Getting to Know Your Hair: Greasiness, Elasticity, and Curl Pattern

So last time we talked about the diameter, density, and porosity of hair. In this last part of our two-part series on getting to know your hair, we’ll explore greasiness, elasticity, and curl pattern. These three characteristics are the last half of the information you need to know to take back control over your hair.

Greasiness

Ever wonder how frequently you should be washing your hair or what products you should use? Knowing the greasiness level of your hair is the key to the answer. Hair greasiness is divided into four categories: oily, normal, dry, and combination. The test to determine your hair’s level takes some time, but isn’t difficult. Start by thoroughly washing your hair before going to bed and allowing it to air dry. In the morning, press a tissue to your scalp, paying special attention to the area behind your ears and the crown of your head. Oily hair will leave heavy patches on the tissue. Normal hair will leave light amounts of oil, whereas dry hair won’t leave any. As you might expect, combination hair will leave different amounts depending on where you’ve pressed the tissue.

Elasticity

Elasticity is a factor that impacts the strength of the hair and is suggestive of the hair’s health. It refers to how much the hair can stretch before it goes back to its normal shape. Hair elasticity can be divided into three categories: high, medium, and low elasticity. This test must be done with wet hair. Pluck a strand of wet hair and stretch it as far as you can. If you can stretch it a lot before it breaks, perhaps as much as 50% of its length, it has high elasticity. If it can stretch somewhat, but not a lot, it has medium elasticity. Hair that snaps almost immediately has low elasticity.

Curl Pattern

Of course, when most people think about hair type, what they’re thinking about is their curl pattern. Is their hair straight? Wavy? Curly? Kinky? All of this is determined by the shape of the shaft and the tilt of the hair follicle. The rounder the shaft and the more minimal the tilt, the straighter the hair will be. Conversely, the more oval the shaft and more extreme the tilt, the more curl it will have until it’s considered kinky or coily.

Taking good care of your hair is crucial to maintaining its health and beauty. Anyone who’s ever shopped for hair products knows that there are countless options out there, which can make it difficult to make the right choice. Now that you know your hair a little better, though, you have the foundation you need to make informed choices for your hair. Congratulations, you’re that much closer to consistently having stunningly beautiful hair.

Coloring your hair can add beauty and personality to your hair. Check out our Hair Color Services to see how we can help you create your perfect look.