As we've already discussed, just because you have a certain hair type, doesn't mean your hair lacks some of the characteristics associated with other hair types.  So for example, you can without a doubt have Straight hair, but what if there are slight bumps and waves?  Does that make your hair Curly?  Of course not, it's Straight, it's just has identity issues.  

The three degrees breaks down hair typology a bit further and compensates for the fact that many people's hair represents a mixture and varying degrees of the primary hair typology.  Degrees are given one of three letters: a, b or c and are explained in detail below.

STRAIGHT HAIR DEGREES

Type 1A Straight.  No discernible wave.   "Bone-Straight."	Type 1B Two or three slight waves/bumps.  Hair is still considered straight overall.
Type 1C One or more clearly visible S-waves usually at the nape of neck or along the temples.  Beyond these minimal areas, the rest of the hair is straight.

Straight hair has the highest degree of shine.

Straight hair has difficulty maintaining curly or wavy hair styles.

Due to Sebum (hairs' natural oil) ability to work its way down the length of straight hair strands without being inhibited by curls, waves or bumps, straight hair gets oilier faster than other hair styles.

Sebum also acts as a natural protectant.  It seals in moisture and protects hair from damage.  Given that sebum is able to freely distribute itself throughout straight hair, straight hair is therefore the sturdiest of all hair types.  In other words, our hair's natural defense (sebum), is ever-present and coats straight hair strands easier than it does on other hair types.

In contrast, Kinky and Nappy hair have the highest degree of curvature/curls.  Every curl or turn in our hair means that sebum takes a longer time to work its way from root to tip.

The way in which sebum is distributed means that straight hair needs more frequent washings.  Most over-the-counter shampoos are designed for use on straight hair.  Reason being, O-T-C shampoos are designed to strip and remove excess oils from hair.  The irony is, this is exactly the opposite of what is needed for wavier and curly hair types. 

Although shampoos that contain harsh cleansers are bad for all hair types, Straight hair's ability to quickly distribute sebum means that it is able to "bounce back" and defend itself more readily than others.

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WAVY HAIR DEGREES

Type 2A Loose, elongated S-waves throughout the hair Type 2B Shorter, more compact and distinct S-waves

Type 2C Distinct, compact S-waves appearing at random throughout the hair Wavy hair is subject to humidity which means it's more likely to frizz in moist environments. Wavy 2A can mimic straight hair whereas 2B/2C have far more difficulty maintaining straight styles.  2B/2C when blown straight are more prone to frizzing/drawing up in humid weather for example.

CURLY HAIR DEGREES

Type 3A Large, loose, compact S-curls with a discernible pattern (the individual curl strands work in unison). Type 3B S-curls that form the shape of ringlets with a discernible pattern (the individual curl strands work in unison).

Type 3C S-curls that are tighter and more compact like corkscrews with a discernible pattern (the individual curl strands work in unison). Curly hair has a definite S or s-shape...in some cases it may resemble a Z.  Regardless, curly hair's s-shape can be viewed easily from a distance. Unlike Kinky hair, curly hair is curly with or without product; product is not required to accentuate or define the curls. Where all hair is subject to environmental fluctuations, curly hair is beholden to humidity.  In humid weather, where the air is filled with moisture, curly hair "grows"...sorta like a Chia Pet.  The moisture causes this hair type to draw up and/or frizz.  In comparison with the previous two types, curly hair is far more susceptible to styling damage.

Straight Hair, Wavy ad Some Curly Photos Courtesy of Ben Goldstein/Studio D; Marie Claire