Type 1 Hair; Anatomy, Care and Styles

What is type 1 hair?

Type 1 hair is hair that lies flat, or straight. Straight locks tend to be on the shinier side because the hair’s natural oils are able to travel from root to tip. This hair category includes divisions 1A, 1B, and 1C.

Type 1 hair textures and patterns

Each category of straight hair calls for the use of different styling products to help maintain shine, body, and strength. Make sure you use the tools and products that are designed specifically for your straight hair type to achieve the most optimal results.

Type 1A is “stick” straight hair that has no hint of curl or wave. In fact, it’s hard for people with type 1A hair to hold a curl. It is usually very fine and is susceptible to looking oily at the roots. It’s the rarest hair type and is common mostly among Asian women.

 

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Type 1B is not as flat as type 1A, and has extra body. When left unstyled it is generally straight, but it can hold curls with styling products, which gives the hair more movement and texture.

 

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Type 1C achieves the tousled look when air-dried, while still lying mostly flat. This straight hair type is also usually thicker and coarse, which can cause frizziness depending on the climate or environment.

 

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Common straight hair problems

Straight hair can suffer from dryness, limp and flat looking locks, frizz and tangles, especially if you sleep on your hair wet, which is a huge nono.  Those with very fine straight hair will struggle to get it to hold any sort of style – no amount of gel, wax or spray will keep it in place or give any sort of lift. If anything these products will just weigh your hair down more and make it look greasy.

 

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Caring for straight hair

Those who have the sleekest of tresses are no exception to the most common of hair concerns such as dryness, product build-up, oily scalp or split ends.  To keep your straight hair in top condition, here are some simple dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do wash your hair regularly

We are talking every 3 days or so to prevent your hair from looking limp and flat. This is even more so for those with Type 1A. Because natural oils collect more easily in straight hair, you run into the problem of build-up at the roots if you go without shampooing. Between washes, use a dry shampoo to refresh your roots and add volume to flat hair.

Don’t overdo the products

Rather than using more products, find ones that incorporate multiple benefits into one bottle. Also, select products that contain natural ingredients and give your hair a healthy boost without sticky residue that can weigh down the hair over time.

Do use products to keep your styles in place

Have you ever curled your hair only to have them lose their bounce an hour later? Maintain your styling by using a product to hold curls in place. Also, comb through the hair with your fingers rather than a brush, if you want to separate for looser curls.

Don’t sleep on wet hair

This is one way to invite frizz or cowlicks that will be harder to work through in the morning. If you decide to go to bed with damp hair, spray a leave-in conditioner over your tresses and pull into a loose braid.

 

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Do Trim regularly

Either at home or at the salon, regular trims are essential to keep your hair looking its best and keeping it in great condition. Straight hair is especially prone to split ends.

Don’t Brush your hair wet

Think of your straight hair like spaghetti – it’s strongest when it is dry. Brushing your hair when it is wet can cause it to stretch and break.

 

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