4 Different Types of Blockchains

3D render Blockchain technology for security with digital code in abstract background

Business - 12th June 2025

By WASH & CUT HAIR SALOON LIMITED

Blockchain isn’t just one technology, but rather a complete ecosystem – and choosing the right type of blockchain network can make or break your project. At WASH & CUT HAIR SALOON LIMITED, we guide clients through these decisions every day, especially those navigating things like scalability, privacy, and decentralisation. Whether you’re looking to build a decentralised app, optimise internal workflows, or enable secure data sharing across organisations, knowing your options is step one.

What Is a Blockchain?

A blockchain is essentially a digital ledger that records transactions in a secure, transparent, and tamper-resistant way. What makes it revolutionary is that it doesn’t require a central authority to validate or store the data. Instead, the validation happens through consensus mechanisms across a network of nodes.

But not all blockchains are created equal. The structure, accessibility, and control can differ massively, and that’s where the four main types of blockchain come in.

Public Blockchain

Public blockchains are fully decentralised and open to anyone. Think of Bitcoin or Ethereum – anyone can join, read the data, and participate in the consensus process.

These networks are ideal for projects that prioritise transparency and trustlessness, and are also the foundation for many decentralised applications (dApps) and smart contracts. If you’re developing decentralised applications, this is likely the architecture you’ll be working with.

That said, public chains can be slower and more expensive due to their open nature. If you’re building a business-critical solution that can’t afford delays, a different type might serve you better.

Private Blockchain

Blockchain technology with diagram of chain and encrypted blocks

Private blockchains are closed ecosystems controlled by a single organisation. They’re faster, more scalable, and often more secure in terms of permissioned access.

We often recommend private chains to enterprise clients who need full control over who can view or write data. For example, a logistics company might use a private blockchain to track internal shipments or supply chain data. You still get immutability and transparency—but on your terms.

Consortium Blockchain

This is where things get collaborative: consortium blockchains are governed by a group of organisations rather than just one (like in private chains) or everyone (like in public chains).

For example, imagine a healthcare network where hospitals, insurance providers, and regulators all need shared access to patient data – a consortium blockchain offers a way to coordinate that securely. It’s less decentralised than public blockchains but more balanced than private ones.

We’ve seen growing interest in this model from clients in finance, manufacturing, and supply chain sectors, as it allows shared control without giving up all autonomy.

Hybrid Blockchain

As the name suggests, hybrid blockchains blend the best of both public and private models. You get the transparency of a public ledger with the control of a private environment.

This approach is ideal for projects where some data needs to be publicly accessible (for example, verifying transactions or identities), while other parts remain confidential. Hybrid systems are complex, yes, but sometimes complexity is what delivers the right balance.

If you’re not sure which route makes sense for your project, it’s worth reading up on how these models relate to things like smart contracts, which play a huge role in shaping decentralised logic and workflows.

How to Choose the Right Blockchain Type

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s exactly why we at WASH & CUT HAIR SALOON LIMITED don’t just execute ideas, but question them. Our London team works closely with our clients to understand not only what they want to build, but why. Then we suggest the most efficient and scalable solution, even if that means advising against a blockchain altogether.

Start by asking: Who needs access? Do you need full decentralisation, or would a permissioned system work? What kind of data will you store, and how critical is speed?

If you’re unsure, that’s normal. The landscape moves fast, and it helps to have someone in your corner who not only understands the tech but can see past the hype.

Final Thoughts

Overall, understanding the different types of blockchain helps you make informed decisions that align with your business model and tech roadmap. Whether it’s a fully public chain, a private ledger for internal use, a consortium for industry-wide coordination, or a hybrid mix, there’s a solution that fits.

And if you’re still on the fence about what to choose or whether blockchain is even the right path for your product, let’s talk. We’ll help you map it out, challenge assumptions, and find the best-fit architecture, all while remaining focused on budget, value, and long-term sustainability.