Waves, Curls, Coils Or Kinks?

Waves, Curls, Coils Or Kinks may or may not fit into a clear definition or classification.

Whether your naturally textured hair consists of waves, curls, coils or kinks only really matters when trying to determine your possible treatment, maintenance and hair product plans to utilize.

Textured Hair Classification Systems

Although there are a number of Textured Hair Classification Systems which have been around for many years, many textured hair people consider The Andre Walker Hair Typing System is thought by experts to be the most comprehensive system.

The FIA Hair Typing System is very similar to the The Andre Walker Hair Typing System

Unlike the Andre Walker system it has one extra category for Type III Curly hair and also adds the definition of the "Z" shape to Type IVa and b hair.

Andre Walker Hair Typing System - Waves, Curls, Coils Or Kinks?

The Andre Walker Hair Typing System was created by Oprah Winfrey's long time hair stylist.

According to the Andre Walk system there are four types of hair:

Type I - Naturally Straight Hair

Ia - Straight (Fine/Thin) - Hair is shiny, potentially oily, hard to damage or hold curls.

Ib - Straight (Medium/Coarse) - Hair is coarse with volume and/or body

Ic - Straight (Bone Straight/Coarse) - Hard to curl, this is often found in Asian hair.

According to the FIA Typing System, some Ic naturally straight hair may have one or two loose S patterns intertwined throughout hair.

Type II - Wavy

IIa - Wavy (Fine/Thin) - Hair has definite "S" pattern.  Easy styling straight, wavy or curly.

IIb - Wavy (Medium) - Can be frizzy and resistant to styling.

IIc - Wavy (Coarse) - Frizzy or very frizzy with thicker waves.  Resistant to styling.

Type III - Curly

IIIa- Curly (Loose) - Curly hair that usually presents a definite "S" pattern and tends to combine thickness, fullness, body and/or frizziness.

IIIb - Curly (Tight) - IIIa "S" pattern curls,  but with tighter curling more like a spiral.The FIA Typing System includes a IIIc pattern which defined coils.

IIIc - Curly (Extremely) - IIIb pattern but with very tight spirals and/or coils

Type IV - Kinky

IVa - Kinky (Soft) -  Hair tends to be very fragile, tightly coiled and can feature curly to very tight curl patterning

IVb - Kinky (Wiry) -  Like IVa, but with less visible (or no) curl patterning.

IVc - Kinky (Very Wiry) - As IVa and IVb, but with almost no defined curl pattern in any.

The FIA Typing System includes a IVb and IVc pattern description whereas the hair has a "Z" pattern, sharp angles and tight to very tight kinks.

Challenges With Hair Texture Classification Systems

Although it's helpful to have well-defined hair texture classification systems as a general rule of thumb, all people will not necessarily fit neatly into one category.

Every head of naturally textured hair is unique and different.  Some people may have multiple types of hair on the same head of hair.

Or one hair type might include all different subcategories.

Personally I have naturally wavy hair which would most likely be classified as IIc with coarse wavy hair which at times is prone to being frizzy if I don't keep my hair highly hydrated.  It's definitely resistant to styling.

Waves, Curls, Coils Or Kinks Classification

Systems Are Meant To Be Broken

My hair also has IIIa loose curls around the nape of my neck which presents a definite "S" pattern and tends to combine thickness, fullness, body and/or frizziness.

There are other potential differences in each and everyone's hair type and texture which makes it difficult in some cases to get a well defined texture profile.

In other words, texture classification systems are meant to be broken depending on the person.

The length of the hair can also determine unique differences.  When hair is worn shorter, the texture patterns may be more pronounced.  When hair is worn longer, the patterns may soften and be hard to easily spot.

Summary

What is the benefit of utilizing hair texture classification systems to determine if you have Waves, Curls, Coils Or Kinks?

Not only can you get a better understanding of the best hair care products to utilize on your hair type and texture, you can learn the best tricks or techniques for manifesting your very best hair.

The downside is that not all people fit easily into a single category.

Many people might fall into multiple categories and have a range of types and textures on one head of hair.

Ideally it's best to create your own definition of your hair type and texture, match that as closely as possible to the texture classifications you relate to and then build your own custom textured hair care program.

Simone Missick who was a fan favorite on Luke Cage, has beautifully naturally textured hair

She's shared her hair product preferences for Carol's Daughter Sulfate Free Poo and Conditioner, Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shea Moisture (or JBCO) for loc and braiding her hair. 

She also has shared how much she loves Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme for a twist out hairstyle which is always poppin.

For more photos of gorgeous Waves, Curls, Coils Or Kinks check out:  https://www.instagram.com/cachosglamourosos/