Your complete guide to straight, thin and/or fine hair.
Got Type 1 hair? That probably means that, though your romantic tendencies are none of our business, you’re straight and fine, hair-wise. Your friends need 30 minutes to blow dry and iron their hair, whereas yours dries pin straight out of the shower. They’re jealous, but you’re bored… you want more volume and bounce.
Try as you might, your hair simply *refuses* to be styled, insisting on falling straight on either side of your face. We envy you, really, we do. Except when it comes to holding a style, or when you sort of resemble a member of a metal band by 5pm.
Let’s talk through the subtypes of Type 1 Hair because each has their own super cute characteristics (and some annoying traits too, but that’s okay, everyone has them).
Type 1 hair types
Type 1A hair
Type 1A hair is the finest and straightest of Type 1 hair. These strands are smooth to the touch and have a flow that is naturally, completely straight. What Type 1A hair lacks in body and volume, it more than makes up for in delicacy and a whimsical beauty that is admired (read: envied).
Type 1B hair
Type 1B hair is slightly thicker than Type 1A hair and can have a subtle wave through it. Don’t get ahead of yourself, it is predominantly straight, but has more texture and body than its predecessor. This hair type strikes a balance between subtle movement and sleekness, baby.
Type 1C hair
This hair type arcs into a slight bend from the root. The wave pattern of Type 1C hair is more relaxed and showcases a soft tousle in shape when left to dry naturally. Type 1 Hair is a ‘straight’ hair type, but Type 1C hair offers a hint of natural movement and texture, and so holds a curl better than Type 1A and Type 1B.
The pros of Type 1 hair
Type 1 Hair is naturally thin and wispy and relatively low maintenance. Made up of super fine strands, your hair lacks any sort of real curl, but looks beautiful loose and free. On a good day, it is shiny, smooth and sleek, and you can probably let it air-dry without an issue.
The cons of Type 1 hair
Now while our Type 1 team members have a natural glossiness to their hair, we also know Type 1 locks can be prone to getting greasy faster than other hair types. Oil tends to travel faster down the hair shaft and that’s because the distribution of sebum (natural scalp oils) can easily slip down the hair shaft.
You also want to be mindful of breakage and damage – especially when you go nuts on the heat tools in an effort to get it to hold a style, or when coloring your hair with potentially harsh chemical treatments. This is particularly relevant if you have Type 1A hair. Because of the diameter of each strand, it can break easily and look thinner if not cut correctly.
And lastly, there’s a few nuances when it comes to frizz and flyaways. Type 1B owners are susceptible to flyaways and static electricity – especially during dry weather. Nothing a quality Conditioner or Leave-In can’t handle. On the other hand, because of its coarser texture, Type 1C hair tends to be more perceptible to frizz or ‘puffiness’ from mid-lengths to ends. Those with Type 1C hair also tend to deal with knots or tangles through those mid-lengths and can end up with drier ends if not protected well.
Type 1 Hair is known for its sleekness and shininess for sure, but sometimes, despite its sleek appearance, it can appear dull or lifeless, lacking that magic ‘luster’. Volume-enhancing products are your friend here, as are clarifying shampoos and lightweight conditioners, so as not to weigh your hair down with unnecessary baggage. There you have it. Type 1 Hair is so manageable! Its virtues far outweigh any annoying tendencies.
Best products to use on Type 1 hair
being’s BIG HAIR Volumizing Shampoo and BIG HAIR Volumizing Conditioner are infused with invigorating natural extracts such as Avocado Oil and Macadamia Oil, to build serious body and fullness. With a thorough cleanse and light hydration, the line is ideal for those with straight and/or thin and fine hair who are looking for more fullness and body. Hair is left feeling balanced, plump and full of body, for hair that feels more ‘you’.
