Christine KellerDid you know that there are actually 12 different hair types? Two of the most popular types of hair are straight hair and wavy hair. But what is the difference between straight vs. wavy hair?
Aside from the obvious difference in terms of appearance, other factors make these two types distinct and unique from each other. This short guide aims to give you a good idea about the differences between these two common hair types.
What is Straight Hair?
Straight hair tends to exude the most shine out of all the types of hair out there. Sadly, though, it also has the least amount of volume.
Due to the absence of curls, oil can travel faster from the scalp down the hair shaft, making straight hair appear greasier compared to other hair types.
- 1A – Out of three types of straight hair, this is marked by soft and fine-textured hair. It also lacks volume and tends to be wispy but shiny.
- 1B – This is the straight hair type that is a bit thicker with a little more volume, making it easier to manage compared to the first type.
- 1C – This final type of straight hair is thicker compared to type 1B and has the coarsest texture as well.
What is Wavy Hair?
Thicker compared to straight hair, wavy hair has a texture that falls between curly and straight. It is also not too dry and not too oily. The hair strands of wavy hair are curved in the shape of the letter S.
- 2A – There is a slight bend to this type of hair that is similar to beach waves. This hair is fine, fairly easy to style, and is not frizzy.
- 2B – The waves of this wavy hair type are tighter and a bit more defined. It is a thicker and frizzier type of wavy hair than 2A.
- 2C – You surely know that it looks similar to curly hair if you have this particular type of hair. It is defined by the loose spiral curls, notably thicker and courser compared to the first two wavy hair types. It also happens to be the frizziest and the most difficult to style out of all types of wavy hair.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Straight Hair
Straight hair may look easy. After all, straight hair is just straight, right? Well, just like anything else in this world, straight hair has its pros and cons.
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Strengths
Here are the benefits of straight hair:
A Mirror-Like Shine
Those who have naturally straight hair don’t need extra shine serum since the hair’s straight surface reflects more light, making the hair shinier and smoother.
Easy to Grow Out
Straight hair is easy to grow strong and long. Thanks to the hydration it gets from the sebum, it makes the hair less prone to breakage and split ends, creating elasticity and stamina that makes it snap back easily.
It’s Tough
Thanks to straight hair’s relatively streamlined structure, the sebum or the scalp’s natural oils have an easier time making their way down to the travel shaft that gives the hair all nourishment it needs. This helps the straight hair stay strong despite all the styling, aggressive brushing, and braiding.
Weaknesses
Below are some of the not so good things about straight hair:
Dull and Boring
While there is something to love about long hair, manipulating straight hair is a bit difficult and can make the style a bit boring and dull.
Greasy without Effort
The follicles of straight hair are smooth, making the sebum more visible on top of the hair. This means that washing your hair two times a week might not be enough considering all the grease.
Lack of Volume
People who have straight hair often had a hard time with the fact that their hair lacks volume. Using hair spray alone is not enough to retain thickness and some volumizing might be necessary.
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Strengths and Weaknesses of Wavy Hair
Wavy hair may be a better option if you are not fond of the straight look. However, it also has its own set of pros and cons that you should be familiar with.
Strengths
Check out the following advantages of wavy hair:
More Choices of Length
With wavy hair, you can experiment with different lengths as much as you want. You can go long or even short, depending on what you like and what looks best on you.
Haircuts Made Easier
Every wave of wavy hair is unique and slightly different, which means that it is only natural that the ends are not all perfectly aligned. It makes it easier to conceal any flaws in haircuts.
Reduced Wash Days
Yes, you can go up to 3 days without washing your hair with no need to worry about greasy roots.
Better Frizz Control
When you stick to your natural wavy pattern, you will notice that most of the frizz will simply work itself to the natural waves. You can finally say goodbye to those stands that stick out of place.
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It’s More Interesting
This one might be a bit subjective but wavy hair is more interesting not only in terms of appearance but also when it comes to the things you can do with it.
More Volume
Wavy hair is the best way for you to embrace volume with no need to look frizzy or poofy.
Weaknesses
Here are some of the disadvantages of wavy hair:
Less Controllable
Wavy hair might be a bit less controllable compared to straight hair.
Products are More Expensive
You might need to spend more on products if your hair is wavy, including conditioner and shampoo. This means you will have to invest more in your hair if you wish to embrace your natural waves.
More Products to Use
Aside from shampoo and conditioner alone, you might also need other products for your wavy hair, such as mousse, clarifier, deep conditioners, and even protein treatments.
Needs More Knowledge
When you have naturally wavy hair, you will have to research more things just to make sure that you can achieve the look you want.
At the end of the day, when it comes to straight vs. wavy hair, it is always a matter of preference.
