A person's hair type often describes how curly, wavy, or straight his or her hair is. However, hair type also differs in other factors such as thickness, density, porosity, and elasticity. Knowing what your hair type is can be very helpful, as it can make it easier to determine the right maintenance routine and needs. In this blog article we will focus mainly on the importance that hair types have on hair transplantation and what you should look for if you are deciding to undergo a transplant. You will be surprised to know that sometimes something as small as hair type can make some people unsuitable for hair transplant surgery. 

What does the hair type mean?

Our hair type depends mainly on the curvature our hair has, which is determined by the hair follicle. The shape of the follicle determines whether your hair type is considered straight, curly, wavy or afro. Hair will be curlier if the shape of the follicle is more oval or asymmetrical.

Our hair type is determined by genetic factors. Although people, especially women, can sometimes try to change their hair pattern with various chemicals or techniques available, the hair follicle and DNA do not change. Even if the hair falls out, once it grows back it will have the same pattern it had at birth. Once the hair grows back and goes through its normal growth cycle, the genetic characteristics assert themselves again.

What are the different types of hair? 

As you may already know, there are 4 main hair types, further classified into different categories. We know this may seem confusing, but let's try to simplify things by explaining them in detail:

Straight hair types (Type 1A-1C)

Type 1 hair is also known as straight hair. As you can tell from the name, this type of hair has no curls, however, it is divided into 3 categories according to the degree of straightness:

• Hair Type 1A - This hair type has no curl and is straight as a pin without any deviation. 
• Hair 1B - This hair type is similar to hair 1A but has more volume. 
• Hair Type 1C - This straight hair type has a very light wave.

Straight hair is usually more manageable than other hair types and is easy to style, but it tends to get greasier faster, which means it needs to be washed more often. 

Types of wavy hair (type 2A-2C) 

Wavy hair is somewhere between straight and curly hair. They are not considered straight because they have an S-shaped wave pattern, but in any case they are not considered curly because they are not curly. Waves give the hair a more voluminous appearance and therefore can look denser and fuller. Wavy hair is divided into three categories:

• Hair type 2A - Loose, elongated waves 
• Hair type 2B - shorter S-shaped curls 
• Hair type 2C - well-defined "S" shaped curls.

The characteristics of wavy hair are similar to those of straight hair. People with wavy hair may have greasier hair and therefore need to wash it more often. However, unlike straight hair, wavy hair may be frizzier, which gives it an uneven appearance.

Curly hair types (type 3A-3C) 

Curly hair ranks third among hair types. Like the other hair types, they also have grades that are:

• Hair type 3A - loose, wavy, but bouncy curls.
• Hair type 3B - tighter curls that tend to bounce. 

Curly hair does not tend to become easily greasy, but it is drier. This happens because hair oils have difficulty getting down the ends of the hair. 

Afro hair types (types 4A-4C)

Last but not least, there is afro hair. This is where the curls are denser and tighter and form a zig-zag pattern. These hair types are classified into 3 subcategories, including:

• Hair type 4A - tightly rolled curls 
• Hair type 4B - Zigzag pattern with tight coils
• Hair type 4C - tight curls forming an O-shaped pattern.

These hair types can be difficult to manage because they are frizzier, drier and more prone to breakage. 

How to figure out what your hair type is? 

Knowing your hair type can make the process of hair maintenance much easier. This can be done by a professional or by yourself. By carefully observing your hair strands, you can determine which category your hair falls into. It is obvious that this should be done when the hair is in its natural condition, without applying any products and without moisture. It is recommended to do this after showering, when the hair is completely dry. However, be aware that your hair may not necessarily fall into a specific category or you may not be able to identify the precise category or subcategory it falls into. Some hair types have very simple characteristics and this can make the task more difficult. 

What determines hair type? 

According to several studies, hereditary and environmental factors are two of the main components that determine whether the hair type is straight, curly, wavy or afro. This also determines the thickness and density of the hair. However, considering how genetics work, even if the parents both have curly hair, this does not guarantee that the child will have the same hair type. Hair types, just like eyes, can be inherited from one's ancestors. Environment is another important factor that can influence hair type. For example, humidity and cold weather can both make hair frizzy, changing its structure.

Is hair type important in hair transplantation? 

