Everyone’s hair is different, but there are three primary types of hair ethnicity.
Understanding your ethnicity concerning your hair can help you care for it better, as hair types have different textures and shapes based on genetics.
If you want to care for your specific hair type the best you can keep reading to learn more.
Types of Hair Ethnicity
As mentioned, there are three types of hair ethnicity: African, Asian, and Caucasian. Of course, there are many more ethnicities than just these three, but when discussing hair, these are the three main types, and they require slightly different care.
Despite the differences in the extremity of hair greying and all other aspects, the reasons of greying hair don’t vary much among the hair races.
The sections below will discuss the differences between these types of hair ethnicity, including aspects like genetic hair loss, hair follicle shape, growth rate, and hair density.
African Type of Hair Ethnicity
African hair has a distinct appearance, usually with tight curls and kinks that can grow out rather than down. The spiral structure of the hair shaft results in thicker hair but also slows the rate of hair growth.
African hair has the slowest growth rate, with only 0.9 centimeters every month. But it has medium hair density and is less prone to hair thinning as people age.
The hair associated with this ethnic group is typically curly, but the curl pattern and the range of tightness can differ.
Follow our hair care tips for the best results.
- Wash Infrequently: It’s best to only wash African hair two to four times a month, as washing too frequently can dry out the hair and strip it of its natural oils.
- Always Condition: Ensure you condition your hair every time you wash it to avoid a dry or brittle hair texture. Focus on the ends, but you can also condition your roots.
- Use Hot Oil: A monthly or biweekly hot oil treatment can do wonders to help Afro hair stay moisturized and maintain elasticity. You can do hot oil treatments at home or have them done at a salon.
Caucasian Type of Hair Ethnicity
Caucasian hair, also called European hair, has medium density and typically a subtly round follicle. Caucasian hair follicles vary, so the texture of Caucasian hair can differ.
Most people have straight hair, but it may also be wavy or curled. It depends on the follicle shape, which can be oval or round.
The growth rate of this hair type is 1.2 centimeters a month, and Caucasian hair is denser than Asian and Afro hair, meaning it is the highest-density hair out of all the ethnic hair types.
Let’s now list some hair tips for Caucasian hair.
- Shampoo Regularly: The straighter your hair is, the more quickly grease will build up. Caucasian hair needs shampooing regularly to avoid greasy hair.
- Condition Wisely: Because of the high density of Caucasian hair, over-conditioning can make it limp and oily. Unless you have curly Caucasian hair, only condition the ends of your hair, not the roots.
- Use the Right Brush: To prevent breakage and reduce frizz, people with straight hair should use wild paddle brushes or a fine-tooth comb. The high density can easily cause snarls and tangles, so brush often and gently.
Asian Type of Hair Ethnicity
Asian hair grows the fastest, at a rate of 1.4 centimeters a month (source). It often has a round hair follicle, making it more uniform and straight.
This hair ethnic group has the lowest density, giving it a lightweight feel. People with Asian hair are more likely to experience hair loss or thinning hair as they age.
Check these hair tips if you want to give your hair the best care.
- Avoid Heat: Because Asian hair has the lowest density, it can be damaged by heat very easily. When blow-drying, use the cool air setting and avoid using curlers and straighteners if possible.
- Apply Coconut Oil: Applying coconut oil to Asian hair once every two weeks can help your hair stay strong and prevent breakage or thinning. It will also maintain a healthy shine and soft hair texture.
- Restrict Products: You don’t want to use too many products on Asian hair, as it can become limp, heavy, and lose its natural shine. Try to stick to one or two hair products at most.
Final Thoughts
While it’s easy to fall into fads or be tempted by the hot new hair product, you need to care for your specific type of hair.
Knowing the different types of hair ethnicity can help you identify yours, so you can take care of your hair properly and avoid damage.