1
Straight
Type 1 covers straight hair. Its subtypes range from very fine or thin hair to a coarser texture.
GLAMOUR HAIR GUIDE
Know your hair, choose with confidence
Understanding hair type and texture helps you observe how hair behaves, its natural pattern and the result you want to achieve. Cutting, styling and coloring techniques can vary according to hair type and the desired result. This Glamour guide introduces the 1A to 4C classification and helps you recognize the main texture patterns.
Hair type and subtype
In this classification, the number identifies the main hair type: 1 for straight, 2 for wavy, 3 for curly and 4 for coily hair. The letter A, B or C then identifies the subtype.
2
Wavy
Type 2 features waves. The S pattern becomes progressively more defined from 2A through 2C.
3
Curly
Type 3 covers curly hair, ranging from loose and voluminous curls to tight, springy patterns.
4
Coily
Type 4 features tight O- or Z-shaped patterns with varying definition and tightness.
The 12 subtypes, from 1A to 4C
Use these descriptions as observation points to compare the overall shape and texture of the hair.
| TYPE | CATEGORY | DETAILED DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Straight — Fine | Very straight hair with a fine or thin texture. |
| 1B | Straight — Medium | Straight hair with slight bends or a thin texture. |
| 1C | Straight — Coarse | Straight hair with a coarser texture. |
| 2A | Wavy — Loose wave | Fine, wavy texture with a loose S shape. |
| 2B | Wavy — Defined wave | A slightly more defined wave that maintains an S shape. |
| 2C | Wavy — Strong wave | A well-defined S shape or a looser Z pattern. |
| 3A | Curly — Loose curl | Loose curls with visible volume. |
| 3B | Curly — Tight curl | Tight and springy curls. |
| 3C | Curly — Very tight curl | Very tight, springy curls with a defined S or Z shape. |
| 4A | Coily — Defined coil | A looser coily texture with a defined O shape. |
| 4B | Coily — Zigzag | Tight coily texture with a defined Z shape. |
| 4C | Coily — Tight | Tight coily texture with a defined O shape. |
How do you identify your type?
Start by identifying the number corresponding to the general type, from 1 to 4. Then determine the letter A, B or C.
S
The S shape appears notably in wavy and some curly categories. Observe whether it is loose or strongly defined.
O
The O shape is a reference point for certain type 4 textures. Observe its overall form and tightness.
Z
The Z shape can appear loose or highly defined and helps distinguish certain textures.
Important: this system is a guide. Multiple textures can coexist on the same head of hair.
Choosing a Glamour texture
The classification gives you useful vocabulary for comparing textures. Commercial wig and bundle texture names do not necessarily correspond exactly to a 1A–4C category.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have more than one hair texture?
Yes. More than one hair type or texture can appear on the same head.
What do the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 mean?
They represent the four main families: straight, wavy, curly and coily.
What do A, B and C mean?
The letters identify the subtype within each main family.
How is type 1 assessed differently from types 2 to 4?
For type 1, focus mainly on diameter. For types 2 through 4, focus mainly on the texture pattern.