How to Determine: Hair Density

Part your hair in the middle and look at your scalp in natural light:

Scalp is clearly visible. Hair appears thin and may lack volume.

Scalp is somewhat visible. Hair appears balanced and full.

Scalp is barely visible. Hair looks thick and voluminous.

How to Determine: Hair Elasticity

To determine your hair elasticity, you need to start with clean, wet hair.

• First, section your hair for easier handling.
• Take a small, wet hair section and gently stretch it.

Hair stretches and returns without breaking.

Hair stretches a lot before returning, so you keep on stretching.

Hair breaks quickly without much stretching.

How to Determine: Hair Porosity

To identify your hair porosity, review the characteristics below and see which best matches your hair:

If your hair takes more than 8 hours to dry naturally, does not easily release moisture once absorbed, and usually feels smooth without bumps, you likely have low porosity hair. This type typically isn’t dyed, doesn’t use heat styling, and hasn’t undergone chemical treatments.

If your hair dries naturally within 4–8 hours, balances moisture absorption and retention well, and feels smooth with cuticles lying flat but not too tight, you probably have medium porosity hair. This type can be dyed up to 2 shades darker or lighter than the natural color, occasionally uses heat (around once a month), and might have used chemical treatments, but not within the last year.

If your hair dries naturally within 0–4 hours, absorbs and releases moisture quickly, and often feels bumpy due to raised or damaged cuticles, you likely have high porosity hair. This type is often dyed more than 2 shades darker or lighter than the natural color, uses heat styling weekly (such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons), and might have undergone chemical treatments more than once a year.

How to Determine: Hair Texture

Hair texture refers to the thickness of individual hair strands and comes in three types: fine, medium, and coarse.

Fine hair has very thin strands that feel soft and silky but can appear limp and lack volume. It's more delicate and prone to breakage.

Medium hair has average thickness, feels smooth, and generally looks fuller. It holds styles well and has a natural bounce.

Coarse hair has thick strands that feel rougher and appear very full. It's strong and resistant to damage but can be prone to frizz and dryness.

How to Determine: Hair Structure

Hair structure is about the shape of your strands—straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Here’s how to identify yours:

Straight hair has no curl pattern. It lies flat from root to tip, usually appears shiny, and can get oily quickly.

Wavy hair has an “S” shape. It can be fine or coarse and tends to frizz in humidity but holds styles well.

Curly hair forms distinct curls or ringlets. It has more volume and is more prone to dryness and frizz.

Coily hair forms tight zig-zags or coils. It’s the most fragile hair type and needs rich moisture and gentle care.