Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and do not use conditioner or styling products
Let your hair air-dry completely without brushing or touching it
Observe the natural shape of your strands
Straight hair lies flat with no curl
Wavy hair forms loose S-shaped waves
Curly hair forms defined curls or ringlets
Coily hair forms tight curls, zigzags, or coils
Check strand thickness by feeling a single hair between your fingers
Fine hair feels thin and delicate
Medium hair feels neither very thin nor very thick
Thick hair feels coarse or substantial
Check hair density by looking at how much scalp is visible
Low density shows more scalp
Medium density shows some scalp
High density shows little scalp
Check porosity by placing a clean strand in water
Low-porosity hair floats longer
Medium-porosity hair sinks slowly
High-porosity hair sinks quickly
Compare your results to common hair type categories
Use the pattern, thickness, density, and porosity together to identify your hair type