How to Read the Hair Type Chart
The hair type chart is a visual representation of the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which is the global standard for classifying hair textures. The chart is divided into two main dimensions: Numbers (representing the main category) and Letters(representing the sub-category).
"Hair type chart" vs. "hair types chart" — same page, same system
People type both hair type chart (singular) and hair types chart (plural) into Google; they refer to the same twelve-code grid. If you specifically need curly hair types, focus on rows 3A–3C (and read 2C if you are on the wavy–curly border). The table below is the single source of truth we use across the site.
The Numbers: Main Categories (1 to 4)
The numbers on the hair type chart represent the general curl pattern of your hair:
- Type 1 (Straight): Hair that has no natural curl or wave. It falls completely flat from root to tip.
- Type 2 (Wavy): Hair that has a definitive "S" pattern but doesn't form a full circle or ringlet.
- Type 3 (Curly): Hair that forms definitive loops, ringlets, or corkscrews.
- Type 4 (Coily): Hair that has extremely tight coils or a zig-zag pattern, often experiencing significant shrinkage.
The Letters: Sub-types (A, B, C)
Within each number category, the letters (A, B, and C) indicate the width or diameter of your wave, curl, or coil:
- "A" represents the widest, loosest pattern within that category.
- "B" represents a medium pattern.
- "C" represents the tightest, most densely packed pattern within the category.
Why is the Hair Type Chart Important?
Comparing your hair against a hair type chart is the most reliable way to find your exact hair type. Once you know exactly where you fall on the chart, you can make informed decisions about your hair care routine, product purchases, and styling techniques. For example, if the chart helps you identify that you have 4C hair, you'll know to prioritize heavy moisture and protective styling over the lightweight volumizing products that someone with 1A hair would use.
Straight hair types on the chart (1A, 1B, 1C)
Type 1 hair shows little to no curvature along the fiber when dried without tension. On the chart, 1A is typically the finest and flattest; 1B adds mid-shaft body; 1C introduces more strand thickness and occasional surface frizz without a defined wave. People with Type 1 often battle sebum migration and heat styling damage rather than curl definition. For section-by-section guidance, see the straight hair hub and the individual pages for 1A, 1B, and 1C.
Wavy hair types (2A, 2B, 2C)
Type 2 occupies the elongated S-bend regime: visible arcs that rarely complete a full 360° loop. Moving from 2A to 2C, waves start closer to the root, pack more tightly, and interact more strongly with humidity. Misclassification often happens when silicones or heavy oils temporarily stretch the pattern—reset with a gentle cleanse before you compare yourself to the chart. Deep dives live under wavy hair, 2A, 2B, and 2C.
Curly hair types (3A, 3B, 3C)
Type 3 fibers form helical or spiral arcs with predictable curvature diameter when healthy. 3A spirals are comparatively open; 3B tightens into dense ringlets; 3C packs the smallest diameters before you cross into the coily family. Shrinkage and dryness accelerate as you move toward 3C, so detangling strategy and leave-in layering matter as much as curl "size." Follow curly hair, 3A, 3B, and 3C for routines tuned to each stage.
Coily hair types (4A, 4B, 4C)
Type 4 hair is defined by tight curvature, high shape memory when hydrated, and often substantial length shrinkage when dry. 4A tends to show a visible S-curve on stretched strands; 4B shifts toward sharper angles; 4C may show minimal visible repeating loop without magnification, yet still follows predictable mechanical rules when wet. Mechanical damage risk rises when combs or fine-tooth tools meet dry fiber—most educational resources emphasize slip, sectioning, and low manipulation. Continue to coily hair, 4A, 4B, and 4C.
Shrinkage, elasticity, and why photos mislead
Chart photography is staged; your bathroom mirror is not. Shrinkage—the difference between stretched length and resting length—can move someone's appearance one letter sideways if you judge only from a loose ponytail. Elasticity (how far a wet strand stretches before breaking) hints at protein–moisture balance but cannot be read from a still image. When in doubt, photograph your own hair at consistent lighting after a standardized wash, then compare crops to the written cues in each hub rather than to social filters.
Cross-checking with density, porosity, and damage history
The table encodes geometry, not porosity. Bleach, relaxers, thermal tools, and swim exposure can flatten waves or make coily hair appear frizzled and undefined until trim and conditioning recover the cuticle. If your chart reading conflicts with how your hair behaved before chemical treatment, document both states and discuss transitions with a stylist; sudden pattern loss with scalp symptoms merits dermatology review. Our porosity overview explains why two people with the same letter code still diverge in product response.
Quick links to every code on the chart
Jump directly: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C. Category overviews: Type 1 Straight · Type 2 Wavy · Type 3 Curly · Type 4 Coily.
Still Can't Tell from the Chart?
If you're caught between two types on the chart, take our interactive quiz to evaluate your hair based on multiple factors.
Take the hair type quiz