Is hair type etched in stone or subject to interpretation?

[lilamae]

As many of you know, I posted a thread a short while ago in which a debate regarding the subject's hair type got way out of hand. This was fueled by some posters questioning my ability to assess hair type and others claiming I was being deceptive.

While all that is water under the bridge..once all of the smoke cleared I was left with one question...

Is hair type subjective or objective? What I mean specifically is ...is
hair type subject to interpretation or not.

Clearly, throughout the thread there were several different opinions on the hair type of my gilrfriend. Some said 4a, some said 4b and some said 3c. So just as my mom claims my sweater is Pink and I say " no mama, it's Magenta!" : Can hair types be interpreted individually as well?

I know the purpose of hair type analysis is to accurately assess the products and such that will work best for the specified type...but when you really think about hair care in general...that's all we really need..hair care in general......right?

I mean even within the "4A" category, some stuff that works for Macherie may not work for me and vice versa. So even with all of the alphabets and numbers there is still some differentiation in texture. I don't know... If i am misinformed, then please, somebody...enlighten me.

(please, this is not an attempt to re-live the unnecessary dramatics that took place on the last thread. I am seeking genuine, non-emotional opinions.)

In addition, I know I considered leaving the board after the incident but there are 2 reasons why I chose to stay
1. More PM's than I could imagine asking me not to leave
2. After 24 hours off the board I started having withdrawl symtoms.

 

[kiesha8185]

I'm glad you're back!

In regards to your question, I think hair type is subjective and pointless.

I still don't know my hair type and lack of knowledge did not prevent the health of my hair in the least.

As far as similar hair types being able to use similar products, I disagree with this as well. From my experience, Indian, Dominican, and "white" products work best for my hair, and that is literally what my regimen has boiled down to....products supposedly specified for type 1/2 hair (Indian, some Dominicans and whites).

I still can't find anyone on this board who uses the same products I do...so it makes ya think Shoot, my BFF used pantene and she's a type 1! (indian). Does it really matter the way my hair looks when it's growing outta my head, or does it matter more how I take care of it???

Your friend has beautiful hair, regardless of her hair type. And at the end of the day, she thinkin bout her hair, and I'm thinkin bout mine...feel me?

 

[lilamae]

I'm glad you're back!

In regards to your question, I think hair type is subjective and pointless.

I still don't know my hair type and lack of knowledge did not prevent the health of my hair in the least.

As far as similar hair types being able to use similar products, I disagree with this as well. From my experience, Indian, Dominican, and "white" products work best for my hair, and that is literally what my regimen has boiled down to....products supposedly specified for type 1/2 hair (Indian, some Dominicans and whites).

I still can't find anyone on this board who uses the same products I do...so it makes ya think Shoot, my BFF used pantene and she's a type 1! (indian). Does it really matter the way my hair looks when it's growing outta my head, or does it matter more how I take care of it???

Your friend has beautiful hair, regardless of her hair type. And at the end of the day, she thinkin bout her hair, and I'm thinkin bout mine...feel me?

I TOTALLY FEEL YOU. I have yet to see a product that says "best for 4a's" And I use all types of products that are suppose to be for " curly hair" or "fine hair" etc. So i was just wondering about the importance of the whole hair type thing. I mean I get the general idea but it seems like we take it too seriously.

 

[Cheleigh]

My "honest" opinion?

Hair typing mostly serves to be able to find people who's hair looks like yours so that you can identify with someone. It's self segregation, basically. I play into it too--I like seeing hair that looks like mine. It's that simple.

Really, my hair doesn't use a lot of the same products as my hair twins or hair cousins, so hair typing doesn't matter much from that perspective--some of my favorite products are loved by 3as and 4zs alike. My texture and density matter more than my curl pattern when looking products and techniques, which the Andre system doesn't even try to address.

Hair typing is totally subjective...I've had people call my hair full type 4b, full 3c, 4a, 4a/3c or 3c/4a. I don't know how it can't be subjective--totally arbitrary.

