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  |  Hair Care  |  Problems  |  What is my hair type?
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What is my hair type?


question
When I go to the chemist and look at various hair care products, the number of choices is overwhelming. One product claims to give your hair volume, another says it cures split ends, a third touts its anti-frizz abilities. The list goes on and on, so how can I navigate the hair care aisle?

answer
The key to understanding which products will work for you is to first determine your hair type. There are three broad categories: fine and thin, medium, or coarse and thick. While Caucasian hair is often oval-shaped, Asian hair is rounded and can be the thickest of all hair types. African hair may be both thick and thin but is usually on the thick side. This is what makes it curly, but also what makes it fragile and prone to breakage at the thin points.

In addition, some hair is more porous and will quickly soak up whatever product you put on it. This type of hair reacts well to products, but also absorbs humidity in the air. If your hair gets frizzy on muggy days and flat on very dry ones, it's probably porous. Coarse hair is often porous, as is any hair that has been permed, straightened, permanently coloured or otherwise damaged. If you're not sure what hair type you have, ask your hairdresser.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about hair types on the Hair Care message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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