Written By: Zenani Sizane
The rationale behind hair typing is to understand the unique characteristics of your hair, so that you are aware of what it needs to thrive. Type 1a is the first of the straight hair type category and it is the straightest type of the hair typing system. In this article, we will have a look at how to identify your type 1a hair and all the best tips to care for it and maintain the healthiest type 1a hair. It is first important to pinpoint if you are a type 1 hair type 1a.
What Is Type 1A Hair?
It is firstly important to verify that you actually have type 1a, and one way to identify 1a hair is that the diameter of the hair strands is extremely fine, and it does not hold a curl, even when styled with a curling iron. Type 1a hair is completely straight, there’s no wave pattern to it whatsoever-not even when it's wet.
How To Identify Type 1A Hair?
Type 1a hair is naturally fine and straight, and one of the biggest challenges with this hair texture is that, due to its finer diameter, it is fragile and breaks easily, your hair gets greasy and weighed down quickly at the root. People with type 1a hair usually prefer how their hair feels, looks and behaves when it’s washed frequently.
Here’s how to pinpoint type 1a hair:
Stick-straight from root to the ends, no wave or curl to it
Fine to superfine strands in terms of thickness.
A silky-smooth texture due to relatively flat hair cuticles
A glossy appearance due to the said flat cuticles and the natural oils coating the hair shafts
Type 1a hair has some benefits to it, primarily its lustrous, frizz-free appearance, this makes it pretty low-maintenance when it comes to hair care compared to other types of hair.
Differentiating between type 1a and 1b hair?
Type 1b hair is the most common straight hair we see. Though they are quite similar in that they are both fine hair types, there are a few differences. Type 1b hair has much more body to it and it can hold a curl because of its natural wave to it. It's an easier hair type to style in many ways than type 1a hair.
The Challenges Faced with Type 1A Hair?
Flat Hair
Due to Type 1a hair strands being on the thinner side and hanging straight to the ground, heavy styling products easily weigh down the hair, coupled with natural sebum buildup, it is easy to see why a lack of volume is a primary concern among straight hair types.
Oiliness
The geometry of straight hair means the natural oils on your scalp easily glide down the hair shaft. While the sebum keeps your mane well-moisturized from the roots to the ends, it can also be a double-edge sword for type 1a hair, in which case, your hair appears greasy.
Difficulty Styling
Stick-straight hair is very hard to curl into waves, much less tight ringlets. If you somehow manage to achieve loose beachy waves, at the expense of high heat and endless styling products, which is essentially not good for your hair. And these waves will most probably uncoil before the end of the day, to top it off, the ultra-glossy texture of your hair means that hair accessories like barrettes easily slide off.
Fine and Fragile
Type 1a hair should be handled carefully with styling, coloring and cutting, because of the diameter, it can easily break when colored and look thinner if not cut right, and because type 1a is fine and prone to breakage, make sure that you place minimal traction on your strands when you put it up. Always make sure ponytails aren’t too tight.
How To Care for Type 1A Hair
Wash Regularly
People with naturally fine hair, including type 1a hair, tend to get greasy roots faster than those with other hair textures. This is because individuals with fine hair have more hairs per square centimeter and each hair has a sebaceous (oil) gland attached to it and as a result the scalp produces more oils. As type 1a is fine and straight, any buildup of sebum weighs it down very easily. The best way to remove these excess oils and prevent itchiness and lumpiness is to cleanse frequently.
It is important to note that it is also advised not to over wash your hair, many shampoos contain surfactants that can strip your hair/scalp of its natural oils. The reduced sebum levels will then stimulate your scalp to produce more oils than usual to compensate for the increased dryness and which will leave your hair to look and feel like an oil slick. In between wash days, sprinkle some dry shampoo on your roots to cut down the grease. It will also add much needed oomph and texture to your locks.
Use Volumizing Products
Volume shampoos and conditioners work best to avoid weighing it down. Shampoos and conditioners for fine, thin hair care is recommended and a light spray gel at the root of the body.
Detangle Correctly
When working out knots, start from your ends, not your roots as this will help you avoid unnecessary breakage.
Less is more when it comes to hair products
As type 1a is easily weighed down, the last thing you want to do is pile dozens of products onto your hair. You want to boost its volume, control oil production and clear out the buildup. When all your goals are gently compiled into a few haircare products for regular use, you can avoid volume-killing buildup.
It is advised to apply conditioning products, like rinse-out and leave-in conditioners from the mid-shafts to the hair tips, this will help minimize the likelihood of oily roots while maintaining optimal hydration.
