Hair type quiz: Which Mane Looks Like Yours?

There’s something we’re dying to tell you: knowing your hair type makes it easier for you to take care of your tresses; from the type products you should be using in your mane routine to the hairstyles that work best. But it’s not always easy to figure out on your own, which is why we’ve created a super easy hair type quiz, just for you.

All you have to do is identify which one of the hairstyles closely resembles your own. Then, after you’ve done that, you’ll find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about your gorgeous hair type. And don’t forget to check out our cheat sheet table, below, for a quick overview of all the hair types.

Hair Type	Characteristics	Best Products
1A	Fine,Straight hair	Dry Shampoo
1B	Straight with Slight Bend	Dry Shampoo
1C	Slight Wave, Frizz-prone	Hair Serum
2A	Loose Wave	Hair Mousse
2B	Wavy Hair	Sea Salt Spray
2C	Thick,Wavy Hair	Hair Serum
3A	Loose,Natural Curls	Leave-in Conditioner
3B	Spiral Curls	Hair Oil
3C	Tight corkscrew curls	Cleansing Conditioner
4A	Defined Tightly Coils	Curl Cream
4B	Fluffy, Z-shaped Coils	Hair Oil
4C	Kinky Texture,Shrinkage-prone	Hair Oil

hair type quiz: backstage shot of lottie moss with straight blonde hairstyle at topshop unique

Looking for a “what is my type” quiz that’ll answer everything? We’ve got your back! Credit: indigitalimages.com

Did you click on this picture? If so, it’s likely you fall into the straight-strand group (AKA type 1 hair). And if you have baby-fine, straight hair, just like this model does and find your locks can’t hold curls as well, you’ve got 1A hair.

close up shot of model with straight, fuller strands that have a slight bend at the ends

Straight hair isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair! Credit: indigitalimages.com

Though you might think straight hair has just one type, it doesn’t! In this pictured example, the model has fuller-looking locks with a slight bend at the ends, giving an almost wavy effect.

backstage shot of model with straight hair that has a few waves in it, posing

The 1C category is primarily straight with a few waves hiding in the mane jungle. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Have super-thick straight hair with a few waves? Prone to a little frizz? If the answer to both these questions is yes, then you’ve definitely got type 1C hair.

Top Product Picks for Type 1 Hair

While it’s amazing having straight hair, you’re most likely to deal with limp locks and oily strands.

The good news: these are all things a trusty dry shampoo, like the TRESemmé Instant Refresh Volumising Dry Shampoo, can help you with.

This will instantly freshen up your style, allowing you to go an extra day between washes, while also giving your locks the volume you crave. Now, you can’t argue with that, can you?

hair type quiz: shot of model with wavy type 2a hair, backstage shot

2A hair has a loose ‘S’ shaped pattern. Credit: indigitalimages.com

In most curly hair type quiz articles, you’ll notice that type 1 hair isn’t mentioned and that the typing system starts from type 2 hair (AKA wavy hair).

If you happened to click on this lovely lady, you have got one of the most desirable hair types of all! This type 2A hair has a loose S-shaped pattern, with the hair often being quite fine. The best thing about it? It’s pretty easy to manage.

close up shot of model with 2B hair, wearing red shirt and gold earrings, posing

2B hair is loose, often beach-like and defined. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Some ladies have to hit the sand or use a sea salt spray to get beautiful beachy waves, yet others are just born with it. If this sounds a lot like your hair (and looks like this model’s mane), then you definitely fall under the 2B hair category.

hair type quiz: model with 2C hair that's curly and long, backstage shot

2C gals, your hair is wavy whirly and beautifully swirly. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Got wavy hair with a very distinct S-shaped pattern, that’s borderline curly, perhaps with some loose spiral curls hidden in the underbrush, too? Then you have type 2C hair.

