Hårtype

In Swedish contexts, hårtype refers to the natural pattern of hair shafts and how hair behaves. It is largely determined by genetics and is widely used in cosmetology to guide styling and care.

The most common framework for describing hårtype categorizes hair from straight to coiled, with subtypes a, b, and c reflecting increasing curl diameter and tighter patterns: Type 1 straight, Type 2 wavy, Type 3 curly, and Type 4 coils or kinks. Within each type, subtype a indicates a looser curl, b a medium curl, and c a tight curl or coil. These categories describe curl pattern and texture, and are often used alongside other hair characteristics.

Hair type is complemented by other features such as porosity (how easily hair absorbs moisture), elasticity (how far hair can stretch before breaking), and density (how thick each strand is and how many strands are present). Together, these characteristics influence how hair responds to moisture, heat, and chemical treatments.

Determining a person’s hair type typically involves observing washed and air-dried hair to see the natural curl pattern, along with a quick assessment of strand thickness and overall behavior. It is important to note that hair type is a spectrum rather than a fixed label, and patterns can vary across the scalp or change with age, climate, hormones, or chemical treatments.

Care implications: hair type guides general care but is not prescriptive. For example, higher porosity or drier patterns often benefit from more moisture and sealing, while low-porosity hair may require lighter products and occasional clarifying. Avoid excessive heat and harsh chemicals to preserve the natural structure.