Go light instead of heavy
To avoid making type 1a flatter than it already is, go for lightweight haircare and styling products. That means stay away from products with heavy textures like oils, butters and mousses. Instead, try light hair mists whenever you feel your tresses can do with a dose of softness. While you never have to blow-dry your hair to achieve that silky, smooth look, there may be times when you want to use heat styling tools for waves and curls.
As type 1a hair doesn’t curl that easily, this means hiking up temperature on your curling iron, unfortunately it also means more heat damage than your fine strands can handle, breakage. What you need is a formidable heat protectant to help insulate your delicate fibers from extreme heat. To extend the longevity of your hairstyle, use a lightweight hairspray to hold it in place.
What Are the Best Hairstyles and Cuts for Type 1A Hair
Simple styles are winners for type 1a hair. All one length, precision curls are best suited for this kind of hair. Let’s look in the list below at all the different kinds of hair you can consider for your type 1a straight hair.
Long Hairstyles
Long hairstyles are a classic option for 1a hair. You can simply keep your locks straight and sleek, which showcases the silky-smooth texture of your locks. To add some more style and volume consider loose curls and beachy waves.
Beach Waves
Even though 1a hair is naturally straight, you can still achieve a beach wave look, with effort. Use a curling wand or flat iron on low heat to create loose waves, and then rake your fingers through them to separate, and then finish by applying a lightweight texturizing spray for added volume.
Sleek Ponytail
Take advantage of your straight, fine, hair by rocking a sleek ponytail. Brush your hair back smoothly and secure it with a hair tie. To add shine and prevent flyways, use hair oil with natural ingredients.
Medium-length Hairstyles
Medium-length hairstyles offer versatility for 1a hair, allowing you to create different looks for different occasions. A shoulder-length cut is easy to style into loose waves or for a more polished look, consider a sleek blowout, for dimension, you can incorporate some subtle layers.
Half-up, Half-down
This simple hairstyle adds some variety to your daily look. Pull the top section of your hair back and secure it with a hair tie or pin. This style allows your natural oils to distribute evenly, promoting scalp health.
Highlights
Even subtle contrasts to your natural hair color using highlights techniques can create this appearance of lush hair and bring flair to your everyday style. However, make sure you don't bleach your hair regularly to prevent damage and a color-preserving shampoo and conditioner is good to have to keep your hair’s vibrant color fresh for longer.
Short Hairstyles
Short hairstyles can be a refreshing change for 1a hair. It’s easy to manage and maintain, and you don’t need a lot of products to style it.
Bob with side-swept bangs
A bob haircut with side-swept bangs adds style and shape to your hair without overwhelming your fine texture. Use a dry shampoo to maintain volume and prevent your hair from becoming oily.
Pixie Cut
A tapered pixie haircut works well with all hair types, including straight and fine hair. It's a bold and edgy look that adds dimension to the hair and gives more styling options.
Blunt Bob
A blunt bob cut will make your hair appear lush, the uniform ends and clean lines give your strands the illusion of thickness while highlighting your hair’s smooth, fine texture.
Braided Hairstyles
While 1a hair is a bit slippery for some braided hairstyles, there are still some great options. Simple braids like classic three-strand braid, fishtail braids or a half-up braid that will add a touch of elegance to your hairstyle. A light styling product, like texturizing spray to help hold the braided hairstyle.
Braids
A clean, simple braid will make your hair look fuller. It will give a few lovely curls once you let it out. This is also a great option for busy days when you want to look your best but don’t have time to wash your hair or give your hair a fancy style. On special occasions, you can always opt for a braided updo, a French braid or a wide range of other braided hairstyles.
Layered Hairstyles
Layered hairstyles work wonders for adding volume and movement to 1a hair. You can choose from a variety of layering techniques, such as face-framing layers, long layers, or choppy layers. These styles help create the illusion of thicker hair and provide more depth to the overall look.
Long layers with ombre
Layers add movement and volume to long hair and has been known to transform your look. Ombre is a coloring technique which creates an amazing effect as the color changes along the length of your hair.
Medium Layers
Some women suffer from dull hair when it comes to straight and fine hair. Medium layers will help to create the illusion of volume. Adding layers will not only create movement but give your hair extra body and texture as well.
The Best Products For Type 1A Hair
Finding the right products for your specific hair type can make all the difference for your hair to thrive and looking its very best. That is why pinpointing your hair type is important because you will be able to pinpoint what your hair likes and does not like and yes it will be a matter of trial and error but finding the right products and routine for your unique hair will do wonders for your hair.
