How to define your curly hair properties
Step by step, very easily.
There are an awful lot of different types of curls. One person has a bit of a blow, another has coily curls. In addition, it may be that your curls are very similar to someone else's. But in that case, it does not necessarily follow that your curls then have the same hair properties. Each curl is unique and that also means that everyone has different hair characteristics.
There are many different types of curls. One person has a bit of a blow, the other has coily curls. In addition, your curls may be very similar to someone else's. But in that case, it does not necessarily follow that your curls then have the same hair properties. Each curl is unique and that also means that everyone has different hair characteristics.
What hair properties are we going to find out?
Everyone has different curls that need different products. To figure out which products best suit your hair, it is important to go over the following five hair properties:
- Curl type (Hair type or also called curl type).
- Thickness (also called density)
- Amount of
- Porosity
- Elasticity
Note that we determine all 5 of these. But, we think porosity and elasticity are the most important.
1. Determine curl type
To characterize your curls, we can look at the different appearances. In the image below, you can see which type goes with which type of curl. You can also have a combination of two types.
In the picture below you can see different types of hair. Also look at the 2nd picture. Based on these 2 pictures, try to determine your curl type.
Wavy's often have type 2 curls (s shaped curls). Do you have more spiral-like shapes? Then you often fall under type 3 curls. Do you have smaller curls, or also called coily curls? Then you often fall under type 4 curls.
So your hair type consists of a number (2,3 or 4)+ letter (a,b or c). The easiest way to find out your hair type is with the following (first) picture:
2. Determining hair thickness (density)
e determine the thickness of your hair. This is the thickness an individual hair (the diameter of each individual hair strand). There are several ways to determine this. For example, compare it to a piece of yarn or bring 1 individual hair between your thumb and index finger. Does it remain tricky? Then try to choose what feels best to you.
Thin: Is thinner than yarn or you barely feel your hair when you rub it between your fingers. Fine hair is the most fragile hair texture. People with fine hair can just have a bunch of hair because fine hair does not mean thin hair.
Medium: Is not thinner or thicker than yarn you can feel it a little when you rub it between your fingers. Moreover, it is the most common hair texture. The hair is not as brittle than fine hair.
Thick: Is equal to the thickness of yarn or you feel it clearly when you rub it between your fingers.
3. Determining the amount of hair
The amount of your hair can be verified by taking a section of your hair and observing the scalp.
- Can you see your scalp clearly? Then you have little hair.
- Can you see your scalp a little? Then you have average hair.
- Can you see almost no scalp? Then you have a lot of hair.
4. Determine Porosity
The porosity of your hair says something about how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. This can be genetic but, is also often influenced by ingredients of hair products or heat devices and coloring your hair. It is important to know the porosity of your hair. This will help you choose the right hair products.
There are many different ways going around about how to determine your porosity. We prefer the drying time test.
Float test
One way to test the porosity of your hair is with the so-called "Float Test. Take a few strands of your hair or from a brush and put them in a glass with water. It is important that you perform this test with clean hair (i.e. without product!). Leave the hair in the water for about 2 to 4 minutes. Does the hair float? Then you have low porosity. Does the hair sink? Then you have high porosity. Does the hair sink on the first test and float on another test? Then it is quite possible that your porosity is medium.
Drying time
With drying time, ask yourself 2 things: how fast does your hair get damp (when you wash it) and how fast is it dry?
Characteristics of low porosity
- It takes very long for your hair to dry
- It takes a very long time before your hair is properly moisturized
Characteristics normal porosity
- You do not recognize the characteristics of low or high porosity
- Your hair dries medium fast (between 2 and 8 hours)
- Characteristics of high porosity
- Your hair dries extremely fast (within 2 hours)
- Your hair is extremely moist quickly
5. Elasticiteit bepalen
De elasticiteit geeft informatie over de balans van moisture en proteïne. We gaan dan ook een test doen om de elasticiteit van je krullen te achterhalen.
How can you do the test?
Spray a little water on your hair. So for this test, use a little damp hair that has naturally fallen out of your hair or cut a hair yourself. So, don't pull one out, then the test won't work anymore! Next, pull this hair apart, so wrap the hair around both index fingers, for example. See what happens, does the hair break immediately? Or does it take a while before it breaks? Repeat this test several times and try in different areas of your hair. So behind, on top, etc.
Did you do the hair test? Check the result!
After you have done the hair test, you can check what elasticity you have below. You have to choose one of the results below, so you have either low, normal or high elasticity.
1. My hair breaks almost immediately
This means you have low elasticity, it's best to use products without protein.
2. My hair stretches a little, it does not break immediately
This means you have normal elasticity. It is best to use products with and without protein.
3.hair just doesn't seem to break
This means you have high elasticity. It's best to use products with protein.
Tip: Assume that the hair breaks differently each time (i.e. one hair breaks quickly and the other may stretch longer). Then you can assume normal elasticity.
What does elasticity mean for your hair?
Does your hair stretch a little and spring back to its original length? If so, your hair has nothing extra to do. Your hair is good balance.
- Does your hair stretch more than normal? Then you need more protein.
- Does your hair seem to just not break? Then your hair also needs protein.
- Does it break almost immediately? Then your hair needs more moisture.
- If you find it difficult, you can also look at the following characteristics:
- Does it feel rough and dry, then your hair needs more moisture.
- Does it feel soft and are your curls sagging? Then your hair needs more protein.
It is important to get to know your hair well. You can do this test more often (both wet and dry).
Summary
We have now established the following things:
- Type (Hair type or also called curl type).
- Thickness (also called density)
- Amount
- Porosity
- Elasticity
And now think, you what does this say about my hair? and how can I make a better choice? We'll first take you through the certain tips linked to your porosity.
Low porosity
With low porosity, it is important to use products that are water-based as much as possible. You don't absorb products well so you create "build-up. This gives you stiff and straw-like hair. Make sure you use more protein-free products than those with protein. Apply products to wet hair instead of soaking wet hair. This will give your hair a better chance to absorb the water. After that, use your leave-in and gel.
Medium porosity
Your hair absorbs just the right amount of moisture. For your hair, test whether it is nicer to use your products on soaking wet or wet hair. Furthermore, it is important to use products with protein and without protein within your routine.
High porosity
Your hair can absorb moisture quickly but, this goes out at the same rate. This can make your hair dry quickly, it has little elasticity and gets tangled easily. Your hair is then extra prone to breakage.
Choosing the right products
And now you must be thinking, how do I choose the right products to suit my hair characteristics?
CG Starter Kit
Would you like to start with the CG Method? Then you can continue reading here! On that page, we explain from a to z how to get started and which products you can use.
Zelf shoppen
Ga naar alle haarverzorging en kies op basis van het onderstaande schema de juiste balans.
- Heb je niet veel proteïne nodig? Kies dan voor alleen een masker met proteïne.
- Heb je wel een klein beetje proteïne nodig? Zorg dan voor 2-3 items met proteïne (bijvoorbeeld in je masker en leave-in)
- Heb je veel proteïne nodig? Kies dan naas een leave-in conditioner en masker ook voor een proteïne treatment die je regelmatig kan gebruiken.
Trial and Error is key! Get started, and you'll get to know your curls better and better!
Discover CG Method starterkits
Do you want to get started with the CG Method? And do you want to get started easily and quickly? Then choose a kit based on your curl type!
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