In fact, I recall on naturallycurly.com that one of the women who helped write Andre's book posted, and she talked about the typing system. I can't remember all the details (maybe it's archived on the site somewhere) but his editor and some other folks made up this system to add another component to the book--not based on major research or long-term thought was my impression. I certainly don't think anyone thought that the hair typing system would be adhered to like the gospel some people try to make it.

People make hair typing a big deal because it provides an easy to visualize little hair category, but most folks attribute way too much to it--much more than I believe even Andre himself intended.

 

[dinaaike]

My "honest" opinion?

Hair typing mostly serves to be able to find people who's hair looks like yours so that you can identify with someone. It's self segregation, basically. I play into it too--I like seeing hair that looks like mine. It's that simple.

Really, my hair doesn't use a lot of the same products as my hair twins or hair cousins, so hair typing doesn't matter much from that perspective--some of my favorite products are loved by 3as and 4zs alike. My texture and density matter more than my curl pattern when looking products and techniques, which the Andre system doesn't even try to address.

Hair typing is totally subjective...I've had people call my hair full type 4b, full 3c, 4a, 4a/3c or 3c/4a. I don't know how it can't be subjective--totally arbitrary.

In fact, I recall on naturallycurly.com that one of the women who helped write Andre's book posted, and she talked about the typing system. I can't remember all the details (maybe it's archived on the site somewhere) but his editor and some other folks made up this system to add another component to the book--not based on major research or long-term thought was my impression. I certainly don't think anyone thought that the hair typing system would be adhered to like the gospel some people try to make it.

People make hair typing a big deal because it provides an easy to visualize little hair category, but most folks attribute way too much to it--much more than I believe even Andre himself intended.

Very well put, Cheleigh! I know I've participated in a typing thread or two and before it was over I was wondering how many posters were reading from different books.

IMO, many people DO have a subjective view of hair types and no, it DOESN'T REALLY matter what the type is. Healthy hair is healthy hair no matter the texture. I think we can all agree that a MAXIMUM of TWO hair types is not nearly sufficient to categorize all the variations on curly and kinky hair. Typing should not be subjective, but I think it is because the types and descriptions offered are not adequate enough to cover all of us.

Typing, in theory, should help steer us toward product types most likely to work for us. Buuuuuttt...in a forum full of PJs um, I don't think it's as helpful as it could be.

That said, I think we look for hair idols just like we look for any other type of role model. The more you can find in common with that person the better. So when you know that Queeny20 has type 4 hair like yours, it helps combat your mother's voice in your head saying, "black hair doesn't grow that long, mommy" when you see her hair creeping down to MBL.

Don't be confused or offended Lilamae, I came in KNOWING I was a 4a/b until I started reading peoples' descriptions of 3c. People strive to explain the difference, but sometimes it ends up creating more confusion than it stops. Whaddaya gonna do?

 

[DivaRox]

I vote for ultimately being open to interpretation. Does it have a legitimate place on the board-sure Does it warrant arguing folx down because their hair straightens out better than you imagined a type xyz could and so they must be a different hair type-don't think so. I think the differences in styling, quality of tools used and overall health of hair would make even two people with the same exact type have different results. Kinda how going to the salon can yield gorgeous results and at home styling sometimes comes out looking like a different head of hair.

 

[naijamerican]

I also believe that it's open to interpretation. I used to think that I had a hair twin and now I don't even subscribe to that notion anymore becuase I genuinely believe that everyone's head of hair is totally different. That's why, as Keisha and Cheleigh said, some things awesomely for their hair that do not work for others, and vice versa. I tend to pay attention to what people from the 4-range say but even then, there is enough variance to make me believe that I need to keep trying to find what works best for me and my own head of hair.

 

[discodumpling]

Completely subjective and open to interpretation. I gave up trying to identify the type of hair I have & am most comfortable describing it as NAPPY or (more dramatically) THE FRIZZ THAT IZZ

 

[MsCounsel]

I'm glad you're back!