Conditioning and Moisturizing Products
To keep your type 1a hair healthy and shiny, conditioning and moisturizing products. Focus on applying conditioners from the mid-shafts to the tips of your hair. This will minimize oily roots while maintaining optimal hydration. When choosing products, go for lightweight ones to avoid weighing down your hair. Deep conditioning can also greatly benefit 1a hair, providing extra nourishment for a smoother and more manageable texture.
Volume Shampoo
To achieve voluminous hair, start with a good volumizing shampoo. These shampoos are formulated to make your hair appear fuller.
Heat Protection
To protect your 1a hair from breakage and dryness, always use heat protectants. These products create a barrier between your hair and heat styling tools, reducing damage.
Salt Spray
Salt spray provides a light hold and helps create a natural, beachy wave effect. Simply spritz onto your damp hair and scrunch your locks while they air dry. You can also apply the salt spray to dry hair for a quick touch up. The great thing about the salt spray is that it allows you to create an effortless look without the need for heat styling.
Gentle Shampoo and Lightweight Conditioner
When it comes to type 1a hair, gentle shampoo is a must. These cleanse your hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Look for products that are free from sulfates and parabens, as these are harsh on fine hair, the best option is a shampoo made for fine hair.
It is also important to find the right kind of conditioner for fine hair, to keep your type 1a hair moisturized and hydrated, use a lightweight conditioner. Since your hair is naturally thin and delicate, it’s important to avoid heavy conditioners that weigh it down or cause buildup, opt for products that are water-based or specifically designed for fine, straight hair.
Serums
Serums are great for taming frizz and adding shine to your 1a hair and it's great for long hair. Choose a lightweight serum to avoid weighing your hair down. Serums create a sleek and shiny appearance without making your hair look greasy.
Hairspray
Hairspray is helpful for maintaining your hairstyle throughout the day. For the best results, choose a hairspray with a light to medium hold. When applying, focus on the areas that need extra hold or control. It is important to remember that too much hairspray can make 1a hair look stiff, so use it sparingly.
Ingredients to Look for And Ingredients to Avoid
Ingredients to Look For
Green Tea Extract- provides antioxidant benefits and helps strengthen roots.
Aloe Vera and Salicylic Acid- help reduce scalp irritation and gentle exfoliating the scalp
Rosemary Leaf Extract- stimulates circulation
Panthenol- adds moisture and body to your hair, making it appear thicker.
Sweet Almond Extract and quinoa- boosts volume and protects against breakage.
Hydrolyzed Proteins - help strengthen and thicken hair strands.
Ingredients to Avoid
Shea Butter- weighs down type 1 hair easily and causes greasiness.
Sulfates and Parabens- harsh and strips the hair of its natural oils
Heavy Oils- plant oils are great for sealing in moisture in your hair, however those with type 1a hair, should be mindful not to use heavy oils as they will weigh down your hair and make it look flat.
Harsh surfactants- Clarifying shampoos are great to remove excess oils from the scalp, but be careful not to over wash your hair, as you will strip your scalp of sebum and create an overproduction sebum.
Recommended Hair Care Routine for Type 1A Hair
A proper hair wash routine will maintain the strength and health of your type 1a hair. This makes it easier to style. Following the right straight hair care routine is essential to maintain its smoothness, shine and overall health.
Shampooing
You need to aim to wash your hair at least two to three times a week, and use a gentle shampoo, preferably one that is formulated for straight hair. It is important to focus on cleansing the scalp and roots rather than the lengths of your hair, especially if you have dry hair. It is vital to avoid over washing your hair, as it can strip natural oils from the hair and cause dryness.
Rinses
Rinsing out shampoo and conditioner correctly is one of the most overlooked factors of washing your hair. Improper rinsing of shampoo and conditioner can cause excessive build-up and residue in your hair, which will leave your hair feeling clumped up and dirty and in some cases cause scalp irritation. Make sure you wash out products well and you can even use rice water rinses to elevate the look and feel of your hair. Rice water has been used for centuries in Asian cultures, and is said to have hair strengthening, volumizing benefits and adds shine to your hair while encouraging hair growth.
Conditioner
It is important not to skip this step in your hair care routine, use a lightweight conditioner formulated for straight, fine hair. Avoid the roots of your hair and apply the conditioner only to the body of your hair and leave it in for a few minutes. Rinse out the conditioner thoroughly with cool water.
