try to stay away from oil-based and creamy products. To style, consider using sea salt spray to give your waves that beachy look.
2C
As you can imagine, type 2C waves have the most defined “S” shape of the wavy hair types. Additionally, these waves may start at the crown of the head as opposed to mid-level. To help control your beautiful waves, consider using a diffuser to dry them and a light mousse to help them keep their shape. Using products can also help control the frizz, which type 2C is prone to.
Type 3: Curly Hair
3A
As we move into the curly hair type, the “S” shape seen with wavy hair starts to form more of a loop. In type 3A curls, the loops are loose and have a diameter about the size of a nickel. To really maximize the curl definition and avoid frizz, stylists recommend never brushing through this type of hair. Doing so could wreck the curls and leave you with a frizzy mess.
3B
With type 3B hair, the curls are a little smaller in diameter, and they spring from the top of the head. This type of curl also requires more moisture. A lack of moisture could result in ringlets that aren’t as defined. It’s a good idea to look for products that are very hydrating for your hair. However, try to avoid products that have silicone or sulfates, as these can lead to long-term dryness and breakage.
3C
Type 3C curls are much tighter and springier than the other type 3 curls. With this type of hair, the key to making your locks look their best is preserving curl definition. The best way to ensure your curls keep their shape is to avoid combing through your hair when it’s wet. Using a comb could disrupt the curls and cause them to frizz and lose their shape. Instead, consider using a leave-in conditioner and using your fingers to detangle your hair after a shower. Additionally, you may want to consider air-drying your hair more often than you blow dry it.
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
4A
4A curls are very springy in nature and are about the width of a pencil. This type is also the most defined in the type 4 category. With type 4A hair, it’s very important to make sure you moisturize your curls. Consider using deep conditioning treatments, butters, and creams to keep your springy curls looking their best.
4B
While 4A curls have more of an “S” shape, 4B curls have more of a “Z” shape. To help define this type of curl, consider using the “shingling” technique. With this technique, you section out your hair and use your fingers, as well as leave-in conditioner for moisture, to twist your curls around your fingers and give them definition.
4C
4C curls are the most fragile curls, and they can easily break if you’re too rough with them. The most important thing to remember with these curls is moisture. It’s important to use rich conditioners, creams, and even coconut oil to ensure that your curls have all the moisture they need to stay strong.
Get All the Products You Need!
At Marie’s Beauty Salon & Supply in Anchorage, we want to help you look your very best, whether you’re sitting in our chair or you’re styling your hair in between appointments. We offer an extensive selection of styling products at our hair salon, and we are more than happy to help you find the right products for your luscious locks. Explore our website or stop by our hair salon today!