In regards to your question, I think hair type is subjective and pointless.

What she said.

I am sure I'm a 4a/4b but I keep looking at different posters hair and I'm thinking, that does not look like my hair. I give up. I've discovered that I have to find out what works for me and STICK WITH IT. That should be a new challenge. I did so well last summer while keeping my reggie very simple and doing what my hair required and it thrived. My only attempt now is to continually move to more natural products. Otherwise, I need to leave it alone and not worry about the hair type thing.

 

[lisana]

I'm glad you're back!

In regards to your question, I think hair type is subjective and pointless.

I still don't know my hair type and lack of knowledge did not prevent the health of my hair in the least.

I agree with this. In the end, it's not the be all and end all of knowing how to care for your hair. Plus, most women I know have more than one texture. I am mostly 4b but have some 4a and I still can't necessarily do what another woman with the same stats can do, my sis is also mostly 4b with some 4a and we respond totally different to certain products and have different regimines. It's more important to spend the time learning what works for your hair based on how your hair responds and not what type it is.

 

[SexySin985]

It's subjective to me also.

I see some women on here claiming to be 4a and I look at their pics like that don't look like what people say 4a hair should look like. Then I see people claiming to be 3a and again i'm like

I think its up to the individual. The hair naming/numbering system is not the be all-end all way of labeling hair hype.

 

[SUZIEq]

Very nicely said Cheleigh and dinaaike.

 

[AfroKink]

I think it's subjective, but not totally. There is a clear difference between a type 1 and a type 3. I also don't think it's totally pointless. I think it can be useful for hair styling purposes, especially among naturals. The difference between a 3b and a 4a may mean a change in twisting technique or puff formation. Its useful to see how a certain style looks on someone with a similar curl pattern to yours.

Lys

 

[lilamae]

Thank you all so much for responding. You all make good points and I am glad to have your opinions on this subject. I guess at the end of the day it just matters that you take good care of your hair..whatever the "type"

I personally think applying the basics to most heads will yeild good results.
Moisture, cleansing, conditioning, protection and scalp care.

 

[Cichelle]

It's subject to interpretation, IMO.

I have no idea what my hair type is anymore. I say 3B because that makes the most sense...I guess. But I've seen people claiming or showing examples of that same hair type and the hair looks different than mine. It's easier for me to say what hair type I am not, than which one I am.

 

[SouthernTease]

I think hair typing is WHACK.
My hair is naturally curly, fine,
and prone to dryness... that's all I need to know.
If I were into hair typing... I'd be a mix of 3A, B, C, and 4A...
so... it would be pointless to try to pigeonhole my hair
into one category
don't beleive the hype... quote me on that.
((going to write on my blog about it))

 

[lilamae]

I think hair typing is WHACK.
My hair is naturally curly, fine,
and prone to dryness... that's all I need to know.
If I were into hair typing... I'd be a mix of 3A, B, C, and 4A...
so... it would be pointless to try to pigeonhole my hair
into one category
don't beleive the hype... quote me on that.
((going to write on my blog about it))

Can't wait to read your blog. ( I also can't wait until the 15th! now move that pink circle out of the way and let me see!)

 

[Moroni]

I think hair typing it totally subjective, but I don't think it's pointless. When I look at women who have been successful growing their hair to great lengths, I look for someone who has hair similar to mine that I can relate to. With my tight coils, I don't look at someone who has hair with loose curls, and think: "If she can do it, so can I", because all of the excuses pop up, even though I realize that all hair is good hair. I think: her texture holds moisture better, her hair isn't as fragile, her hair is so thick and mine will never hang that way....etc. When I see someone with MBL who types her hair as a fine, relaxed 4a/b, then I have hope and inspiration.

ETA: So glad you're back lady!

 

[balisi]

Andre's hair typing system is a bunch of bull.... At best it should be used as a basic guide for styling and care. Some take it way too seriously.

