Decoding your Curl Type

Every individual's hair is unique, and understanding your specific curl type is a crucial step in embracing and enhancing your natural beauty. From loose waves to tight coils, identifying your curl pattern can guide you in choosing the right products and styling techniques for your hair. In this guide, we'll delve into the various curl types and provide insights on how to determine your own, empowering you to nurture and celebrate your natural curls.

Understanding the Basics: start with the Curl Spectrum. Curls come in a diverse range of patterns, and the naturally curly hair spectrum is often classified into four main types: Type 2 (Wavy), Type 3 (Curly), Type 4 (Coily), and further categorized by subtypes within each type.

1. Type 2: Wavy Hair

    

   • 2A: Loose, beachy waves
   • 2B: Defined S-shaped waves
   • 2C: Thick, coarse waves with a slight curl
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2. Type 3: Curly Hair

    

   • 3A: Well-defined, loose curls
   • 3B: Springy, bouncy curls
   • 3C: Tight, corkscrew curls
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3. Type 4: Coily Hair

    

   • 4A: Defined, S-shaped coils
   • 4B: Z-shaped coils with less defined curls
   • 4C: Tight coils with minimal curl definition
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Determining Your Curl Type: Identifying your curl type involves assessing the natural pattern and characteristics of your hair.

Once you've identified your curl type, tailoring your hair care routine becomes more intuitive. Here are some general tips for caring for each curl type:

1. Wavy Hair (Type 2):

    

   • Use light-hold styling products to enhance natural waves.
   • Air-dry or use a diffuser for a more defined wave pattern.
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2. Curly Hair (Type 3):

    

   • Embrace curl-enhancing creams like MASAMI Mekabu styling cream for hydration and definition.
   • Scrunch your curls to encourage bounce and shape.
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3. Coily Hair (Type 4):

    

   • Deep condition regularly to maintain moisture and use a nourishing conditioner like MASAMI Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner.
   • Employ the LOC (Leave-In, Oil, Cream) method for sealing moisture into tight coils.

Our products are thick and nourishing. Not watery like some other natural shampoos and conditioners. It’s all about the Mekabu!
 

Tips for Hydrating Your Hair

1. Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner:

Opt for moisturizing and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners -- like MASAMI. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, aloe, Mekabu and sea kelp which help retain moisture in your hair.

2. Limit Washing Frequency:

Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils. Try to wash your hair only when necessary and consider co-washing (using conditioner only) between shampoos to retain moisture.

3. Use Lukewarm Water:

Hot water can be drying to both your scalp and hair. Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead, and finish with a cool rinse to help seal the hair cuticle and add shine.

4. Deep Conditioning Treatments:

Treat your hair to regular deep conditioning treatments. Choose a hydrating mask or conditioner and leave it on for longer than usual to allow the ingredients to penetrate deeply into your hair shaft.

5. Protect Your Hair Outdoors:

Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from harsh winds and cold temperatures. This not only keeps your hair looking great but also prevents it from becoming overly dry and brittle.

6. Avoid Over-styling:

Limit the use of heated styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant spray first to minimize damage.

7. Maintain a Healthy Diet:

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals contributes to healthy hair. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, can also help keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.

8. Hydrate from Within:

Don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydrating your body helps maintain moisture levels in your scalp and hair.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can keep your hair hydrated and healthy throughout the winter season. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to hair care, so incorporate these practices into your routine to see the best results. With a little extra care, you can maintain beautiful, nourished hair even when the weather outside is frightful. So, embrace the winter wonderland knowing your hair is well-protected and ready to shine!

When we buy products, most of us just think of using them "as directed" -- the way the label tells us. But sometimes if you mix products in an unexpected and new way, you can create new uses and new opportunities. This is certainly the case in beauty. You can experiment and sometimes, get even more out of your products.

Take MASAMI's products for example.

MASAMI Styling Cream + Madame Lemy Powder (use on your roots as a dry shampoo) + May11 Hair Oil = Motorcycle Hair

MASAMI Conditioner + Kalme Co Liquid Gold = Overnight Hair Treatment to leave hair soft and silky. Top it off with a d'hair hair turban and you'll protect your pillowcases from getting covered with product.

One of the most common culprits behind dull, lifeless hair is the use of shampoos that contain sulfates. These harsh surfactants, commonly found in traditional shampoos, are designed to create a lather but can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. This not only dries out your hair but can also make it look dull and lackluster over time.

Switching to a vegan, sulfate-free shampoo is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your hair's natural shine. Vegan shampoos are typically formulated with gentle, plant-based cleansers that cleanse your hair without stripping it of moisture. Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and argan oil are commonly used in vegan shampoos to help maintain the hair's natural hydration, leaving it smooth and glossy. These ingredients also provide a natural shine without relying on synthetic chemicals that could harm your hair in the long term.

Another effective way to enhance your hair's natural shine is by using vegan conditioners. Conditioners are formulated to provide long-lasting moisture without the need for rinsing. This makes them perfect for daily use to keep your hair hydrated and glossy throughout the day.

Achieving shiny, vibrant hair doesn't have to mean using products filled with harmful chemicals. By incorporating vegan, plant-based alternatives into your hair care routine, you can enhance your hair's natural shine while nourishing it with gentle, cruelty-free ingredients. Whether it's opting for sulfate-free shampoos, nourishing hair oils, leave-in conditioners, deep conditioning masks, or heat protectants, vegan hair care offers a variety of ways to give your hair the boost it needs to shine with health and vitality.

By embracing a vegan hair care routine, you not only improve the look and feel of your hair but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical beauty industry. With the right products and consistent care, you can enjoy natural, glossy hair that radiates health and shines with confidence.

At MASAMI, we believe that life should be simpler.  And your choice should be clean. You shouldn’t have to choose between toxic ingredients and performance.  And sustainability shouldn’t be an afterthought.

And in haircare, you shouldn’t have to choose between shine, volume, color protection, hydration or healthy hair.  You should have a product that gives you everything. It should smell amazing without being overpowering. You shouldn’t need to use extra products to compensate for what it’s missing.  

We created MASAMI, to work for virtually every hair type. For men and for women. For beauty fans and for non-fan types. As we take inspiration from our Japanese roots, we’re constantly reminded that simplicity is a very good thing.