Well since we on it, why is hair typing so important?

[LuvlyRain3]

People have turned hair typing into way more than what I believe it was meant to be. I can understand why people type their hair. Although no two heads are alike as far as styling, regimens and techniques, you are more likely to find more useful advice from someone whose hair similar to yours. Not to say that people with different types wont also provide great advice. I just tend to look at hair that reminds me of my own.

It just seems like we have gone from stereotyping people to stereotyping hair types. The "good hair" notion is alive and well. People a using the ideas of "good hair" without actually using the term.

Then the hair typing game is just so touchy. No one likes to be told about themselves especially not women (justsayin). If someone walked in here and said they were a 3c and then some came in posted that they look like a 4a an ebeef could pop off almost instantly.

No one is a hair typing expert and its all based on a matter of opinion (unless you're Andre walker I guess). So it makes no sense for people to get there panties in a bunch over something so subjective.

 

[ladyviper]

Hair grows no matter as long as the follicle is alive, if it doesn't it's because people jack it up by stressing the hair with ... you name it. Hairgrowth has nothing to do with race or hairtype. But more with knowledge of proper care. So what's next...race typing within the Black Community: Oh you're 1A black, because your greatgrandfather's cousin, whose brother was mixed (yeah it doesn't make sense) and you are Kunte black so you're 16788Z Blackness? On another matter I think Bonnet Girl fits the 1A race ofcourse.

 

[geejay]

I think it's useful for style and maybe for getting an idea of how your hair may look in the future at different lengths. Seeing hair that is "like yours" at longer lengths than you have imagined achieving can be very motivating and inspiring.

I don't think it's a hard and fast science that should be applied rigidly. It's a guideline that should only be consulted to the extent that it's useful.

Also I think this kind of analysis of afro hair is in its infancy and in many cases obscures more than it illuminates. I hope the more widespread interest in natural hair sparks more research and more understanding of the amazing variety of kinky hair.

 

[Solitude]

I didn't even think about hair type for my first two years as a member here...I guess this is because I'm relaxed.

But, I think hair type is useful for identifying the natural characteristics of one's hair in order to learn how to better care for it...especially since so many women (straight and curly hair alike) spend so much time using styling techniques that conceal the way our hair behaves naturally.

For Afro-textured hair, in my opinion, hair typing is helpful for understanding the dynamic characteristics of our hair, like shrinkage.

 

[keepithealthy]

When I am looking for product reviews or tips I usually tend to look for people whose hair looks and behaves similar to mine.

 

[Miss*Tress]

I didn't pay enough attention to hair typing at the outset. As a result I spent too much time worrying about managing new growth when transitioning and used inappropriate techniques and products that were too heavy for my hair.

However, like Rei and knt1229 mentioned, there appears to be quite a bit of misuse of the system as a measure of supposed hair superiority/inferiority.

 

[Rocky91]

It honestly has never been all that helpful for me.
You end up doing so much damned experimentation anyways, as far as styling and products go.
There are folks with hair that looks exactly like mine and it acts completely different.

I say when the Hair Typing International Board of Directors comes up with a precise mathematical formula to determine your specific hair type, then I'll start listening.
Until then, I'll continue to take hair tips from errybody....

 

[Cherokee-n-Black]

I don't really think it's all that different. I think it's PC way of saying good hair/bad hair for some people.

Awww sooky sooky now! This is sort of what I was talking about in the "what hair type is Chime" poll thread (which I would have posted here if I had seen this.) I find a lot of commentary seems to have underlying messages about the hair or person in question.

I think it is informative to a point, except when it seems that your hair doesn't seem to fall in any particular category, falls in several categories at once or doesn't respond to products touted as being made for that "hair type." There just seems to be this huge gap between 3c and 4a.

A lot of people can look at some 3c's and say "definitely not that", then at some textbook 4a's with defined, pencil-sized curls and still say "um, no not quite like that, my curls aren't that defined" and look at 4b hair and say, um, I have the s pattern but it's looser than that. From the very first time I saw Andre's typing system, I just felt like a category was missing.