 

[glamazon386]

I think there are a lot of variations even within each hair type. It really should be used as a guide. If you fall into 4a, then read up on other 4a's products and techniques and so on. Finding other people with my hair type (or something very similar) has been very helpful with taking care of my natural hair. When I was relaxed, it didn't really matter. I just gravitated to people with fine hair since my hair is fine.

 

[wannabelong]

I think it's subject to interpretation. When I first got here I thought I was a 3c after reading one description, then after reading another description I decided I was a 4a. Who knows! Whateva! I just want to take care of my hair and knowing or not knowing my hair type will not stop me from accomplishing my hair goals.

 

[gymfreak336]

Personally I think that there are hair types. I think alot of people have more than one going on in their hands sometimes but I do think they exist. I don't think that they can discredit people in achieving their goals like" She's 3b so it had to be easy for her" but I do think that certain trends exist in hair types and technqiues and products. A 3b does behave differentnly than a 4b, they have different needs and different affinities to certain products so I do think it is important for people to know theirs BUT to use it to be mean and what not is uncalled for.

 

[kiesha8185]

Personally I think that there are hair types. I think a lot of people have more than one going on in their hands sometimes but I do think they exist. I don't think that they can discredit people in achieving their goals like" She's 3b so it had to be easy for her" but I do think that certain trends exist in hair types and techniques and products. A 3b does behave differently than a 4b, they have different needs and different affinities to certain products so I do think it is important for people to know theirs BUT to use it to be mean and what not is uncalled for.

Theoretically that sounds correct, however in practice, I think hair has certain affinities for different hair products because the product offered something in which the hair is lacking at the time...this is why your hair type doesn't matter.

For instance, Roux Porosity Control did nothing for my hair....maybe the porosity in my hair was already at its optimal level, which is why my hair didn't respond to it.

This can explain why it does work for a lot of other women who have the same hair type as I do....because their hair needed a treatment to correct the porosity. This can also explain why products stop working for you (if it's not a clarifying problem )

And what about the women who noticed that dietary supplements changes their texture? Did products they were previously using stop working all of sudden, or did it continue to work the same? (Hoping someone who's hair changed from using MSM/biotin can jump in and let us know!)

 

[AvaSpeaks]

It's subjective to me also.

I see some women on here claiming to be 4a and I look at their pics like that don't look like what people say 4a hair should look like. Then I see people claiming to be 3a and again i'm like

I think its up to the individual. The hair naming/numbering system is not the be all-end all way of labeling hair hype.

I co-sign with this. I always say that there are so many posters on the board that mislabel their hair, especially with the way Andre has his system.

I choose not to label my hair. Or use Andre's system if I choose too. Because if I did, I would be running around saying I'm 1a/3c/4a Now what sense does that make?

 

[gymfreak336]

Theoretically that sounds correct, however in practice, I think hair has certain affinities for different hair products because the product offered something in which the hair is lacking at the time...this is why your hair type doesn't matter.

For instance, Roux Porosity Control did nothing for my hair....maybe the porosity in my hair was already at its optimal level, which is why my hair didn't respond to it.

This can explain why it does work for a lot of other women who have the same hair type as I do....because their hair needed a treatment to correct the porosity. This can also explain why products stop working for you (if it's not a clarifying problem )

And what about the women who noticed that dietary supplements changes their texture? Did products they were previously using stop working all of sudden, or did it continue to work the same? (Hoping someone who's hair changed from using MSM/biotin can jump in and let us know!)

I understand what you mean but if you look at the board you will notice trends in who uses what type of product and the hair type they have. I am not saying that products won't never stop working or that your hair doesn't change but your type of hair says alot to what your particular needs are and the type of problems you might have more frequently than others.

I notice more thicker haired ladies and take more mineral oil than the fine haired ladies. Mineral oil builds up quicker and attracts dirt easily. On fine hair , there are not as mnay cuticle layers so its less "space" for products to fit. Look at motions moisture plus. Most of the ladies that use this as a moisturizing conditioner and have great success with it have thicker hair (in terms of each strand). Thicker hair has more cuticle layers so it can hold more water. We all know mineral seals in moisture so when they apply to their hair, it seals in the existing water and since they have more cuticle layers, its more water sealed in compared to my hair which is fine and doesn't have as many. Not saying I can't use the product, it just serves a different purpose for me. Thicker hair has more cuticle layers and so products might build up at the same rate on both but fine hair is going to be affected faster than thicker hair.

