Wavy, Curly, or Coily? Understanding Your Hair Texture (and Why It Matters)

Let’s be real: most of us didn’t grow up being taught how to actually care for our hair texture. Whether it was fighting frizz, flat roots, or endless tangles, we were often told to tame, straighten, smooth, or style our hair into something it wasn’t.

But here’s the thing: your hair texture isn’t a problem to fix—it’s a pattern to understand.

When you know your hair type, you can build a routine that works with your strands, not against them. Whether your hair forms soft waves or tight coils, every curl pattern deserves care that honours its natural shape.

Here’s your guide to identifying your texture—and how to care for it using low-tox, clean beauty products that support your hair’s unique rhythm.

The Hair Texture Spectrum: Where Do You Sit?

Hair texture falls into four main categories, based on how your strands curl (or don’t) from root to tip. From straight to tightly coiled, here’s a quick breakdown:

Type 1: Straight

No bend, wave or curl. Often smooth, shiny and can get oily quickly.

Type 2: Wavy

Gentle bends in an S-shape. Can range from loose waves to defined texture. Tends to get frizzy, especially in humidity.

• 2A: Soft, loose waves (may appear flat at roots)
  
  

• 2B: More defined S-waves, some frizz
  
  

• 2C: Thicker, frizz-prone waves that border on curls
  
  

Type 3: Curly

Spirals or ringlets that spring when pulled. Naturally voluminous and often dry.

• 3A: Big, soft curls
  
  

• 3B: Tighter ringlets with more texture
  
  

• 3C: Corkscrew curls with lots of volume and density
  
  

Type 4: Coily or Kinky

Tight curls or zig-zag patterns with lots of shrinkage. Can feel wiry or soft, and is the most fragile hair type.

• 4A: Defined coils
  
  

• 4B: Zig-zag curls with less definition
  
  

• 4C: Tightly coiled strands with lots of volume and minimal curl definition
  
  

Why It Matters: Product Choice Starts Here

Your curl pattern affects how your hair retains moisture, how quickly it gets oily, and how it responds to different ingredients.

For example:

• Wavy hair loves light, hydrating products that tame frizz without weighing it down.
  
  

• Curly hair craves moisture and protein to maintain bounce and definition.
  
  

• Coily hair needs richer, more emollient ingredients to keep it soft and strong.
  
  

• Straight hair does best with lightweight, clean formulas that won’t leave residue.
  
  

BodFood Favourites by Hair Type

We’ve formulated every BodFood product with texture in mind—blending science-backed ingredients with plant-powered nourishment.

Wavy & Fine Hair
Try our Voluminous Shampoo and Voluminous Conditioner for gentle lift, weightless moisture and frizz control. Or Strength & Repair Shampoo and Conditioner to balance oils and build strength. The Sea Salt Spray also doubles as a light-hold texturiser for effortless waves.

Curly & Dry Hair
Our Strength & Repair Shampoo and Maxim Moisturising Conditioner deliver deeper hydration and protein support. Follow with the Shine & Moisture Hair Serum to lock in softness and shine.

Coily & Thick Hair
Layer on hydration with the Maxim range, and use our serum as a pre-wash treatment to soften and detangle coils. You can also scrunch in the Sea Salt Spray while damp for extra hold and volume without crunch.

Not Sure What Your Hair Type Is?

Here’s a quick test:

• Wash and air-dry your hair without product.
  
  

• Observe the pattern that forms naturally.
  
  

• Compare your strands to the texture scale above.
  
  

Still unsure? That’s okay. Most people have a blend of types—and that’s completely normal. Hair also changes with age, hormones, and weather, so your type today might not be your type forever.

Knowing Your Hair Type = Freedom

Understanding your texture isn’t about fitting into a box—it’s about giving your hair the care it actually needs. Once you know what you’re working with, the guessing stops—and the good hair days start rolling in.

Your hair isn’t a trend. It’s your crown. And at BodFood, we’re here to help you care for it with clean, conscious formulations made for every wave, curl and coil.