 

[Klearli]

When I first was natural I was obsessed about finding my hair type...mainly because I thought if I knew id know what products to get and then id be a hair beauty. But now that I know more about my own head, I see hair type doesn't matter so much
Sent from my T-Mobile G2

 

[carameldimples]

What set you with???

Who me...I'm over here reppin these 4ab homie, LOL...I gotta homegirl in that's 3c/4a though, so its all love, LOL


Oh Word....LOL(that's what I think of when I see all the hairtyping threads...kicking folks out and such, LOL)

It's all pretty funny to me, I showed it to a friend who is not so much on a hair journey but going natural none-the-less. I was showing her the hair types threads (you know the ones dedicated to each respective hair type) and we LOLed on the posts, we would see a lose curl head at the top of the 4ab page and be like uh-oh they gone kick her out watch, LOL!!! And sure enough they were sent packing....But to actually answer the question and not ramble on like I tend to do and am doing now, I think it is a layering mechanism to make hair obsession deep, LOL. because we can't all be shallow and just care about pretty looking hair...no we are not that shallow we have science and math..curlsize(diameter) * porosity=== 4ab...See we even have variables in it, LOL..yall don't pay me no mind...work is slow and everyone else is at lunch...teeeheeheheee!

 

[Charz]

it's not and people who live by it are idots .. yeah I've said it...

Maybe when you spell "idiot" right, you can actually call everyone who ascribe to hair typing idiots...name calling is uncalled for and there are better ways to articulate your point.

 

[iri9109]

Maybe when you spell "idiot" right, you can actually call everyone who ascribe to hair typing idiots

 

[FoxxyLocs]

When I'm looking for style ideas, I look for other naturals who have the same type and length as I do. If I can't find both type and length, I look for someone with similar length.

As far as products, I tend to try things based on recommendations from people who have the same problems as me. For example if I hear from anETAnother natural that a product is good for detangling, I'll try it regardless of hair type. I don't get into trying to figure out if we have the same stand thickness or porosity. I would just try it and see if it works. There have been lots of products (like shea butter) that other type 4s rave about, but didn't work for me at all.

ETA: When I say I look for someone with the same hair type as me, I just mean kinky (at least some type 4).

 

[empressri]

It's so important cause otherwise what would folks have to talk about?

I think it's pointless. I've gotten hair advice from folks with all different hair types, including white women and it was some of the best advice I've even gotten.

Product wise too...bullsh*t. Some folks may want one look while others want another. You can use whatever you want depending on what it is you're trying to achieve.

And I've still yet to see two heads that are exactly alike. And at the end of the day does it matter? Do you go to bed thinking about what exact color is your skin or your eyes? So why does hair type matter?

Cause WE make it the new brown paper bag test. Folks want to jump bad about someone saying they think they're a 3 something and ole girl is like "HELL NO YOU ARE NOT! YOU'RE A 4Z!!!"

Is it REALLY that deep? Some folks can't even handle their own hair looking crazy as hell but want to worry about what's on someone else's head.

 

[EllePixie]

Maybe when you spell "idiot" right, you can actually call everyone who ascribe to hair typing idiots...name calling is uncalled for and there are better ways to articulate your point.

I agree that there are better ways to articulate a point, but she can easily correct her spelling error, while it's going to take much more than some spell check to correct the mindset of people obsessed with hair typing.

 

[ladyviper]

oops spelling mistake .. my bad. English is my third language. And typing (on a keyboard) is not my strongest point, when you have to type lefthanded while you are righthanded. It's no excuse but my spelling as no merit on opinions!

Other than that I think I'm entitled of my opinion as I see fit. If you feel offended than obviously I have proven my point.

Maybe when you spell "idiot" right, you can actually call everyone who ascribe to hair typing idiots...name calling is uncalled for and there are better ways to articulate your point.