Also, since fine hair has less cuticle layers, it seems to be affect by porosity the most as compared to thicker hair. This is also why if you look at alot of product lines, the conditioners for fine hair are usually just spray on leave ins. The manual rinsing of conditioner for some fine haired ladies is enough to cause the cuticle to become raised which causes porosity issues. Now if someone was using porosity control with success, started using henna, and then noticed that porosity control didn't do anything, it was because the henna with its acidity took the place of the porosity control. The product didn't stop working because the need was taken away, it stopped working because something else was incorparated into the regime that covered that need indirectly.

Not saying that both hair types can't have porosity problems, the frequency and the amount of damage to get to those points is different.

Alot of fine haired ladies again notice more sensitivity to protein which also comes from the lack of many cuticle layers. This will also explain why alot of the milder proteins like silk are particulary beneficial to fine hair since it can penetrate without adding weight to a cuticle that already can't hold much.

I did notice a change when I started vitamins. Biotin makes my hair stronger and a little thicker. While my hair is still fine, I do notice that the hair that I grew while on biotin for a long period of time was able to retain moisture much easier than the hair without it. That translated into using less (in terms of amount) of moisturizer.

 

[nappity]

I agree with this. In the end, it's not the be all and end all of knowing how to care for your hair. Plus, most women I know have more than one texture. I am mostly 4b but have some 4a and I still can't necessarily do what another woman with the same stats can do, my sis is also mostly 4b with some 4a and we respond totally different to certain products and have different regimines. It's more important to spend the time learning what works for your hair based on how your hair responds and not what type it is.

ITA - but one thing about type 4 hair is upon contact with water- it shrinks so theres no running the comb through it from scalp to ends.

 

[kiesha8185]

I understand what you mean but if you look at the board you will notice trends in who uses what type of product and the hair type they have. I am not saying that products won't never stop working or that your hair doesn't change but your type of hair says a lot to what your particular needs are and the type of problems you might have more frequently than others.

ITA! Especially since there is no argument that African-American hair is biologically more prone to dryness because tight curls/coils/curls make it more difficult for natural oils to reach the ends of the hair. It would make sense for moisture-laden products would work best for our hair types.

I notice more thicker haired ladies can take more mineral oil than the fine haired ladies. Mineral oil builds up quicker and attracts dirt easily. On fine hair, there are not as many cuticle layers so its less "space" for products to fit. Look at motions moisture plus. Most of the ladies that use this as a moisturizing conditioner and have great success with it have thicker hair (in terms of each strand). Thicker hair has more cuticle layers so it can hold more water. We all know mineral seals in moisture so when they apply to their hair, it seals in the existing water and since they have more cuticle layers, its more water sealed in compared to my hair which is fine and doesn't have as many. Not saying I can't use the product, it just serves a different purpose for me. Thicker hair has more cuticle layers and so products might build up at the same rate on both but fine hair is going to be affected faster than thicker hair.

The only thing is that any hair type can have fine strands or thick strands...like a type 3c can have thick strands and a 4a can have thin strands which will negate the necessity to know your hair type (3c, 4a, 4b, etc...) It will require you to know your hair's qualities instead (fine versus thick strands, pro-protein versus anti-protein). Hair type would have no bearing on this (I would think). This brings me back to my original point, that knowing your hair type isn't really that useful....gravitating towards women who have thick strands like yours or thin strands like yours - and taking note of the products they have success with - that would be a little more plausible.

Unless you are saying that there is a majority of 4's that have thick strands and a majority of 3's that have thin strands....then I would see your point. However, it seems to me that there are many 4's on this board who have fine hair, and many 3's that have thick strands. Which again, is another reason to learn your hair's quality, and not really needing to know your hair type.

