Texture, Pattern, and Density Talk: Understanding Your Hair & How to Treat It Right

by Tania Banks March 29, 2025

Crown Awareness

Have you ever sat down and wondered what your true hair texture is?  Whether your hair is fine or course or your curl pattern is 2A or 4C? Or have you ever found yourself frustrated when your hair just won’t cooperate with the style you had planned? Yeah...I been there. Before I went to hair school, I struggled so much trying to figure out why my hair didn’t behave like others. I used to think something was wrong with it. But the truth is, we’re not all created the same, so our hair won’t behave the same either.

The beautiful thing is, we learn through trial and error. We adapt, we grow, and we find the right resources to guide us toward understanding and embracing our crown, whether you are a king, queen, prince or princess. One thing about our crowns is they come in all shapes, patterns, and personalities. Whether you’ve got silky straight strands, soft waves, bouncy curls, or tight coils, understanding your hair texture, pattern, and density is the first step to truly caring for it.

This week on The Crown & The Culture, we’re diving into what makes each texture unique, why it matters, and how to give your hair exactly what it needs—starting with your scalp.

Know and Love Your Curl Pattern

Let’s break it down real quick:

•  Straight Hair (1A–1C): Tends to be oily, smooth, and resistant to curl.
•  Wavy Hair (2A–2C): Forms loose “S” shapes, with some frizz and movement.
•  Curly Hair (3A–3C): Springy spirals that thrive on moisture and gentle care.
•  Coily/Kinky Hair (4A–4C): Tight curls or zig-zag patterns, often fragile and naturally dry.

Understanding your Hair Type helps you choose the right techniques and products to lock in moisture, define curls, and reduce breakage. Knowing your Curl Pattern is not all it takes to understand your Hair Type, you need to also understand the Texture.  By this I mean, is your hair Soft or Course?  Add this to understanding your Density, is your hair Thick, Medium, or Thin? And what about your Porosity? (we will talk more about that below) but all that plays a part in understanding your overall Hair Type it is not just the pattern of your curls.  But remember—everyone’s hair is different. It can be similar, but not the same. I truly believe you already know your hair—you just need the right guidance to help you care for it with intention.

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It’s More Than Just Texture: Let’s Talk Porosity & Density

Porosity (how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture) and density (how many strands you have per square inch which could be thick, medium or thin.) play a huge role in what your hair needs.

Personally, I have very fine, soft, 3C hair, low density, and low porosity—which means it doesn’t hold moisture easily, and it’s prone to breakage. A lot of people would normally say “oh your hair is 3A”, but to be honest if I do not use heat on my hair at all my natural state is so beautiful and full, tight and springy. It took me a long time to understand how fragile my hair really is. Simple hairstyles that involve a little too much tension would lead to split ends or shedding. Protective styles that work for others—like braids, tight ponytails, or sew-ins—often stressed my hair out.

Even flat ironing my hair once or twice could lead to heat damage if I didn’t use the right products. Over time, I learned that my hair thrives best in its natural state, with less manipulation, gentle styles, and lots of moisture. Since embracing that, my crown has been flourishing—and I absolutely love where my hair is today.

The more you learn about your hair’s texture, porosity, and density, the better you’ll be able to treat it with care and love.

Crown Spotlight: Understanding 4C Hair

4C hair is beautifully bold, tightly coiled, and full of life—but also the most fragile of all hair types. It tends to shrink significantly, can appear shorter than it actually is, and requires deep moisture and low manipulation to flourish.

According to successful Black hair experts, 4C hair has fewer cuticle layers, which makes it more prone to dryness and breakage. That’s why protective styling, gentle detangling (with lots of slip!), and scalp care are non-negotiables.

Here’s the truth: 4C hair is not unmanageable, it’s misunderstood. With patience, the right products, and consistent care, 4C hair can grow long, healthy, and strong. It deserves to be celebrated, not compared just like any other hair type.

Healthy Scalp = Healthy Hair (For Every Texture)

No matter your pattern, one thing always rings true to me: scalp health is non-negotiable. A clean, nourished scalp is the foundation for strong, thriving hair.

At Herbs & Oils Haircare Essentials, our entire mission starts at the scalp. Whether you’re rocking a silk press, a frohawk, a twist-out, or a protective style, our formulas are made to detox, soothe, and hydrate from root to tip—no matter your type or texture.

So whether you’re a 2B beauty or stallion  or a 4C queen or king, we’ve got your back (and your scalp).

Texture Tips & Product Pairings

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you pair your pattern with our products:

• Fine Hair: Use lightweight oils like the Last Call Finishing Oil and our all purpose spray that The Tonic to keep roots balanced without weighing strands down.  This texture of hair normally requires less product.
• Course Hair: Our Last Call Oil and The Tonic are excellent for sealing in moisture, soothing the scalp, and protecting your crown during styling.  Notice that Course textured hair can use the same types of products as Fine hair but may require more product to achieve the desired result.

Pro tip: Protective styles, silk scarves at night, and regular trims go a long way—no matter your texture.

Embrace the Crown You Wear

Your hair tells a story—and every pattern is part of the culture. Don’t compare your crown to anyone else’s. Learn it. Love it. Nourish it.

And know that Herbs & Oils Haircare Essentials is right beside you on your journey to healthy, thriving hair—no matter your texture.

Tag us in your crown moments using #TheCrownAndTheCulture  so we can see your beautiful pattern in action. 💛

Until next time, take care of that crown.

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