Do You Have Wavy Hair Without Knowing It?
It took me years to realize that I have wavy hair, not straight. Since it wasn’t visibly curly, I always assumed it must be straight. I constantly tried to straighten it, and I rarely liked how it looked in its natural state. Whenever I brushed it, it would just puff up and lose any shape.
Recently, I came across the hair typing system (known as the Andre Walker system), and everything clicked.
The Four Hair Types
- Type 1 — Straight hair. Grows downward without bending, usually shinier because sebum distributes easily along the entire length.
- Type 2 — Wavy hair (that’s me!). Forms S-shaped waves but not spirals. Subtypes range from loose waves (2A) to more defined and thicker waves (2C).
- Type 3 — Curly hair. Distinct spirals and ringlets.
- Type 4 — Super curly hair (coily/kinky texture). Tight, dense spirals or zigzag patterns.
How to Tell If Your Hair Is Wavy
The easiest test: wash your hair, skip all products, and let it air dry without brushing. If you notice waves or bends—you’re probably not a Type 1.
For me, the signs were:
- Wet hair forms natural waves
- Without styling, it looks messy and undefined
- After brushing, it puffs up instead of falling smooth
Why Does Knowing Your Hair Type Matter?
For years, I straightened my hair, used flat irons and curling wands, and then had to cut it because it became dry and damaged. I was tired of having hair that only looked good when it was “done.”
At some point, I realized something simple: beautiful hair is healthy hair—the kind that feels like soft silk, not straw.
When we apply heat to our hair (even with heat protectants), we break down keratin bonds and damage the cuticle—the hair’s outer protective layer. Over time, this leads to brittle, dry hair that struggles to look good in its natural state.
The Wavy Hair Method
I watched videos on how to style wavy hair and was amazed at how different the approach is— healthier and without long-term damage:
- While hair is still wet, apply hydrating products—leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or mousse. For wavy hair, products should be lightweight — heavier ones can drag the waves down and make them lose their shape.
- Scrunching — flip your head upside down and gently scrunch the hair upward toward your scalp to encourage waves. You can use a cotton towel (even t-shirt) for scrunching, which absorbs excess product and gives a more natural look.
- Diffuser drying (optional) — on cool or medium heat, avoiding direct high heat.
The result? Shiny, defined hair with natural waves—no flat iron, no damage.
A New Philosophy
Instead of fighting our hair and forcing it into some shape, we can simply work with it. It’s as if our hair already has built-in styling waiting to be discovered.
