Why Is My Hair Different Textures?

Key Takeaways

• People with multitextured hair may notice that their hair has different textures or types.
• Multitextured hair is primarily caused by genetics.
• You can manage multitextured hair through the right styling techniques and hair products.

Jump to

Multitextured Hair: Why Is My Hair Different Textures?

Have you examined your hair and noticed different curl patterns or textures? If so, you might have multitextured hair. Learn more about multitextured hair and how you can take care of it.

What Is Multitextured Hair?

People with multitextured hair have two or more textures or hair types. As a reminder, hair texture refers to the thickness of your hair, while hair type refers to how straight (or curly) your hair is. Hair texture is either fine, medium, or coarse (thick). There are four different hair types: type 1 (straight), type 2 (wavy), type 3 (curly) and type 4 (tight curls). Each of these hair types has subcategories (a, b, and c) that further specify curl patterns. For example, someone with multitextured hair might have both type 3b and 3c hair. Type 3b hair is known for bouncy ringlets, while type 3c hair has tighter corkscrew curls. If you have multitextured hair, don’t fret—it’s completely normal.

What Causes Multitextured Hair?

Here are a few factors that can cause your hair to have different types and textures:

• Genetics. In general, hair type and texture are inherited, meaning you get them from your biological family—so it’s no surprise that multitextured hair is genetic, too.
• Your environment. Your environment can also contribute to multitextured hair. For example, humidity can impact the appearance of your hair.
• Chemical treatments. Chemical treatments can also affect your curl pattern. For example, bleaching or coloring your hair can potentially change your curl pattern or texture. Most of the time, these changes are temporary.
• Hormones. Hormones can temporarily (or even permanently) change your hair type and texture.
• Your sleeping position. The way you sleep can impact your hair’s curl pattern and cause flatter hair. For example, sleeping on your back can cause the back of your hair to become flatter, causing a disruption in your curl pattern.

How to Manage Multitextured Hair

From styling to detangling, here are some tips to take care of your multitextured hair.

Create Uniform Curls

If having an uneven curl bothers you, you can curl your hair to make it look more uniform. If you can, try curling your hair without hot tools, as heat is known to damage hair. One method to make your curl patterns more even without heat is using foam rollers. To curl your hair with foam rollers, follow these steps:

1. Choose a foam roller size. The size of the roller will determine the size of the curl, so choose a roller that’s similar to the circumference of your curls.
2. Section your hair into different parts. You can keep them separated with claw clips.
3. Start by rolling the top section of your hair. Once you’ve rolled the top section of your head, you can roll the other sections of your hair.
4. For best results, leave the foam rollers in overnight, then remove them in the morning.

Another heatless option you can try to create uniform curls is finger coiling. To coil your hair, use your favorite hair gel and apply liberally throughout your hair. Once you’ve added gel to your hair, wrap a strand of hair around your finger and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds. Once the 20 the 30 seconds are up, let go of the hair and let it dry. Continue this process until you’ve coiled your full head of hair.

Use the Right Brush or Comb

Multitextured hair is sometimes difficult to detangle. Try a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to detangle your tresses. ® Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum can also help reduce tangles and add shine to your hair.

Use the Right Haircare Products

Since many shampoos and conditioners are formulated to cleanse and soften specific hair types, it can be difficult to find the right haircare products for multitextured hair. Try a shampoo that repairs, strengthens, and nourishes all hair types like No.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo. If you’re looking for a conditioner that’s formulated for all hair types, No.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner can help moisturize, hydrate, and detangle your multitextured hair.

With the right techniques and products, managing your multitextured hair is a breeze. Want to learn more about which hair products you should be using? Take our quiz to get a personalized OLAPLEX routine today.

Sources

1. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_four_types_of_hair/article.htm
2. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-hair-bleach