Are you one of those people who admire other people's shiny, soft and healthy hair and wonder how to achieve this pinnacle of hair beauty? If yes, you are in the right place. The secret to radiant hair does not lie only in the use of expensive products or intensive care, it begins with a fundamental and often neglected knowledge: knowing your hair type. Understanding the specific needs of your hair is the key to providing it with proper care. So how do you identify your hair type and what can it change for you? This is precisely what we will explore in this article.  

The different types of hair 

Your hair is more than just an aesthetic feature: it is a reflection of your internal health and genetics. Hair types, whether dry, oily, combination or normal, are determined by the amount of sebum produced by the oil glands in your scalp. Sebum is an oily substance that moisturizes and protects your hair. However, when sebum production is unbalanced, it can lead to different hair types.  

Dry hair: Dry hair is generally the result of insufficient sebum production by the sebaceous glands. Without this natural protection, hair loses moisture, making it dull, rough and brittle. Additionally, lack of oil can make the scalp dry and prone to peeling or itching. Environmental factors, such as dry weather, wind, sun, or excessive use of heated hair tools, can also contribute to dry hair.

Oily Hair: On the other end of the spectrum, we have oily hair. This hair type is characterized by excessive sebum production. Excess sebum makes hair heavy, shiny and can leave it looking flat and greasy. Oily hair may also tend to attract more dust and dirt, which can make it look dirty more quickly. Factors like stress, poor diet or hormonal changes can increase sebum production.

Combination hair: Combination hair is a combination of the two previous types. In this case, the sebaceous glands of the scalp produce too much sebum, making the roots oily, while the ends, further from the scalp and therefore the source of sebum, can become dry. This phenomenon is often exacerbated by hair care routines that do not properly address the distinct needs of the roots and ends.

Normal hair: Finally, normal hair is a type of hair that is the result of balanced sebum production. This hair has a soft, silky texture, is easy to style and has a beautiful natural shine. It's the ideal balance between too dry and too oily.

It should be noted that your hair type may change over time due to factors such as aging, hormonal changes, overall health, environment and hair care habits.

How to determine your hair type 

Knowing your hair type is essential for its health and appearance. But how do you know what your hair type is? There are several methods, but one of the simplest and most effective is the paper towel test. To perform this test, you will need a clean paper towel. After washing your hair, let it dry naturally without using styling products. Once your hair is dry, gently press the paper towel against different areas of your scalp, especially where the hair is denser.

Then look at the napkin. If the towel is oily, this indicates that your scalp is producing a large amount of sebum, which means you have an oily hair type. If the towel stays dry, it indicates that your scalp is not producing much oil, which means you have dry hair. If you notice that the towel is oily in some places (usually near the roots) and dry in others (often towards the ends), that means you have combination hair. This is quite common and simply means that your scalp produces more oil in some areas than others.

The characteristics of each hair type 

• Dry hair has symptoms that go beyond just a lack of shine. Due to their lack of hydration, they can also be rough to the touch, with a texture that can seem almost straw-like. Additionally, their lack of elasticity means they are likely to break easily when styled or handled. Split ends are another common sign, resulting from dry hair not receiving enough nutrients and moisture to maintain good hair shaft health.  

• Oily hair can feel heavy due to excess oil weighing down the hair strands. It can also cause hair to appear flatter, with less volume, because the weight of sebum prevents hair from rising and creating volume. The shiny, sticky appearance is caused by excess oil on the scalp and hair strands, which can also attract and retain more dirt and particles.  

• Combination hair presents a unique challenge because it combines the characteristics of both dry and oily hair. Oily roots can make hair look shiny and heavy near the scalp, while dry ends can look damaged and split. This combination can make combination hair particularly difficult to care for, as it requires products and treatments that can treat both oily and dry areas.  

• Normal hair is the ideal that many aspire to. With a balanced texture, they are generally easy to style and maintain. Their natural shine comes from the right amount of sebum produced by the scalp, which protects the hair strands without weighing them down or making them greasy. Additionally, normal hair tends to be more resistant to damage, like breakage, split ends, or dryness, thanks to its balance of moisture and sebum production.

How to take care of your hair type 

Dry hair 

Opting for hydrating and nourishing products is crucial for dry hair. These products contain ingredients that can help replenish lost moisture, making your hair softer and more manageable like our 5 in 1 leave-in enriched with aloe vera, shea butter or even linen gel, which nourishes and hydrates the hair while protecting it from external aggressions. Hair masks, oils and serums can be particularly beneficial.

It's also important to avoid heated tools such as hair dryers, straighteners or curling irons, which can strip even more moisture from your hair. If you must use them, be sure to use a heat protectant. Finally, avoid products containing alcohol, as they can dry out your hair.  

Oily hair 

If you have oily hair, opt for light, oil-free products. These products help balance sebum production without weighing down your hair. Clarifying shampoos and treatments can be used once a week to eliminate excess sebum and product residue like our purifying detox mask . Avoid touching your hair too often, as this can stimulate the sebaceous glands that produce sebum. Additionally, try not to wash your hair every day, as this can also stimulate oil production.

Mixed hair

If you have combination hair, you may need to use different products for the roots and ends. For the roots, use a shampoo for oily hair which will help balance sebum production. For ends, use a hydrating conditioner which will help nourish and hydrate dry ends. You can also consider using a serum or light oil on the ends to help them stay hydrated.  

Normal hair 

If you are one of the lucky ones with normal hair, continue to use balanced products that maintain the hydration and shine of your hair. These products are neither too heavy nor too light, and help maintain the natural balance of your hair. Don't forget to deep condition once a week to help maintain the health of your hair. And of course, a balanced diet and good hydration also play a key role in hair health.

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