Common Questions
FAQ
Everything you need to know about your hair, our products, and how ShoppingForHair works.
Hair & Products
How do I know my hair type?
Hair types range from 1A (pin-straight) to 4C (tight z-coils). The key differences are curl diameter and density. Our quiz identifies your type in about 3 minutes — no ruler needed. If you want to self-assess, look at your hair when it's freshly washed and product-free: if it forms tight coils smaller than a pencil, you're likely 4A–4C. Loose spirals are 3A–3C. Waves are 2A–2C.
What is hair porosity and why does it matter?
Porosity is how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles — products sit on top instead of absorbing. High porosity hair has raised cuticles — moisture gets in fast but leaves just as fast. Knowing your porosity determines whether you need lightweight water-based products (low porosity) or heavier sealants (high porosity). Our quiz identifies your porosity level.
Are your products safe for color-treated hair?
Most of our catalog is safe for color-treated hair, but always check the individual product page for specific guidance. As a rule: sulfate-free shampoos and protein-rich conditioners help maintain color while keeping hair healthy. Avoid products with high concentrations of clarifying agents if you want to preserve your color.
Why don't you carry more brands?
We curate intentionally. Every product on ShoppingForHair has been evaluated for ingredient quality, texture compatibility, and real-world performance across hair types. We'd rather carry 20 products that work than 200 that might. As we verify more products, the catalog grows — but never at the expense of standards.
Do you sell hair extensions or wigs?
Not yet. Extensions and wigs are on our roadmap under the 'Style & Extensions' category. When we launch that line, it will follow the same curation standard — every piece evaluated for quality, texture match, and longevity.
The Hair Quiz
How does the hair quiz work?
The quiz asks 8 questions across three phases: Identity (your hair type and goals), Scalp & Health (scalp condition, wash frequency, current problems), and Lifestyle (time, budget, product preferences). Our algorithm scores your answers against 10 curated packages and matches you with the one that best fits your specific combination. You get a full hair profile, 5-step routine, 8-week roadmap, and product recommendations.
Is the quiz free?
Yes, completely free. You get your full hair profile and routine without entering any personal information. We only ask for your email if you want to save your results — and that's optional.
How accurate are the quiz results?
Our algorithm uses weighted multi-factor scoring across 6 dimensions (hair type, scalp condition, problems, goals, lifestyle, and budget). It includes confidence scoring — if the match confidence is below 60%, we show you two packages instead of one so you can compare. Most users report the primary recommendation is spot-on.
Can I retake the quiz?
Yes, as many times as you want. Your hair changes with seasons, treatments, and life — your routine should change too. We recommend retaking the quiz every 3–6 months or whenever you notice a significant change in your hair behavior.
Orders & Shipping
How does ordering work?
After completing the quiz, you can purchase your recommended package directly through PayPal Checkout. All products in your package are bundled into a single order. We process orders within 1–2 business days.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently we ship within the United States. International shipping is planned — join our newsletter to be notified when it launches.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns on unopened products within 30 days of delivery. Opened products can be returned within 14 days if you experience an adverse reaction (please include a photo). Contact us to initiate a return. Shipping costs for returns are the responsibility of the buyer unless the product arrived damaged.
Is there free shipping?
We're working on a free shipping threshold. For now, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.
About ShoppingForHair
What makes ShoppingForHair different?
Most beauty retailers stock for the average consumer — which means fine, straight hair sets the baseline. We flip that. Every product we carry must work for the most demanding hair type first (4C, high-density, coily). If it clears that bar, it works for everyone. That's our standard, and we don't stock anything that doesn't meet it.
Who runs ShoppingForHair?
ShoppingForHair was built by people who got tired of the beauty industry treating textured hair as an afterthought. We're a small team focused on ingredient transparency, real performance data, and making personalized hair care accessible.