Since this wavy hair type is thick and heavy, your hair is prone to more frizz – but that can all be sorted…

Top Product Picks for Type 2 Hair

Now that you’ve taken this hair type quiz and know that you’ve got this amazing hair type, you’re probably wondering which hero hair product you should use. Our fave for this mane type? The VO5 Big Volume Mousse, of course!

Not only does this curl-inducing mousse offer you heat protection, but it also gives your hair fabulous bounce and volume. Did we forget to mention it also has frizz-fighting properties, too? It has won over our hearts and our hair!

curly hair type quiz: backstage shot of model with loose curly hairstyle

Searching for a curly hair type quiz? We’ve got your back. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Did you click on this gorgeous picture? If so, your natural curls are loose, light and have a definite S-shape pattern, which means you’ve got 3A hair (AKA curlicious locks).

Due to the unique shape of your curls, natural oils from your scalp find it difficult to get to the ends of your hair. And without enough hydration, you may experience issues with frizz, dryness and a lack of mane definition, so a leave-in conditioner is a must-have.

backstage shot of model with long curly hair with a choker, wearing a flora

Type 3B curls are more voluminous. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Type 3B hair tends to look as though spiral curls have been stretched out, without a defined pattern throughout. Since this natural hair type has a lot more volume and body (something many of us can only dream of), it can easily become dry and dull.

curly hair type quiz: backstage shot of model with curly hair, wearing suit and dark lipstick

Type 3C curls resemble tight corkscrews. Credit: indigitalimages.com

When you’ve got type 3C hair, your tight corkscrew curls tend to be high in density and much coarser than the other hair types that fall under this category.

And as fabulous as this hair type is, with its ’80s glam goddess vibes, you’ll be dealing with dryness, frizz and experience a lot of tangling.

Top Product Picks for Type 3 Hair

The best way to tackle the mane issues that come with having type 3 hair? Simply by rethinking your hair washing system! Following a co-washing system will leave your hair feeling smooth, nourished and prepped for styling.

Our current fave for curl-tastic care? The TIGI Bed Head Calma Sutra Cleansing Conditioner, which is formulated with ingredients that pack a punch. This sulphate-free cleanser works to refresh, detangle and hydrate type 3 curly hair – everything your curls need!

backstage shot of model with curly hairstyle, wearing denim and earrings

If your hair is tightly coiled you may be a type 4A hair. Credit: indigitalimages.com

When it comes to hair types, people often forget that the type 4 hair category exists, but there’s no way we could leave it out of our curly hair type quiz. But it does and here’s what to know…

Type 4 hair strands are small, tightly-coiled and they maintain a visible S-shape curl pattern, much like the model above.

curly hair type quiz: close up shot of woman with 4a curly hairstyle with choker

This model’s 4B hair is the stuff hair dreams are made of. Credit: indigitalimages.com

In this example, the model’s curl factor is less noticeable and has more of a Z-shape to it, which you can tell by the way the hair bends. This shape can make 4B hair appear much shorter than it is, as it shrinks a lot.

While other hair textures may not experience this as much, you can choose to work with it or try out curl-stretching, low manipulation hairstyles.

curly hair type quiz: backstage shot of model with jacket and short afro hairstyle posing

Searching for a “what type of hair do I have” quiz? We’ve got all the answers! Credit: indigitalimages.com

Less defined natural curls? Then you’ve got type 4C hair. Since you’ve got lots of densely packed Z-shaped strands in your mane, it can make it hard to tell what your curl pattern is.

Yet due to the density of these beautiful, ‘fro-tastic coils, your hair is extremely prone to dryness and damage.

Top Product Picks for Type 4 Hair

Since your locks are the most delicate and prone to dryness and damage, your natural hair texture will benefit from following the LOC, LOCO or LCO method (which stand for liquid, oil and cream).

You can give your locks the TLC it deserves by using the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment. The lightweight, non-greasy formula with intensive nourishing properties instantly helps replenish lipids, softens and adds shine. Go on, add it to your hair kit, ASAP!