It's a common misconception that hair has to be either coarse or curly. Truth is, hair can be both. Hair's texture refers to the thickness of the strand and not how the hair feels to the touch. There are three main types of hair texture: fine, medium, and thick or coarse. To determine your texture, use the thread test. Compare a piece of sewing thread and a strand of hair. If the hair strand is thinner than the thread, it is fine. The same thickness as the thread indicates medium strands, while hair that is thicker than the thread is defined as coarse.

Hair type describes whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly or kinky-coily. Hair type is entirely independent of the fine, medium or coarse hair texture. Hair that's straight as a board can be coarse -- read: thick -- while the tightest curl pattern can be found on fine strands. Curly hair bends and turns along the entire length of the strand and can take on several patterns, such as spiral, corkscrew and coily -- all on the same head of hair.

Coarse hair gets a bad rap. Coarse hair simply means thicker strands, and most people want thick, luscious hair. Hair-care companies market products promising thicker, stronger hair which is all coarse hair really is. Hair that feels rough or hard to the touch may be damaged or dry. When coarse hair is properly maintained, it can be just as soft and moisturized as thinner strands. Coarse hair is the strongest of all hair types, because, unlike fine or sometimes medium hair, it contains all three layers of the hair shaft -- cortex, cuticle and medulla. Thick hair holds styles well and can be more heat-tolerant than its thinner counterparts. But it takes more effort to get it to shine, and coarse hair can be more resistant to certain chemical processes.

Curly hair may look bold and fierce, but it's actually quite fragile. Curly hair, whether fine, medium or coarse, is more prone to breakage than straight or wavy. Every point where curly hair bends or twists is a weak point in the strand, so being gentle with curly locks is the best way to tame your mane. Curly hair has the tendency to be dry, frizzy and prone to tangles if not cared for properly; find the optimal balance of moisture and protein to guarantee your curly hair's success. Avoid brushing or combing curly hair when it's dry, and deep condition to hydrate your locks. Sleeping with a satin scarf or pillowcase on your head helps keep tangles and fairy knots at bay while maintaining moisture levels.