What's your grade?

As I sit in my bed testing out an iPad touch, which happens to be amazing.I have the desire to make an entry. In the very beginning of my natural hair journey,I did as much research as I could on the subject of caring for natural hair. Albeit the info concerning natural hair was like trying to find a needle in a haystack early on,I was still able to come across a few nuggets of info from time to time. One nugget in particular was the hair grading system.

If I remember the origins of the hair grading system correctly,it was developed by Oprah Winfrey's hair stylist Andre Walker. The system goes a little something like this.


Type 1A-1C is generally straight not much curl definition,or too many layers. The oils from the scalp easily travel down the hair shaft.providing the this type lubrication,which helps maintain length,and in most cases gives high shine.


Type 2A-2C has slightly more body and is thicker than types 1. The oils from the scalp travel down the hair shaft much in the same way as types one as well.


Type 3A-3C This is where the world of kinks begin.Although the texture for most 3's remain straight and the shine is still ever present the curls and spirals abound. As the letter
grade for the 3's progress they may have an issue with keeping their kinks moist so for them may need a little extra help from moisturizers.


Last but not least type 4A-4C. My type. Cottony in texture, and low sheen. In my case my hair doesn't spiral on it's own, unless I do a wash and go. Otherwise I do double strand twist-outs to get the desired affect. The oils from my scalp have a tough time traveling down my hair  shaft, so to help remedy that I moisturize every other day. My hair responds well to shampoos made to moisturize, and conditioners that are also made for moisture.


 There is some controversy over this grading system. Many can't get with the hierarchal vibe this system gives. At first I felt the same, but the truth of the matter is without this system, I might not have ever found out how to care for my hair. Thank you Mr.Walker for bringing this info to my and others like me attention.