Drying
It is recommended to let your hair air-dry whenever possible to minimize heat damage and never rub your hair vigorously with a towel, as it can cause frizz. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair with a microfiber towel or T-shirt, or just wrap your hair while it air-dries with the microfiber towel. If you are blow-drying your hair, make sure to use a low heat setting and use a heat protectant spray.
Styling
When styling opt for hairstyles that don’t require excessive pulling or tension, as it can lead to breakage. Avoid excessive heat styling, such as flat irons and curling irons, if using heat, apply a heat protectant spray first and use the lowest heat setting. Use lightweight styling products to avoid weighing down your straight hair. Try using alternative methods for curling your hair like braiding or those heatless curling rod headbands.
Night care
This is another important step for your straight hair routine that helps prevent frizz and tangles. Consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcases or a silk/satin bonnet. It is recommended to avoid hair ties while sleeping to minimize breakage, but if needed to secure a braid or knot use silk/satin scrunchies. Before bed, apply a lightweight oil like argan, camellia or Abyssinian oil to the ends of your hair to help hydrate, prevent water loss and neutralize free radicals and in doing so you have benefits of shine, hydration, softness, protection and elasticity.
Between washes
Use a dry shampoo to soak up any oils collecting on your scalp. Brush your hair each night, start at the ends and work your way up to the scalp to avoid breakage, try to brush your slowly and gently, as this will distribute the natural oils, get rid of any dandruff and any product build up from accumulating on your scalp. When your roots start to feel greasy, you can wear your hair in a protective hairstyle like buns to protect the ends.
Hair Masks
Incorporate a hair mask into your hair care routine once or twice a week, depending on the level of moisture and nourishment your hair may need. There are several different hair masks suitable for straight hair. An argan oil hair mask, which is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E and will deeply moisturize and nourish straight hair. Leaving it soft and manageable. You can also apply a honey mask, as honey is a natural humectant, which will help attract and retain moisture, this will work wonders for locking in moisture and promoting smoothness and shine. Lastly, protein-based hair masks help to strengthen and repair damaged straight hair. They restore protein levels, preventing breakage and promoting hair health and resilience.
Mistakes To Avoid With Type 1A Hair
Avoid Over Washing
You might feel the urge to wash your hair daily but it just triggers your scalp to produce more and more sebum contributing to your problem. In between washes you can opt for hair rinses, dry shampoos or washing your hair with just water.
Avoid Brushing Wet Hair
It may cause hair to stretch and break. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to remove knots.
Don’t overuse product
Too much product on straight hair will weigh it down. A very small amount of a volumizing mousse is all you need.
Avoid Hot Water while washing hair
A hot shower zaps off natural oils from your scalp and leaves your hair feeling dry and flaky. Use warm to cold water for frizz-free shiny hair. Lukewarm water is your hair’s best friend because it doesn’t damage them.
Lifestyle Habits for Healthier Type 1A Hair
Eat right
Your hair quality is also a result of what you eat. If your hair is oily, reduce excess intake of oily foods. Straight hair will look lifeless if there is an excess of oil in your system. Include fruits, veggies, grains, lentils, nuts and leafy greens in your diet. These foods promote healthy hair.
Drink more water
Water is the answer to all illnesses; internal wise hydration coupled with drinking water is the key to achieve well-balanced hair health. Keep yourself hydrated to help your hair thrive.
Satin pillows
Switch to silk pillowcases instead of regular cotton pillowcases as it helps to absorb the extra natural oils from your scalp and hair which prevents your hair from getting greasy.
Safeguard against static
Everyone with straight hair knows that winter is the season of static. A great tip is to spray down your hairbrush with a bit of static guard. If you wear a hat, spray a little bit in the hat -it is an instant remedy to straight hair static.
Regular Trims
Straight hair is very prone to split ends. Aim to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to eliminate any split ends and maintain your hairstyle. This will keep your hair looking fresh and healthy, allowing for better styling and added confidence.
Protect your hair
Shield your hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. Minimize exposure to chlorine and saltwater and rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming to remove any residue for pool chemicals.
Relax
Stress is an important thing to avoid or combat for people with all hair types. Stress can damage hair and cause hair loss and not from the urge to pull out your hair. Exercise is a great way to de-stress and increase blood circulation which helps your hair grow faster.
Conclusion
There is nothing to dislike about your type 1a hair. It may throw a few shags here and there in your hair care and styling routine -flatness, oiliness and breakage can often show up. But on the bright side, these issues can be fixed with the right hair care practices and products in place. So we hope that this guide will lead you in the right direction and help you reach your hair care goals, but most of all beautiful and healthy hair.
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