I always considered myself to have fine hair, but now that mention mineral oil and Motions, and how it seems to work best on those with thicker strands, I may have to re-think that....

Also, since fine hair has less cuticle layers, it seems to be affect by porosity the most as compared to thicker hair. This is also why if you look at a lot of product lines, the conditioners for fine hair are usually just spray on leave ins. The manual rinsing of conditioner for some fine haired ladies is enough to cause the cuticle to become raised which causes porosity issues. Now if someone was using porosity control with success, started using henna, and then noticed that porosity control didn't do anything, it was because the henna with its acidity took the place of the porosity control. The product didn't stop working because the need was taken away, it stopped working because something else was incorporated into the regime that covered that need indirectly.

OHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! So that's why it never worked for me! I've always been using henna. Makes total sense now. So that's basically ties into what I was saying that hair has certain affinities for certain things because it offers what your hair is lacking at the time. Since henna corrected my porosity, Roux porosity control was unnecessary....

Not saying that both hair types can't have porosity problems, the frequency and the amount of damage to get to those points is different.

A lot of fine haired ladies again notice more sensitivity to protein which also comes from the lack of many cuticle layers. This will also explain why a lot of the milder proteins like silk are particularly beneficial to fine hair since it can penetrate without adding weight to a cuticle that already can't hold much.

I'm a protein-head, my hair can't survive without it. So I guess I do have thick strands and not fine ones, thank you for teaching me this.

I did notice a change when I started vitamins. Biotin makes my hair stronger and a little thicker. While my hair is still fine, I do notice that the hair that I grew while on biotin for a long period of time was able to retain moisture much easier than the hair without it. That translated into using less (in terms of amount) of moisturizer.

So, in this instance you referred to the fact that your "thicker strands" were better able to retain moisture than the "fine strands". You didn't mention your hair type though

Wow girl, you are chock full of knowledge. I'm about to copy and paste all your posts and save it on my computer I love learning how hair works though, for real...thanks for explaining this to me. I like having educational discussions, I like talking to you (Don't want you to think I'm trying to argue...)

I still think that the necessity to know your hair and your hair's qualities supersedes the necessity to know your hair types though Based off of everything you said though...

After this whole discussion, I've begun to thick that knowing the thickness of strands seem to determine everything...whether your hair can handle a lot of protein or not, whether your hair can handle mineral oils or not....or even other ingredients.

I still only see the purpose of knowing your hair type is to categorize people, which I guess isn't wrong, useless, or pointless...just human nature to gravitate towards those more like themselves.

 

[dinaaike]

ITA - but one thing about type 4 hair is upon contact with water- it shrinks so theres no running the comb through it from scalp to ends.

Reason for my confusion: I insist that I am mostly kinky [1-strait, 2-wavy, 3-curly, 4-kinky], and I CAN do this ^^^. erplexed No matter, I've already conceded.

I choose not to label my hair. Or use Andre's system if I choose too. Because if I did, I would be running around saying I'm 1a/3c/4a Now what sense does that make?

Yes, cuz you've just described my hair type.

 

[dinaaike]

Can't wait to read your blog. ( I also can't wait until the 15th! now move that pink circle out of the way and let me see!)

I know right?! Girl I thought it was just me . Move the dang bubble!!

 

[gymfreak336]

ITA! Especially since there is no argument that African-American hair is biologically more prone to dryness because tight curls/coils/curls make it more difficult for natural oils to reach the ends of the hair. It would make sense for moisture-laden products would work best for our hair types. The only thing is that any hair type can have fine strands or thick strands...like a type 3c can have thick strands and a 4a can have thin strands which will negate the necessity to know your hair type (3c, 4a, 4b, etc...) It will require you to know your hair's qualities instead (fine versus thick strands, pro-protein versus anti-protein). Hair type would have no bearing on this (I would think). This brings me back to my original point, that knowing your hair type isn't really that useful....gravitating towards women who have thick strands like yours or thin strands like yours - and taking note of the products they have success with - that would be a little more plausible.