Il vostro tipo di capelli può avere un impatto sulla semplicità con cui gli innesti vengono rimossi dalle aree donatrici (la parte posteriore e laterale della testa) durante un trapianto di capelli. Normalmente non è un problema, ma con i capelli più ricci il chirurgo può trovare l'estrazione più difficile e richiedere più tempo. Per questo motivo, a volte i medici albanesi possono consigliare di effettuare un test FOX prima di procedere con il trapianto di capelli. Nel test FOX, il chirurgo rimuove un piccolo numero di innesti - circa 100 - dalla regione donatrice e conta il numero di unità follicolari complete e incomplete che vengono rimosse. Il chirurgo dovrebbe procedere con la FUE se l'estrazione è semplice e tutte le unità vengono rimosse; in caso contrario, dovrà utilizzare la procedura FUT. 

Are all hair types suitable for transplantation? 

The short answer is yes, hair transplantation is suitable for all hair types, but the level of difficulty changes. Doctors say that afro or curly hair is more difficult because they have to be more careful in extracting the grafts. The curly root may not provide enough usable grafts. In such cases, the surgeon will not be able to provide the patient with good hair density. However, this does not mean that people with curly or afro hair should not or cannot undergo hair transplantation, because several successful surgeries have been performed for these types of hair. We just want to make sure that you are prepared for the fact that you may not be a suitable patient for this type of surgery. However, the surgeon will perform all the recommended tests to make sure everything is correct before proceeding with the surgery. 

Does hair texture change after transplant surgery?

As we mentioned earlier, because the surgeon simply transfers existing hair follicles to a new location, the texture and color of the donor hair that will be transplanted into the bald area will also likely be of the same quality. However, in some cases, hair texture may be affected by:

• Thickness of each strand of hair
• Number of strands per inch
• Natural hair growth pattern

Consequently, the only difference is that after transplantation, some small changes in texture may be noticed due to the transfer of follicles from the back of the head to the front. Other than that, the transplanted follicles should continue to grow hair with the same thickness and texture as natural hair. The recovery period will obviously take time, so it is important to be patient. Before healthy hair starts growing again in the transplanted area, it is very normal for transplanted hair to fall out at first. The first hair should start to grow after three to five months. Although it may take a few more months for your effects to really show, the wait will be worth it.

Advantages of hair transplantation

• Minimum recovery period.
• It increases self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Hair transplantation has a high success rate.
• It gives a better appearance.
• Treats baldness and eliminates bald spots.
• Hair transplantation requires little maintenance.
• Minimal scarring.
• They are not painful and the procedure is minimally invasive. 

In conclusion

There is a wide variety of hair types in the world, and no one hair type is better than another. All hair is beautiful, regardless of how curly or straight it is, and each hair type has unique characteristics that make it harder or easier to manage. Hair type cannot be changed genetically, but it can be temporarily modified with at-home or skilled treatments. However, because some of these procedures can damage your natural hair, care must be taken. If you have experienced hair loss and are not sure if your hair type is suitable for a hair transplant procedure, we recommend that you contact one of our experienced and qualified surgeons who will give you the right answer. 

FAQs

Can the hair type change?

Hair type can be changed temporarily but not permanently. Once hair starts growing from the root, it will grow in its original condition. However, the environment or some medical treatments can cause changes in hair type. 

Are hair types genetic or not?

Hair types are strongly influenced by genetic factors and interact with each other to determine the type of hair you get. 

Is hair type important and why?

If you want to have and maintain the right hair routine, it is important to know your hair type. Once you find out which category your hair falls into, you can find the right products and take better care of your hair.

Are people with curly hair suitable for hair transplantation?

Yes, curly hair can be transplanted. However, the process can take a little longer and be more complicated. One of the advantages of curly hair transplantation is that you get more volume with fewer follicles. Curly hair transplantation also has the advantage of covering more volume with fewer follicles.

What about the afro hair?

Yes, afro hair can be transplanted, but as with curly hair, the procedure may take longer and be a bit more complicated. Also, hair that falls into these categories will be able to cover more area during transplantation than straight hair.  

Do hair transplant procedures hurt?

Although patients receive additional medications and local anesthetics, each patient experiences pain and discomfort at a different level. If necessary, doctors can provide pain relievers to take home after the procedure. However, many of our patients report that they do not need any pain medication after hair transplantation.

What is the best hair type for hair transplantation?

The best type of hair for a hair transplant is wavy hair. They usually offer better results due to the fact that they provide a thicker, denser look than straight hair. Also, for the doctor, this type of hair is easier to work with. 

What is the best hair transplantation method 2023?

No-Shave FUE is an excellent hair restoration procedure for anyone who wishes to recover their hair quickly and with as little disruption to daily life as possible. Compared to standard FUE, this simpler method requires fewer grafts and provides a faster recovery period. The results of this procedure are long-lasting and realistic-looking.