Identifying your curl pattern and type involves closely examining your natural hair texture when it's in its dry, unstyled state, or after washing and air-drying. Start by observing the shape of your curls: are they tight, loose, wavy, or somewhere in between? The curl pattern is generally categorized into four types—Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (kinky or coily). Within each category, there are subcategories, such as 2A, 2B, 2C, or 3A, 3B, 3C, etc., which describe variations in the size of the curls or waves. To get an accurate reading, avoid manipulating your hair with styling tools like flat irons or curling irons. Keep in mind that a combination of patterns is common, so your curl type might not fall into just one category. Factors like porosity, density, and elasticity also play a role in how your curls behave and should be considered when caring for your hair.