How to use SHAMISO on your hair type
The oil is the same for everyone. What changes is how much you use, how often, and whether you wash it out. Find your texture below.
| Type | What it usually does | How to use SHAMISO | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C | Very tight coils, high shrinkage, prone to dryness | Pre-wash treatment once or twice a week, then seal twists and braids with a few drops. Oil the scalp in sections. | The heaviest use case. Expect softer, more pliable hair after two to three weeks of consistent oiling. |
| 4B | Z-shaped coils, dense, dry ends | Weekly pre-wash treatment and scalp massage. Use a light hand on the scalp if you are prone to build-up. | Easier detangling and less snapping at the ends. |
| 4A | Tight, defined coils with some spring | Oil before washing, plus a drop or two on ends when refreshing wash-and-gos. | More shine and less crunch from gels. |
| 3C | Tight curls, medium density | Weekly scalp treatment. Finish with two to three drops to break the gel cast. | Softer curl clumps and a shinier finish. |
| 3B | Springy curls, medium texture | Every one to two weeks, scalp focused. Keep the length light. | Less frizz at the crown and softer ends. |
| 3A | Loose curls, can be fine | Every two weeks, less product. A drop or two is plenty. | Shine without weighing the curl down. |
| 2A to 2C | Waves, often fine to medium | Scalp only, every one to two weeks. Avoid the mid-lengths. | A comfortable scalp and smoother ends. |
| 1A to 1C | Straight, can be oily at the root | Scalp only, sparingly, the night before washing. | Relief for a dry, tight scalp without greasy roots. |
| Locs | Mature and starter locs | Oil the scalp every one to two weeks between retwists. Keep it off the loc shaft to avoid build-up. | A calmer scalp and less flaking between retwists. |
| Relaxed / colour-treated | Chemically processed, often porous | Weekly scalp and length treatment, then wash out. | Less brittleness at the ends where processing dries hair most. |
Not sure where you fit? Coily and curly hair spans more than one code, and most people have at least two textures on one head. Start with the driest section.
Porosity matters more than the number
Hair type describes the shape of your hair. Porosity describes how easily it takes in and holds moisture, and it is the better guide for oiling. If water beads on your hair and takes a long time to soak in, you are low porosity: use less oil, warm it first, and avoid heavy overnight treatments. If your hair soaks up water fast and dries just as fast, you are high porosity: use more, more often, and seal the ends every day.
Quick porosity test
- Wash your hair and leave it to dry without any product.
- Drop a single strand into a glass of water.
- If it floats for a while, low porosity. If it sinks slowly, medium. If it sinks straight away, high porosity.
It is not a laboratory test, but it is enough to tell you whether to go heavier or lighter with oil.
Hair types and protective styles
Twists, braids and locs all have the same problem: the scalp is hard to reach and easy to forget. Oil the scalp along the partings with a fingertip or an applicator bottle, keep it off the shaft to avoid build-up at the roots, and repeat every one to two weeks. If you wear a style for six weeks, that is at least three scalp oilings you can do without undoing anything.
Still not sure?
Tell us your hair type and what it does, and we will tell you how we would use it. If SHAMISO is not right for you, we will say so.
Ask us