Discover Your Exact
Hair Type & Texture
Answer 11 quick questions and get a precise breakdown of your hair pattern, thickness, density, porosity and more.
What Is Hair Typing — And Why Does It Matter?
Hair typing is the process of classifying your hair based on its natural texture, curl pattern, and physical characteristics. The most widely used framework is the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, originally developed by Oprah Winfrey’s personal stylist. It divides all hair into four main types — straight, wavy, curly, and coily — each with three sub-categories, giving a total of 12 distinct hair subtypes ranging from 1A to 4C.
Understanding your hair type is the foundation of an effective haircare routine. Without it, men often waste money on the wrong products, use incorrect styling techniques, and end up frustrated with results that never quite work. Knowing your type means you can choose the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products with confidence — and finally understand why your hair behaves the way it does.
Hair typing goes beyond just curl pattern. Strand thickness, hair density, porosity, and scalp oiliness all play a major role in how your hair looks, feels, and responds to products. This tool analyses all five dimensions to give you a complete picture of your hair profile.
Why Use This Hair Type Checker?
Most men have never been formally introduced to the concept of hair typing. Barbershops focus on cuts, not hair science. Product packaging uses vague terms like “for thick hair” or “adds volume” — which tells you very little without knowing your actual hair type first.
This free hair type analysis tool was built to change that. It asks the right diagnostic questions, analyses your answers across five key hair traits, and maps your results to a precise subtype — all in under two minutes, with zero sign-up required.
- Identify your exact hair type from all 12 subtypes in the Andre Walker system
- Understand your hair’s porosity, density, and thickness — the traits most men overlook
- Get personalised care tips tailored to your specific hair pattern and scalp type
- Stop guessing at the hair product aisle — shop with a clear understanding of what your hair actually needs
- Works for all ethnicities and all natural hair textures
How the Hair Type Checker Works
This hair type checker uses a diagnostic scoring system inspired by trichology principles and the Andre Walker classification framework. Each of the 11 questions targets a specific hair characteristic and assigns weighted scores across five trait categories.
- You answer 11 questions, one at a timeEach question has four options that correspond to different hair behaviours — from completely straight to tightly coiled, from low-porosity to high-porosity.
- Your answers are scored across 5 trait categoriesThe tool tracks your hair pattern, strand thickness, hair density, scalp oiliness, and porosity simultaneously as you answer.
- An algorithm maps your scores to a hair typeYour average scores across all categories are compared against the 12-subtype classification matrix to find your closest match.
- You get a full results breakdownYour results include your named hair type, a description, visual trait bars, and a set of targeted care tips — all personalised to your specific hair profile.
All 4 Hair Types & 12 Subtypes Explained
The Andre Walker system covers every natural hair texture with precision. Here’s a breakdown of all four main types and their three subtypes each:
No natural curl or wave. Oil travels fastest down straight strands, making this type prone to looking flat or greasy. Type 1C is the thickest and most resistant of the three.
S-shaped waves that vary from loose and subtle (2A) to strong and frizz-prone (2C). Sits between straight and curly — responds well to light styling products and diffusing.
Defined springy curls ranging from loose ringlets (3A) to tight corkscrews (3C). Naturally drier than straight or wavy hair — moisture is essential for definition and health.
Tight coils and zig-zag patterns with significant shrinkage. The most fragile hair type — requires consistent deep conditioning, gentle handling, and protective styling.
The 5 Hair Traits This Tool Analyses
Curl pattern is just one piece of the puzzle. A complete hair profile includes four additional traits that dramatically affect how your hair behaves day-to-day:
| Trait | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Pattern | Your natural curl or wave shape (Types 1–4) | Determines which styling methods and products work best |
| Strand Thickness | Fine, medium, or coarse individual strands | Fine hair needs lightweight products; coarse hair needs richer formulas |
| Hair Density | How many hairs grow per square inch of scalp | High density needs more product; low density needs volume-boosting approaches |
| Porosity | How well your hair absorbs and retains moisture | Low porosity needs heat to open cuticles; high porosity needs sealing products |
| Scalp Oiliness | How quickly sebum (oil) builds up on the scalp | Determines wash frequency and whether you need clarifying or hydrating shampoos |
Frequently Asked Questions
The ApexGroom Hair Type Checker is an educational and informational tool only. It is designed to provide a general indication of your hair type based on the self-reported answers you provide. The results generated by this tool are not a professional diagnosis, and should not be treated as expert haircare, dermatological, or trichological advice.
Hair analysis is a complex field and results may vary depending on individual factors including genetics, age, hair history, chemical treatments, and environmental conditions. ApexGroom makes no guarantee of accuracy regarding the results produced by this checker. The information provided is based on generalised hair typing frameworks such as the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, and individual results may differ from a professional assessment.
If you have concerns about your hair health, scalp conditions, hair loss, or any related issues, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified trichologist, dermatologist, or professional hairstylist. Always seek professional advice before making significant changes to your haircare routine, especially if you have a diagnosed scalp or hair condition.
By using this tool, you acknowledge that ApexGroom is not liable for any decisions made based on the results of this checker. Use of this tool is entirely at your own discretion.