 

[ladyviper]

Thanks Elle! Show me a person without spelling errors! Puhleeeze

I agree that there are better ways to articulate a point, but she can easily correct her spelling error, while it's going to take much more than some spell check to correct the mindset of people obsessed with hair typing.

 

[Charz]

oops spelling mistake .. my bad. English is my third language. And typing (on a keyboard) is not my strongest point, when you have to type lefthanded while you are righthanded. It's no excuse but my spelling as no merit on opinions!

Other than that I think I'm entitled of my opinion as I see fit. If you feel offended than obviously I have proven my point.

Your posts are hypocritical in this thread. You want your opinion not be criticized because it is indeed your opinion, however you are criticizing other people as being idiots because their opinion conflicts with yours.

I am not offended because I couldn't care less about your opinion.

For the record I don't believe in hairtyping too much, but I think it could be a good starting point for someone who is new with their haircare journey, seeing the wealth of information. It can be overwhelming for someone starting out.

 

[biancaelyse]

It doesn't matter to me other than the fact that when I 1st went natural, I would try to find ppl with similar hair to find out what their regimen was. What worked on my relaxed hair was radically different from what worked on my natural hair and I was lost.

It was still hit or miss anyhow.

 

[prettypithy]

When I first went natural, I had no idea what to expect from my hair. NO IDEA. I had not been natural since the age of ten and even then, it was always blow dried straight. All I knew, all I was told, was that my hair was "nappy." So when I learned about hair typing, it showed me that "nappy", as a pejorative, is not the only designation to describe our hair. Like all people our hair is quite diverse. The typing system does not even begin to capture the diversity of our hair but for people like me, who, at the outset, had no clue, it can be quite the eye opener.

 

[ladyviper]

I don't mind if people criticize my opinion not all. Did I write that? That you don't care about my opinion is fine by me. I won't have sleepless nights over that. So peace back at you boo! No disrespect to anyone and ofcourse I could have used different words to get my point across but I'm so angry over this hairtyping.

I have been idiotic as well regarding hair. But that's because I didn't master the possibilities. People like Chime and many others have enlightened me. I love Elle's progress! We have the same length you see and enjoy seeing her achieving her goals! You ladies have enlightened me!! (see below)

I find people who use hairtyping as a tool to segregate themselves or others idiotic...yes. I'm not talking about people who want to use it as a personal guideline, but even you must admit, that it is becoming increasinly annoying when hairtyping is being used to dispute that someone's hair is long because their hair isn't coarse enough to be labeled with a certain type (namely 4b or 4z)...come on is that fair to people. I find it weird that some people take hairtyping as a gospel or use to put people down. And that's what has been happening a few times on this site like some people did with Chime. Some of the things said were really awful. She was practically crucified because she identified herself with the 4b type.:" Oh a black women with long hair..and she says she's 4z.. that's impossible because I have 4z hair and my hair doesn't lay down like that. So girl bye". Is that normal or nice? I have to give credit, alot of people showed genuine admiration and that's the LHCF I love. So but yeah why trust in a system so inaccurate that doesn't contribute anything other that (in some cases) it puts people down. My conclusion: Don't blame or give credit to your hairtype when your hair is or isn't growing. Unless it's medical, you basically can control your own hair destiny. You just need to have you A-ha moment. And alot of women of different hairtypes have fufilled their goals. Up untill a few years ago I didn't think black women could grow long hair. I was idiotic and ignorant like that. Iwill admit it. But many women of all kinds have inspired me, opened my eyes. And they will continue to do so regardless of any type. So away with this hairtyping thing and let's have more faith in our own abilities.

Your posts are hypocritical in this thread. You want your opinion not be criticized because it is indeed your opinion, however you are criticizing other people as being idiots because their opinion conflicts with yours.

I am not offended because I couldn't care less about your opinion.

For the record I don't believe in hairtyping to much, but I think it could be a good starting point for someone who is new with their haircare journey, seeing the wealth of information. It can be overwhelming for someone starting out.

