No two people have the same hair. The same way different races have different skin colour, it’s the same way different races have different hair types. There are three main hair types based on race – Asian, Afro-Caribbean and Caucasian – all types having their own unique characteristics. No matter how different hair types are, they are all made up of the same components. These are the cuticle, cortex, medulla and a very important protein called keratin which is the most important component of all. What determines the shape of the hair is the shape of each hair follicle. Asian hair grows from round hair follicles giving it a bone straight appearance. Asian hair has very thick cuticles consisting of approximately ten layers while other hair types have around five.

Asian hair type is the most dominant in the entire world. It usually has lesser density than the other hair types but it outgrows the other by far when it comes to speed of growth. The amount of hair on the head in Asians is small but due to the thickness it appears to be dense. It has been found that Asian hair responds faster to hair care products, specifically, hair loss products. It is believed that this has to do with the natural speed of hair growth that Asian hair possesses. Asian hair is also stronger than other hair types and more able to recover from hair damages and it also has the longest cycle of growth which last up to nine years. Formerly, Asian hair type was the least susceptible but lately Asians have been adopting the practices of the western world. These practices can result in very thin hair as Asian hair in not very dense.

Each hair type requires different hair care methods and products to meet the needs of that particular hair type. Asian hair absorbs moisture quickly and retains that moisture. In spite of this, Asian hair may suffer from extra dryness. This is because Asian hair tends to be very long and as a result moisture is lost along the long hair shaft. Hair loss in Asians is minimal as few hairs are lost per day. Balding is also a rare occurrence in Asians. Asian hair is usually shine due to the presence of a medulla containing dark pigment which accounts for the shininess and high moisture. Asians usually have oily scalp which requires the hair to be washed regularly to prevent a dirty appearance.

Since Asian hair is long, straight, strong and usually free from chemical damage it is the ideal hair to use for extensions. As a result, people turn to Asian countries for human hair to be used in wig making and for use as extensions.

Asian hair requires the use of products that are suitable for that specific kind of hair. Shampoos that have a pH of 5 to 5.5 is ideal; anything over that pH would be too harsh. People of Asian descent must avoid using products like mineral oil.