What is my hair pattern?

It's such a journey to rediscover your natural hair, especially after years of chemical treatments! I've been doing a ton of research myself to understand my own texture, and it can be really confusing. When you're trying to figure out your curl pattern, often people refer to the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which categorizes hair from Type 1 (straight) to Type 4 (coily), with sub-categories for each (a, b, c) indicating the tightness of the curl. From what I've learned, 4b and 4c curl patterns are often where things get tricky to differentiate, but they represent some of the most beautiful and unique textures. Type 4 hair is generally characterized by tight, densely packed curls. For 4b, the curls are typically Z-shaped or zig-zagged, and can be quite tightly coiled. They often have a fluffy appearance and significant shrinkage, meaning your hair's wet length will appear much shorter when dry. Then there's 4c, which is often the tightest and most densely packed. These curls are usually less defined without product, and appear as a very tight zig-zag or no discernible pattern at all, making them look like cotton or wool. They experience the most shrinkage, sometimes up to 75% of their actual length! I've been looking at my roots, which feel much tighter, contrasting with my caramel-colored wavy ends, and wondering if I have a mix of patterns, which is totally normal. When trying to pinpoint your pattern, a natural hair chart can be incredibly helpful. These charts typically show visual examples of each curl type, allowing you to compare your own hair's wet and dry states. Look at a freshly washed, product-free strand of hair. Does it look like a spring (coily), a loose wave, or a tight zig-zag? Pay attention to the diameter of your curl – is it the size of a pencil, a straw, or even smaller? This is a key indicator. Also, consider your hair's porosity (how well it absorbs moisture) and density (how many strands you have), as these also play a huge role in how your hair behaves and what products work best. I’ve noticed my hair, especially at the ends, can have a looser, wavier pattern, which makes me think about how different sections of hair can have different needs. And then there's the hair length chart for natural hair, which is a whole other challenge because of shrinkage! It's hard to tell how long your hair truly is when it coils up so much. To get an accurate measurement, you usually need to gently stretch a curl to its full length with a measuring tape. This gives you a more honest picture of your growth. It’s important to remember that these charts are guides, and many people, like me, have a combination of patterns throughout their hair. Don't get too hung up on fitting into one perfect category, but understanding the general characteristics can really help in choosing the right products and styling techniques to bring out the best in your curls. What have you found works best for defining your natural pattern?