Since starting my natural hair journey, I’ve been wanting to learn more about my hair, but with information backed by science. Myavana, created by Techturized Inc., analyzes, researches and recommends personalized hair care solutions. The Myavana team consists of computer scientists, chemical engineers, cosmetologists, content creators, business analysts, and hair enthusiasts. You can order a one-time hair analysis, or the monthly membership. The monthly membership includes personalized recommendations of products, regimens and even local salons. I opted for the one-time analysis, which gives you a detailed understanding of your hair texture, type and condition.

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How does the Myavana hair analysis work?

Myavana sends a kit with small bags for five sections of your hair (crown, bottom left/right, top left/right). With the comb provided, you can comb through your hair and collect samples from your shedding hair. I used a wide-tooth comb as the comb provided was too thin and would’ve been a pain to use. Put your samples in the prepaid envelope, fill out the card provided asking for your email and name, then send! You can see the kit in the cover photo.

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How long does it take to get your results?

It takes about 10-15 business days. This can, however, be affected by demand at the lab. Make sure to also fill out your hair care questionnaire online as Myavana can’t release your results until it’s completed. I didn’t fill out my questionnaire initially, so it took some time to get my results.

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How do you get your results?

You’re given a hair ID via email once the results are ready. The ID includes numbers/letters that represent your unique hair texture, type and condition. You can decode your ID and learn your hairs key characteristics. This includes your hairs texture, porosity, type, density, elasticity and overall condition. You’re also given a full analysis on your profile, when you go to “Hair Care Plans” > “Click to View Hair Chart Data”. When scrolling down through your summary, you’ll notice products and ingredients suggested by Myavana to help in your natural hair journey.

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My Myavana hair analysis results

My hair ID is 2d1a1a, which translates to:

Hair Texture:

Definition: “‘Feel’ of hair.”

Medium Hair Texture: My strands are a blend of fine and coarse hair. They’re average in diameter and coarser than fine hair. The texture of my hair feels like cotton and my moisture content is naturally higher than coarser textures.

Hair Type:

Definition: “Original curl pattern and/or shape of hair that’s genetically determined.”

Coily hair type: My hair type is common among African American, Hispanic and bi-racial cultures. Coily/curly hair types are very flat in shape and have type “S” and/or “Z patterns.

Density:

Definition: “Number of hairs per square inch of the scalp.”

Thick density: Density represents the number of hairs per square inch on the scalp. Mine happens to be thick.

Elasticity:

Definition: “The hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original position.”

• Top left: Good
• Top right: Good
• Bottom left: Good
• Bottom right: Good
• Crown: Good

Porosity:

Definition: “The hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.”

• Top left: High
• Top right: High
• Bottom left: High
• Bottom right: High
• Crown: High

Since my hair is high porosity, it absorbs moisture but doesn’t retain it. My hair often looks/feels dry and dull, tangles easily and can be frizzy.

Diameter:

Definition: “Measurement of the horizontal cross-section of the hair strand. This measurement tells us the hair’s thickness. Hair diameter can range from 17-180 micrometers with an average diameter of 72 micrometers for women of African descent.”

• Top left: 75.66
• Top right: 90.43
• Bottom left: 63.07
• Bottom right: 70.45
• Crown: 69.8

My hair is thicker in the top right/left and bottom right. Whereas, my hair is thinner on the bottom left and crown area.

Overall health:

Definition: “Health is determined by scalp health, porosity, elasticity, density and length.”

• Top left: Good
• Top right: Good
• Bottom left: Moderate
• Bottom right: Challenged
• Crown: Good

Observations:

• Top left: N/A
• Top right: Product Buildup
• Bottom left: Product Buildup
• Bottom right: Product Buildup, Damage
• Crown: N/A

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What I’ve learned from my results

My hair type and density didn’t surprise me. I was, however, shocked the bottom right section of my hair is damaged. Based on the observations section, I’ve been dealing with product buildup, which can affect your hair’s overall health. I’ll have to make sure to clarify more often. I’m thinking to incorporate apple cider vinegar rinses and aloe vera into my routine to help balance my hairs pH. I’ll also be using my Vanity Planet scalp massager to get rid of product buildup on wash day. I’m assuming the damage comes from playing in my hair and over-manipulating. So time to ✂ that habit. I’ll also do hot oil, and longer deep conditioning, treatments each week. Instead of 10 minutes, I’m upping it to 30.

My hair’s porosity was a nice surprise! I’ve tried the “float test” and didn’t feel comfortable with my results as the characteristics of my hair hinted towards it being high porosity. My hair floated above water with the test, meaning low porosity. This test reaffirms what I’ve been speculating. I can now confidently research and choose products based on this science-backed information! I may consider buying the membership later down the line. I’ll also take another hair analysis test later in my hair journey to see if anything changes.