 

[Your Cheeziness]

Welp, I see where this is headed.

 

[Solitude]

Eh....I think YouTube gurus open themselves up to criticism about hair type when the start making generalizations about other people's hair although their experience is limited to their own hair.

Hair type, IMO, does make a difference as far as hair practices and products. Like a type one can comb/brush daily and should avoid greasy products whereas a type 4 should minimize combing and may need to use heavy products to retain moisture.


The superiority thing is all in people's minds.

 

[ladyviper]

The superiority thing is all in people's minds.

I totally agree with this Solitude! Well said!

 

[Wildchild453]

It's not really important to me but I can understand how new naturals will put so much emphasis on it. I've noticed that as most naturals get more comfortable with their hair their 'allegiance' to hair typing falls to the wayside.

The emphasis of hair typing on this board it relatively new too. I've been lurking around here for a long time and when I first started posting no one asked me what my hair type was but they did want to know how I took care of my hair, what products I used, how my hair felt, etc. - things that all seem more important in the long run that simply what size my curls are.

I do understand matching hair type to styling but even that isn't perfect. I can't do a TnC like Nikki because she seems to have less shrinkage than I do even though she says she's a 4 and I am too. There are just too many other properties to hair than a simple number and letter.

 

[nubiennze]

It's never done anything for me, as I've never been able to type the vast majority of the hair on my head. The only thing I can say with (some) certainty is that it's 4a in the back. Beyond that, the nape and temples are curlier (about coffee stirrer size), more wiry, less porous, and more breakage-prone. The edges are extremely fine, fragile, and practically straight. The crown and front doesn't curl (around itself, that is) at all; instead it has pencil-sized, S-shaped "waves." It grows fastest and retains its growth most easily, though I have yet to achieve a satisfying coil or twist with it.

That said, this natural hair game would have been just as trial and error-based whether or not I'd tried to rely upon hair typing. Sticking to what I knew (water is my friend and heat is my sworn enemy, among other things) with refinements here and there has left me generally satisfied with my regimen without the headache of trying to figure out where my hair "fits."

 

[ladyviper]

nubiennze who's that in your avatar.... her hair is gorgeous and I'm certain you will reach that goal.. you have the same regimen as I have....water water warer...

It's never done anything for me, as I've never been able to type the vast majority of the hair on my head. The only thing I can say with (some) certainty is that it's 4a in the back. Beyond that, the nape and temples are curlier (about coffee stirrer size), more wiry, less porous, and more breakage-prone. The edges are extremely fine, fragile, and practically straight. The crown and front doesn't curl (around itself, that is) at all; instead it has pencil-sized, S-shaped "waves." It grows fastest and retains its growth most easily, though I have yet to achieve a satisfying coil or twist with it.

That said, this natural hair game would have been just as trial and error-based whether or not I'd tried to rely upon hair typing. Sticking to what I knew (water is my friend and heat is my sworn enemy, among other things) with refinements here and there has left me generally satisfied with my regimen without the headache of trying to figure out where my hair "fits."

 

[Kurlee]

it's useful for products and styling techniques but has turned into good hair/bad hair.

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

Maybe when you spell "idiot" right, you can actually call everyone who ascribe to hair typing idiots...name calling is uncalled for and there are better ways to articulate your point.

Sorry I had to quote this. I didn't even notice the misspelling.

 

[Priss Pot]

I think that hair typing has its place in the natural hair community, but it's not the end all be all.

Honestly, I can't wear my hair like someone who is a type 3a may wear theirs. I get less tangles and ssks when I keep my hair stretched, whereas someone who is a 3a may wear wash 'n gos on a regular and still retain all length and not have to worry about knots. That is the difference. It doesn't mean I can't learn anything from her, but in reality I can't just disregard hairtype and do EVERYTHING that a 3a does and still expect the same results. Majority of my techniques I learned from women with a similar hair texture to mine.

I don't see what's so bad about realizing a....reality?