Hair type, FIA hair classification system

How to classify your hair with FIA system?

2024-08-06
Posted by FBT

Being knowledgeable of your hair type is a good start to knowing how to take care of your hair.

“I got a haircut and was told it’s Fia 2C. I want to learn more about it and so I can identify the curl patterns of those around me (cuz I’m a nut like that I guess!)”

Here I am introducing to you the FIA hair classification system.

FIRST CLASSIFIER: Curliness
1. The straight ones
1a – stick straight
1b – straight but with a slight body wave, just enough to add some volume, doesn’t look wavy
1c – straight with body wave and one or two visible S-waves (e.g. nape of neck or temples)

2. The wavy ones
2a – loose, stretched out S-waves throughout the hair
2b – shorter, more distinct S-waves (similar to waves from braiding damp hair)
2c – distinct S-waves and the odd spiral curl forming here and there

3. The curly ones
3a – big, loose spiral curls
3b – bouncy ringlets
3c – tight corkscrews

4. The really curly ones
4a – tightly coiled S-curls
4b – tightly coiled hair bending in sharp angles (Z-pattern)

SECOND CLASSIFIER: Stands

Fine

Thin strands that sometimes are almost translucent when held up to the light. Shed strands can
be hard to see even against a contrasting background; similar to hair found on many people of
Scandinavian descent. You can also try rolling a strand between your thumb and index finger.
Fine hair is difficult to feel or it feels like an ultra-fine strand of silk.

Medium

Strands are neither fine nor coarse; similar to hair found on many Caucasians. You can also try
rolling a strand between your thumb and index finger. Medium hair feels like a cotton thread.
You can feel it, but it isn’t stiff or rough. It is neither fine nor coarse.

Coarse

Thick strands whose shed strands usually are easily identified against most backgrounds;
similar to hair found on many people of Asian or Native American descent. You can also try
rolling a strand between your thumb and index finger. Coarse hair feels hard and wiry.
As you roll it back and forth, you may hear it.

THIRD CLASSIFIER: Volume

i – thin (less than 2 inches/5 centimeters)
ii – normal (between 2-4 inches or 5-10 centimeters)
iii – thick (more than 4 inches/10 centimeters)

Put your hair in a ponytail with as much hair as possible in it. Don’t bother with the way it looks. Measure the circumference of the ponytail. If you have bangs and/or you can’t get all of your hair in there adjust according to how much of your hair you have measured.