The curlier the hair the more moisture is needed and vice versa below are the levels of need for moisture for each hair type:
Hair Type 1
Type 1 hair is straight with no curl or wave pattern and tends to be oily and usually has a shine to it. You should use a light-weight conditioner if you find it difficult to comb your hair after washings, but be careful not to apply it directly to the scalp. Because of the abundance of natural oil, type 1 hair does not need much to keep it moisturized.
Hair Type 2
Hair with some waves but no distinct curl defines type 2 hair. This type of hair clings to the scalp and is more coarse than type 1. It is best to wash type 2 hair daily to maintain a healthy sheen and to make your waves look their best. Washing daily tends to strip the natural oils in the hair so use a good conditioner to make sure your waves are properly moisturized. In fact, a good leave-in conditioner is beneficial to keep those waves looking voluminous throughout the day.Hair Type 3
Type 3 hair can be defined as “ringlets” as there is a distinct “S”shape to the waves. The hairs are tightly formed but have a fairly soft texture to it despite having less shine to it than types 1 and 2. You should wash your hair in moderation as your hair has less natural oils and will tend to dry out and look flat if washed too often. Between washings, you can “co-wash” which is washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. This will help moisturize and soften your hair without stripping the natural oils from it, and you can co-wash your hair more often than if washing with shampoo.Hair Type 4
Finally, type 4 hair is usually very fragile with a lot of kinks and coils. This type of hair tends to be very dry because the oils from the scalp are unable to reach the rest of the hair due to all the bends and curls along the hair shaft. Most African-Americans have type 4 hair and it is very important to moisturize this type of hair because of its tendency to be dry and brittle. It is not necessary to wash your hair often, once a week is sufficient. Use an ultra-moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically made for coarse hair. Co-washing your hair is an excellent alternative for type 4 hair to keep it moisturized and frizz-free. Deep-condition your hair at least once a week and use a hot-oil treatment once a month to give your hair a boost.The reasons why you must moisturize your hair and how many times daily for hair type 1, 2, 3 and 4 are varied, but once you have established a good hair care regimen, you will be able to enjoy hair that is healthy and shiny. So now the next step is to go out and find that shampoo and conditioner that works best for you. You know your hair best and depending on how oily or dry it feels, adjust your wash and conditioning routine accordingly.
