What is my hair type?

Curls are just one characteristic of your hair but they do not define your hair type. This will come as a surprise to some and a relief to others.

​We have been working with curly hair for over 20 years. Often curly hair is seen as difficult but it is just a matter of knowing how to work with it. It doesn't need expensive solutions, it's just hair. Unless you are of East Asian origin your hair is probably going to show some sign of curl pattern, from gentle waves through to tight curls.

At what point does wavy hair become curly hair and does it matter?

Who knows? Not us, it's all a matter of perception and really isn't important. Although it is weird how suddenly product manufacturers and internet bloggers have sprung up to claim a special niche where everyone is vying to sell you a new product or tell you of a process that will tame and style your curls. A whole community dedicated to curls. None of it is definitive, everyone has another solution. Even the curl pattern charts are not uniform in any way but vary from one manufacturer or publisher to another. Incidentally, from our own observation people cannot even tell which curl type they are when we put a chart in front of them (most think their hair is much curlier than it actually is).

Is it important to know what category your curl pattern falls into, whether you are a 3C or 2B?

Most definitely not, in fact it's a complete waste of time. In the first place, as we have already said above, these pattern charts are completely random and not based on any universal measurement. This means that no-one, least of all us, know what you are referring to unless we use the same chart. Secondly, your head may have hair that is almost straight right through to tight curls. Thirdly, defining hair by its curl pattern is absurd because the graduations are infinite. It's like trying to measure water temperature by describing it as tepid, warm, lukewarm, hot, very hot. It is all in how one person perceives things.

What is more important, understanding curl pattern or understanding hair type, texture an density?

It is quite common on curly hair websites to refer to curl pattern as "hair type". This is completely WRONG.

Hair type refers to one of three main groups, Asian, Afro and Caucasian. Within each ethnic group you may have a predominant hair type but there are still huge variations within that group. It doesn't even begin to define hair of mixed origin and many of us are far more mixed than we realise.

​By hair texture we are referring to hair circumference and condition of the cuticle. Your natural hair colour will also determine the texture of your hair.

Density refers quite simply to the number of hairs on your head per centimetre or inch.

​Understanding these three basic things is much more important than defining your curl pattern according to a notional category. Curl pattern is only one characteristic of your hair, it does not define your hair type or how it should be managed or treated.

Who needs a solution?

Curly hair is not a problem if you understand hair. Often you just need the right advice.
​Product manufacturers try to define hair in various ways in order to create the impression that there is a problem, for which they can of course sell you the solution.

Does curly hair need a special way to cut it?

Curly hair does not need some new-fangled way of cutting it (at three times the normal price). It certainly needs experience and understanding, but it's not as though curly hair has suddenly appeared on the planet and no-one knows what to do with it. Curly hair is not even difficult to cut once you know how to work with it. We don't get hung up on technique because there is not right or wrong way to cut curly hair, the only thing that matters is that the client gets the results they are looking for.

Does curly hair need special products?

We would not say "special" products but the "correct" products. Hairdressers who know their products will soon point out that they have been working just fine with standard ranges of quality products. It is all about the stylist understanding the hair and using the right product. Just because a product says it is designed for curly of Afro hair doesn't mean it is right for your particular hair type.
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Just for you
You can have great curly hair. We'll give you all the advice you need. Not just any advice, not just guesswork but accurate, professional advice.
Each time you come and see us we'll get the feedback from you and make any adjustments you feel necessary for your lifestyle. This is a partnership and involves you just as well as us. If you like, you can look at it as us being a kind of mentor to your hair. After all, your hair will only be with us for a short time at each appointment, the days and weeks in between will be up to you.

That's why we'll try to ensure you are equipped with the know-how to maintain your own hair on a daily basis. It's important that you understand that the advice we give is bespoke. Just for your hair, not generalisations.

We love cutting and styling curly hair and have a huge amount of experience. We cut curly hair in different ways, depending on the client and style we are trying to achieve.
Change can take place easier than you think, if you want change contact us now.