04/19/2026
Let's play detective...
Last week, I asked if you'd be up for a little game of Clue... Not in a mansion-- with a candlestick-- but in your everyday routine. Because the truth is, most people don't actually know what their hair needs. They guess. They copy. They hope. But the people who see real results? They observe. And today, I'm going to teach you how to become one of them.
Hello friend,
Before you buy another product or try another trend,
there's one skill that will save you time, money, and frustration.
Paying attention to what your hair is already telling you.
Your hair leaves clues-- every single day.
Clue #1: Type
Hair Type refers to the width of an individual hair strand and falls into 3 categories: fine, medium, and coarse. You can identify the type of hair you have by rolling a single hair between your fingers.
If you have fine hair, you won't feel it.
If you have medium hair, you will slightly feel it.
If you have coarse hair, you will feel it.
Being able to identify the type of hair you have is the start of choosing the right products for your needs.
Clue #2: Density
Hair Density refers to the number of hairs you have on your head per square inch, with the average person having anywhere between 80,000-120,000 strands total. You can identify your hair density by looking at your dry, unparted hair in bright light.
If your scalp is easily visible, you have low-density or thin hair.
If your scalp is partially visible, you have medium-density hair.
If your scalp is barely visible or not visible at all, you have high-density or thick hair.
Knowing the density of your hair will have less to do with the products you choose (unless your goal is to thicken or stimulate growth), and more to do with deciding which hairstyles and tools will suit you best.
Clue #3: Texture
Hair texture refers to the shape or pattern of your hair strand, this is sometimes referred to as hair formation. You can identify your hair texture by allowing it to air-dry without any product or styling; just comb through wet hair, give it a shake for air flow and then take note.
If it dries without any bends or curls, then you have straight hair texture.
If it dries with bends or an "S" shape, then you have a wavy hair texture.
If it dries with a curl or loop, then you have a curly hair texture.
If it dries with compacted spirals, then you have a coiled hair texture.
Hair texture identification is a great tool not only for knowing how to style your natural hair, but it is also telling in how much moisture your hair needs. Generally, the more textured the hair, the more moisturizing products it needs because it does not allow the natural oils to move from the scalp down the hair shaft as easily as a straight texture. This is why curly or coiled hair tends to feel dry to the touch or lacks shine.
Clue #4: Health or Condition
Hair Health can be defined by it's elasticity and porosity, whether or not there is breakage, excess shedding, and if it is smooth or has shine.
While your hair is wet:
Check for elasticity by gently pulling a damp strand, if it breaks immediately it lacks protein or moisture. If it stretches and returns, it has healthy elasticity.
Check for porosity by placing a strand of hair in water, if it stays near the top it has low porosity (healthy). If it sinks, it is highly porous and is likely damaged. The quick absorption of water indicates that the hair is not hydrated and unable to hold moisture independently.
While your hair is dry:
Check for breakage by inspecting a section of hair at the mid-length area. Look for short, jagged pieces of hair. These pieces indicate snapped hair. Additionally, if your hair feels like it changes from smooth to rough or dry in certain areas or at the ends, this could also be an indicator of breakage. Damaged hair whether through heat, mechanical, or chemical means, will feel wrong in all the ways-- dry, rough, gummy when wet-- it will not pass for healthy elasticity or porosity. It will have no shine. It will break away. Damaged hair is obvious, slight breakage is not.
Excess shedding is more than 125 hair strands per day. To check, use a clean brush, and gently brush through your hair once. If your brush head appears to have more than 125 hair strands, you are experiencing excess shedding. I do not recommend counting each strand, but if you do-- congratulations on your patience, sis. ;)
The indicator that is often overlooked is whether or not your hair feels smooth or has shine, this does not necessarily mean when it is air-dried, though. If you have any texture to your hair, style it before checking for smoothness or shine. You should be able to run your fingers through your hair without feeling rough spots or dryness. Your hair should also be able to reflect light. If your hair feels damaged or looks dull, you most likely need to change your hair routine and add products to support your hair health.
Build Your Haircare
Now that you have observed the ways to identify hair type... (you, little Miss Detective, you) apply this knowledge to your own hair! What is your hair type, density, texture, and condition? Did you already know or have a good idea? And what does this mean for your product needs and routine?
To make it easier, I have made tables for product recommendations, broken down by hair type; fine, medium, and coarse. And they are also organized by my top 3 favorite brands; Amika, Moroccanoil, and Biolage. You can access these tables by clicking the link below. Keep in mind, these tables are not strict or conclusive-- I am a firm believer in trial-and-error in order to find the products that work best for you and that are within your budget. I am not telling you to go and buy all of these products. Use these tables as a guideline for considering the products you already own and use. Are they serving you for what your hair needs are right now? Define your hair type, density, texture, and health/condition by using your new sleuthing skills and let me know! Ask yourself questions, take note of what you notice. If you have any questions, as always, feel free to reach out.
Additionally, I am considering offering Personalized Wellness & Beauty Consultations virtually for those who want more in-depth support. These sessions would take a broader look at your beauty and wellness as a whole-- possibly including nutrition, hair care, skin care, self-care, product choices, color analysis, and creating simple routines that fit your lifestyle in a realistic way. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, I'd love for you to reply to this email, send me a Facebook message, or shoot me a text and let me know.
Observation is where awareness begins.
But awareness alone isn't enough--
it needs understanding to create change.
Next week, we will take everything you've started noticing and move into Understanding. Connecting the dots so you can move forward with clarity and intention.
Until then, stay well.
Samantha
Found Wellness & Beauty
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