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Hair of Type 1 is straight; however, that does not necessarily imply that all straight hair types are equal.
There are some who have thin hair that easily gets oily and flat, while there are those who have thick hair that possesses body, bend, or frizz.
It will help if you know which among 1A, 1B, or 1C your hair type belongs to so that washing, conditioning, trimming, and styling become much easier. This article tells you how.
What does type 1 hair mean?
Type 1 represents the straight version of a popular hair typing system. It can be subdivided into three subcategories: 1A, 1B, and 1C. Letters symbolize a progressive transformation from extremely straight and fine hair to straighter hair with more body and texture, as well as occasional bends.
Consider these types to be descriptors rather than diagnoses because you might possess more than one hair pattern, and density, porosity, diameter, treatments, humidity, and damage will impact your routine as well.
To determine your hair type, dry your hair without using texture-modifying devices or products. Examine several sections for straightness, bends, and strand diameter.
The chart below will help you make a good start:
|
Subtype |
Typical pattern |
Common concern |
Styling priority |
|
1A |
Very straight and usually fine |
Flat roots and visible oil |
Lightweight lift |
|
1B |
Straight with slight bends |
Tangles and flyaways |
Movement without buildup |
|
1C |
Straight with body and texture |
Frizz and puffiness |
Smoothness with shape |
Understanding delicate 1A hair
1A hair tends to flow smoothly from root to end without bending. Single strands will typically be fine and thin, resulting in a reflective surface for light. That reflection can also mean oils on the roots show up easily, and heavy product can strip away volume.
Your goal is to maintain 1A shine, while still adding lift and avoiding breakage. Wash regularly enough to keep the scalp happy, but apply shampoo only to the roots.
Use very little conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends. Heavily moisturizing products could easily weigh down the roots.
Fine hair can be fragile. Be gentle when brushing, and use soft ties, as well as avoid constant tension. Styles like blunt bobs, lobs, and solid perimeters can help make the ends look thicker; keep layers minimal.
Style mostly around the roots: switch parts, add lift as you dry the roots, and roll the front with a loose front roller. Gentle bends and gloss are natural for this hair type.
Striking a balance between 1A and 1C hair
1B is a type of hair that falls in between 1A and 1C hair types. While it stays straight, there could be mild curls, particularly near the mid-length area. This type of hair strands will most likely not be extremely thin but medium.
It could be oily at the roots while dry and tangled at the ends. The roots should be washed when necessary, followed by applying the conditioner only on the ends which get tangled up.
A light leave-in will help tame flyaway and tangles in the hair. You will start applying a little bit of leave-in on wet ends and apply just one drop of oil when you use one.
Cutting shoulder-length hairstyles, layered hairstyles, and framing haircuts will allow you to play with the bendiness of the 1B hair type. Loose waves and curly ends can be achieved using light styling products.
For men, textured haircuts, side parts, and medium layered hairstyles are good for this type of hair as well. There should always be enough hair on top for movement.
Straight fuller 1C hair
Hair type 1C is mostly straight, but has more thickness, body, and texture. Some parts tend to have slight bends, especially towards the tips or during humidity.
Type 1C hair can withstand more conditioning, though buildup affects its movement. Target conditioner towards coarse parts. Only apply mask for dry or processed hair.
During rinsing, squeeze out excess moisture without rubbing. Dry hair with downward air flow for sleek hair, and diffuse it to preserve movement and volume.
Long layers show movement, and blow-outs, rounded tips, and messy looks are good options. Blunt cuts with very thick hair can require internal trimming.
During humidity, go for flexible styling rather than trying to press out all bends. Movement usually works better than a stiff look.
Find a regimen that suits you
The perfect regimen will depend upon oiliness of scalp, strand texture, density, porosity, weather, and styling, not just the subtype. Begin with a minimal regimen and modify one aspect at a time.
Condition for your ends
Choose conditioner according to dryness: 1A hair might require a bit on the ends, whereas 1C will typically require conditioning through much of the hair shaft. Rinse well.
Be careful while detangling
Detangle starting from the ends and working upwards. Work in sections, hold hair above tangles, and keep brushes clean.
Pay attention to weight of products
In case the hair on the roots flattens shortly after styling, use less of the product or shift it lower down. If the ends still feel rough, moisturize them selectively rather than coating the entire head with a conditioner.
Wash for your scalp
Wash when roots feel oily, irritated, or heavy with buildup. No standard schedule exists. In the case when buildup persists even with normal washing, clarify periodically but not so often that lengths become rough.
Style straight hair with movement
Begin with squeegeeing out extra water and using a heat protectant. Dry the crown first, then focus on the ends; that way, you can avoid a flattened crown while the lengths get overprocessed.
The Laifen SE 2 hair dryer operates naturally during styling type 1 hair. Move constantly and choose a comfortable heat setting. If you style 1A hair, lift the sections and blow the air against their natural root direction. For 1B hair, use a brush to add relaxed curves. If you have 1C, blow the air downwards, smoothening the surface but maintaining volume.
Once you have styled the hair, do not continue drying it. Drying already dry ends repeatedly may make them look frizzy and untidy. Finish with cool air if you like the result and use additional smoothing product only on places where necessary.
It should be kept in mind that haircuts also influence the process of styling. With a solid perimeter line, fine hair will look denser, medium-length layers will provide movement for 1B hair, and long or internal layers will control the 1C volume. It is a good idea to bring pictures of the same-density and similar-textured hair to your hairdressing appointment.
FAQ
How can I be sure my hair is type 1 hair?
Allow your clean hair to air dry without applying any texturizing styling products and comb. If it stays mostly straight from root to end, then it will probably be type 1 hair.
What is the difference between type 1A and 1B?
Type 1A hair is generally thinner and straighter with less volume than type 1B which has a little bit of thickness and body as well as bends.
What is the difference between type 1B and 1C?
Type 1B is straight hair with gentle bends while type 1C feels thicker and coarser with more body and texture.
Do type 1 hair needs conditioner?
If the lengths require conditioning for softness, protection and slip then you can use the appropriate amount of conditioner to moisturize the ends only.
Why is straight hair oily so fast?
Oil will easily move down the straight hair shaft especially the fine hair. This depends on scalp behavior, product buildup, weather and washing techniques.
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