Hair Types

There are several different ways to classify your hair type.  We will cover some of these ways and provide tips for you to make the most of your hair type.

When talking to your stylist, it is always a great idea to let them know what your hair is normally like.  For example, don’t walk into the stylist with wet hair and expect them to know what it looks like when it is dry.  Similarly, if you have naturally curly hair, but usually straighten it out every morning with a straightening iron, go to the salon with curly hair so that the stylist will know what he or she is working with.

Curly Hair:

People with curly hair often want straight hair.  But, here’s the secret – people with straight hair really want curly hair.  If you are lucky enough to have naturally curly hair, choose a style that flatters your hair instead of hiding it.  Curly hair is often more manageable when it is not excessively long – try a style that is slightly above the shoulders.  Also, people with curly hair often also have very thick hair, so ask your stylist to add layers to thin it out a bit (and avoid the “triangle” look.

If you are having a problem with frizzy curly hair, try a serum to enhance your hairstyle.  Often, a mouse, gel, or hair serum can work wonders to make your hair shiny, smooth, and frizz-free.  Also, it is recommended to blow dry your hair with a diffuser to help lock in the curls.

Thin Hair:

If your hair is thin and straight, then what you need is volume!  There are special shampoos that you can use that will help enhance the volume that is naturally there and make your hairstyle that much better.  Another trick for adding volume is to pay attention to the way you comb your hair – flip your head upside down and comb it to add a little extra volume without any extra product.

To avoid the “limp noodle” look of thin, straight hair, ask your hairstylist to shape the hair in layers that will add volume and frame the face.  Bangs are also a great look for people with thin hair.

Graying Hair:

If your hair is turning gray – congratulations!  Gray hair is a sign of wisdom and knowledge.  However, if you would still prefer to avoid signs of aging, color your hair with one of the great anti-aging gray cover-up dyes available either over the counter or at the salon.

Gray hair is different from normal hair because it has lost it’s pigmentation.  Basically, gray hair has lost the ability to hold color in its strand – that’s why it’s gray in the first place.  When dying gray hair, you need to have a special type of hair dye that will stick to the gray hairs – so make sure to read the box label carefully.

Many people, even younger people, are now choosing to leave their hair gray or white once it changes color.  By leaving your hair your natural color, you are not only saying that you are comfortable with yourself, but you are setting a good example for those around you.  Plus, people with gray or white hair generally get more respect than those with natural hair colors – and that doesn’t even take into consideration all of the time and money you will save not dying your hair.

Damaged Hair:

Hair that has been permed, ironed, dyed, or been exposed to a significant amount of chemicals is probably damaged to some extent.  According to a leading hair stylist, almost everyone has damaged hair – the real question is how damaged is it.

Often, if your hair is only mildly damaged, you can treat it with leave-in conditioners and special shampoos to help restore it back to its original state.  Look for products that actually talk about the science behind your hair restoration to make sure that they are the real deal – many products promise moisture and “healthy” hair, but don’t actually deliver.

If your hair is severely damaged, don’t despair – you still have a couple options.  First, talk to your stylist to see if they can recommend a salon treatment that will restore part of your hair’s natural health, beauty, and shine.  Then, consider going for a hairstyle that will eliminate the damage and allow you to start over again.  For example, if you have very long hair, often cutting to shoulder length can remove the most damaged parts and make your hair much more healthy looking.