Is My Straight Hair Actually Wavy?
Have you ever felt frustrated trying to figure out how to deal with your hair?
If you browsed TikTok recently, you might have noticed how everyone on the app discovered their actual hair texture after believing their hair type was straight.
The theory of hair, or Trichology, is not a concept taught to the general public.
But sure, if you’re interested in learning about Trichology, it’s one Google search away.
So, is your straight hair actually wavy?
Your straight hair might actually be wavy if you struggle with issues like poofy ends or frizzy strands. Also, if your hair air-dries with bends, twists, or waves, it could indicate you have naturally wavy hair.
Thankfully, millions of people are undergoing a hair makeover and discovering how to care for their hair’s natural texture.
This means that various resources and information are right at our fingertips.
So, it’s time to learn about your natural hair type!
For years, we have all been conditioned to believe that if you don’t have coily hair, it means your hair is straight. However, that’s no longer the case.
Now it’s time to learn your hair type and how to care for it to keep your strands healthy and happy.
Is My Hair Wavy or Straight?
Think of it this way: people with truly straight hair have hair that air dries completely straight on its own.
People with wavy hair have hair that doesn’t air-dry entirely straight or doesn’t dry straight in specific patches, so they need to flat-iron it to be completely straight.
How can you decipher if you have straight hair or wavy hair that just hasn’t had its chance to shine?
One way to find out, as mentioned above, is to use the air-drying technique.
Let your hair dry naturally during the day without touching it, and you’ll see the result.
What are some other methods that determine your hair type?
Straight Hair
A common misconception about straight hair is that it means you have thin, fine hair.
While that may be true for some individuals, others will disagree.
Straight hair can also be extremely thick and dense, making it challenging to work with.
In most cases, it is tough to keep straight hair curled for any extended period.
Some with straight hair can curl their strands with a hot tool, let the curls set, and still brush the hair out to revert to its naturally straight form.
Get The Gloss lists other factors that can indicate if your hair is straight:
- Often shiny and sleek
- Can be thick or fine
- Quickly becomes greasy or flat.
When it comes to dealing with straight hair, the less product, the better.
Those with straight hair can benefit from lightweight hair oil to combat frizz.
Otherwise, too much product can cause the strands to look greasy and stringy.
Straight hair is considerably fine in texture, but of course, this can vary since hair types are not the only indicator that determines how to take care of your hair.
This hair type can also lack volume, and oil can reach the strands more quickly than wavy hair.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair can be trickier to work with because it falls between curly/coily and straight hair types. Some may say that wavy hair can take on a mind of its own.
Air-drying your hair is the most straightforward way to achieve wavy hair.
Wavy hair is said to dry in an “S” pattern.
So, if you notice this after air drying, you could fall into the wavy hair category.
The density of your hair or texture can help in some cases; however, it’s not always the most accurate indicator.
Wavy hair can be thick or fine in texture, and you can have a lot of hair, or it can be thin.
Your hair can be a mix of soft beachy waves, or it can have a few curly pieces throughout your strands.
The possibilities are endless with wavy hair.
Wavy Hair Care lists some common characteristics of Wavy Hair:
- Your hair looks fluffy or puffy
- When it’s humid, your hair gets even more frizzy than usual.
- When your hair is cut wet, it dries shorter than you desired
These are a few things to look out for if you believe your hair could be wavy.
Sometimes, the air-dry method can lead you astray.
That’s why many wavy-haired girls think they have straight hair even if their strands dry “straight”.
If this is the situation you are in and you notice that your hair has bends in the middle of the shaft or curls at the ends, you may want to switch up your hair routine.
So, let’s say you find out your hair is wavy. Where do you begin to take care of it?
Hair Types
The four main hair types are straight, wavy, curly, and kinky.
Within each hair type are three versions of that hair type.
So, if you still feel confused and wondering what kind of wavy hair you have, let’s break it down into each subcategory of wavy hair possibilities.
Hair Type Guide:
- Straight: 1A, 1B, 1C
- Wavy: 2A, 2B, 2C
- Curly: 3A, 3B, 3C
- Coily: 4A, 4B, 4C
Cosmopolitan describes another indication that you have wavy hair like this: “Wavy hair tends to have definite and multiple bends from roots to tips. Meaning if your hair has one or two weird bumps, you’re probably working with type 1 straight hair.”
So now that you have figured out your hair is actually wavy, how do you style it?
What products can wavy hair benefit from? Each hair type has its pros and cons.
However, wavy hair is in the middle regarding texture, so style it however you please.
Styling Wavy Hair
We’ll explain each type of wavy hair below and share a few tips and tricks for styling it.
Wavy 2A
Type 2A hair types have a gentle “S” pattern from root to tip and have slight bends and waves.
This hair type can be fine in texture and needs help achieving a little volume, as it’s close to 1C hair.
One of the most beneficial ways to style 2A hair is with texturising or wave-defining products.
In addition, dry shampoo can easily give lift at the roots and soak up any excess oil between washes.
A wave or sea salt spray can define your waves from root to tip, leaving you with a beachy look.
I effortlessly feel like a mermaid when I use this product. You’ll love it!
If you are not a fan of hot tools, you can sleep with your hair in braids to avoid frizz and achieve a refined wavy outcome.
Wavy 2B
Type 2B hair types also have an “S” pattern; however, the pattern can be more defined and prominent for this hair type.
This hair type can be prone to frizz and poofy ends if not correctly cared for.
2B types can also have thick/dense strands.
You will want a boost of moisture in your hair and choose a product that will define your waves.
One way to do this is with an air-dry cream that combats frizz and external factors.
This will keep waves defined without looking unkempt or messy.
This air-dry cream is my go-to (and it saves me a ton of time in the morning).
Another way to boost moisture and combat puffiness is through a lightweight leave-in conditioner.
This will ensure the ends are hydrated and lock in moisture until your next hair-washing day.
Your waves will be prominent, defined, and last all week long.
Wavy 2C
Type 2C hair types still have a prominent “S” pattern; however, they can share similarities with the first curly hair type, 3A.
This is where most people get confused: whether their hair is wavy or straight, especially if it’s closer to curly hair types.
2C hair types can have a few curls throughout their hair and a coarser texture than fine, smooth hair.
They are also prone to losing defined waves and intense frizz.
Thankfully, there is a way to take care of it.
This hair type can even get away with treating it like 3A curly hair.
It shares more similarities with curly hair than straight hair.
Using a curl cream will bring definition back, eliminate frizz, and define your waves or baby curls.
Summary
Now that we have reviewed each wavy hair type, you may understand why your hair is actually wavy rather than straight.
In some cases, your hair can relate more to curly hair types.
Wavy hair is known as the hair type stuck in the middle.
If you have 2A hair, you could get away with treating your hair like it’s straight.
However, 2C hair types can sometimes be treated as curly hair, and 2B hair can go either way.
Reviewing which indicators to look for and experimenting with various styling techniques will help you determine your actual hair type.
It’s essential to have patience during this hair journey, and it can even be enjoyable when you find your ultimate hair care routine.
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