Even the degree of curl the whole 4a/4b/3c etc.... is helpful in certain aspects of ones hair care. For example, I am a 4b with fine strands. My hair grows extremely packed and tight. Because of that, stretching is much more difficult for me. I also have to watch for more scalp issues because as my hair grows, the tightness of the curls sometimes gets caught in my scalp; kind of like when guys get razor bumps. When that happens I get sore patches on my scalp. Also the tightness of my scalp interferes with how my scalp sebum is distrubuted which affects my washing methods to make sure my scalp stays clean. Since my hair is fine on top of that, it can't can't withstand manipulation as easily as other looser curl types when stretching. So when I am detangling an inch of so of newgrowth, I am trying to deal with A.- extremely tight curl pattern and B.- fine strands that will break easily due to the degree of different kinks and curls. I had this problem even when I was natural. I know every person that stretches has detangling problems but the severity of those issues does in some aspect have to do with the tightness of curl your hair naturally has. We all have to switch up methods to deal with it but when you have to change methods and how you change them does have alot to do with degree of curl. I am NOT saying that one type is better than the other but each type is different with its own special needs. You also see this in relaxer strength. A person with 3 type strands usually uses a stronger relaxer than someone with 4 type strands.

Unless you are saying that there is a majority of 4's that have thick strands and a majority of 3's that have thin strands....then I would see your point. However, it seems to me that there are many 4's on this board who have fine hair, and many 3's that have thick strands. Which again, is another reason to learn your hair's quality, and not really needing to know your hair type.

Acutally it is the opposite. Many ladies figure out that when they come her. I was one of those ladies. People had always used strong relaxers and such on my head because they thought it was thick but really it was fine and I just had a good amount of it.

I always considered myself to have fine hair, but now that mention mineral oil and Motions, and how it seems to work best on those with thicker strands, I may have to re-think that....

OHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! So that's why it never worked for me! I've always been using henna. Makes total sense now. So that's basically ties into what I was saying that hair has certain affinities for certain things because it offers what your hair is lacking at the time. Since henna corrected my porosity, Roux porosity control was unnecessary.... And this goes to show that most of us can use the same things. Its just that we use them for different reasons. This is also why you can find some one that uses the same products as you do but in completely different ways with different results. I can use motions moisture plus, just not as a moisturizing deep conditioner. So me and Suze with thick 4B hair can both use it but not of the same reasons. I would use it as a detangling final rinse and she could use it as her primary deep conditioner.
I'm a protein-head, my hair can't survive without it. So I guess I do have thick strands and not fine ones, thank you for teaching me this.So, in this instance you referred to the fact that your "thicker strands" were better able to retain moisture than the "fine strands". You didn't mention your hair type though

Wow girl, you are chock full of knowledge. I'm about to copy and paste all your posts and save it on my computer I love learning how hair works though, for real...thanks for explaining this to me. I like having educational discussions, I like talking to you (Don't want you to think I'm trying to argue...) Kiesha, you know you cool with me, I often drool over your hair pics.

I still think that the necessity to know your hair and your hair's qualities supersedes the necessity to know your hair types though Based off of everything you said though...I think the fine and thick thing is the most helpful off bat but I think hair type as far as degree of curl tends to help explain why people use the things they use and to explain the reasoning behind certain methods. After I got the hang of the fine and thick thing, I still had questions and learning about my hair type explained alot of the unanswered quesitions I had. I don't agree with the hair typing system as an end all be all in terms of hair types. I think it gives a general outline but I think there is more to be elaborated on within it.

After this whole discussion, I've begun to thick that knowing the thickness of strands seem to determine everything...whether your hair can handle a lot of protein or not, whether your hair can handle mineral oils or not....or even other ingredients.

I still only see the purpose of knowing your hair type is to categorize people, which I guess isn't wrong, useless, or pointless...just human nature to gravitate towards those more like themselves.

I answered in blue.