If you've read up until this point then I'm going to ask you to recall the incident I shared regarding my first hair cut where the stylist said that I didn't have thick hair, I just had a lot of it.  In the previous section we learned about hair strand Texture typing.  In my case, I have Medium strand hair, but what accounts for my friends, family and people to this day stating that my hair is "thick?"  The answer is, "volume."  

As odd as it may sound, one can actually have Fine Texture hair that is Thick.  In other words, where one's individual hair strands may be fine (like peach-fuzz), if you have a whole lot of hair follicles, it adds to the number of actual hairs on your head. 

Thus when each and every strand of your hair is taken into consideration, we are able to determine your Hair's Volume typography.  

DETERMINING VOLUME TYPE
This test is best left to those with longer hair.  Begin by putting your hair into a ponytail.  Ideally, it would rest at the top of your head because with lengths, you'll be able to gather all of your hair at the top.

Secure the ponytail with a rubber band of some sort.

Using measuring tape, measure the circumference (the circular width) of the ponytail just below the rubber band.

Now let's find out the results...


THIN VOLUME TYPE - TYPE T
Your ponytail measures less than 2 inches or 5 centimeters.

Typically Thin hair volume type consists of hair strands that are very, very small in diameter or "Fine" Texture Type and subsequently has a silkly feel to it.

Thin hair is light and airy.  It also tends to flyaway.

Thin volume hair is typically Type 1-Straight Hair and doesn't hold a curly easily.

How to Style Thin Hair
Our objective should be to maximize your hairs' volume. 

Try blunt hair cuts.

Combing and dry hair from the roots outward to add volume.

Use hair care products that strengthen or build on your hair such as protein and balsam conditioners, alcohol free styling gels and mousses.

What to Avoid if You Have Thin Hair
Just say no to heavy products.  Heavy pomades and products that contain heavy waxes for example are a no-no.  The heavier the product, the more it will weigh your hair down.

Chemical procedures should be done with great care and by a professional to discourage damage.

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NORMAL or MEDIUM VOLUME TYPE - TYPE N
Your ponytail measures 2-4 inches or 5-10 centimeters.

Normal hair volume type is ideal for most hair styles and face shapes because it offers the greatest versatility.  With this volume, virtually any hair style will get a thumbs up.

Unlike Thin Volumes which need product to beef up hair styles or Thick Volumes which have to avoid certain cuts to prevent the hair from looking too full, Normal hair is the most manageable.

Medium volume hair holds a curl better than fine hair.

Medium volume hair holds its own during chemical procedures.

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THICK VOLUME TYPE - TYPE K
Your ponytail measures more than 4 inches or 10 centimeters.

Thicker volume hair will typically have Medium to Coarse hair textures.

Thick volume hair is more difficult to manage than Normal volume hair.

Thick volume hair has a tendency to overwhelm thin, slim face shapes.

Choosing the Right Hair Style
Our goal is to decrease the volume so that hair appears to be Normal. 

Layered haircuts give Thick Volumes more definition, direction and shape.

Layers are great on short-medium length Thick Volume hair.
Layers also help to reduce the bulk appearance that would occur with a blunt cut.

Heavier, silkening products such as pomades and heavier hair gels increase control and manageability of Thick Volume Hair.

Type 1 Straight Hair that is particularly lacking in wave or curls (perfectly straight), is often resistent to permanents (chemical curling).  As a result, this hair volume may need more frequent perming in order to maintain a curl. 

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For individuals with Dreadlocks, obviously these measurements don't apply.  With dreadlocks, one should be able to easily gauge one's hair volume by the way the dreadlocks frame your face.  The fuller the frame, the Thicker your hair's volume.

WHAT IS YOUR TYPE?  WRITE IT DOWN.

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THE RESULTS
Now up until this point you should've been writing down your type for each of the four sections.  When you're done, you should have one number and 3 letters.  They will be organized by Hair Type, Degree Type, Strand Type and Volume Type.  

After calculating my own results, I have determined that I am 4b-MK.  I will be refining this system over time with greater detail and explanation but it should serve as a guide to you as to what category your hair falls into.  Where the naani hair typing system varies from that of established systems, what it does is to offer a greater distinction between hair textures and types.

Here are some photos of the other hair types. 


Volume images courtesy of visual-makeover.com