Written By: Zenani Sizane
Unlike type 1a hair, which happens to be the rarest hair type, type 1b is not 100% straight from root to tip. Somewhere between no-iron, pin straight hair and bouncy beautiful curls, almost wavy but not entirely there, easily tamed but with an oil-spewing scalp and drier ends. There are certainly pros and cons to this type. In this article, you will learn how to differentiate type 1b hair from the other straight hair types. You will also discover the common struggles of those with type 1b hair and how you can overcome them with ease.
What is Type 1B Hair?
Knowing your exact hair type sets the foundation for a solid haircare and styling routine. You will need the hair typing system immensely in determining the specific hair type you belong to and once you have a general idea of the different levels of straight vs curly hair, you can delve deeper into more details.
This article is exactly the deep dive to type 1b hair. Type 1b hair can be deceiving at first glance. While type 1b hair falls straight, there’s a slight softness to it, a natural bend if you will. In general, type 1b hair has mostly fine strands interspersed with a few coarse fibers. Fine to medium in thickness, type 1b hair has a bit of a motion and volume with subtle bends throughout the body.
How To Identify Type 1B Hair
Does your hair appear straight with loose waves here and there? Is it silky soft and smooth all over, if that is the case you probably have type 1b hair. Although type 1b hair doesn’t have the distinctive S-shape curls present in other type of hair, it’s gentle waves from the mid-length down are enough to prevent some of your scalps, natural oils from reaching the tips which will result in your distinctive drier ends.
Here’s how to pinpoint type 1b hair:
Generally straight from the roots to the ends, but with some subtle bends mid-body, finished off with gentle curled ends.
Shiny and sleek like type 1a hair.
Mostly fine hair strands interspersed with a few coarse fibers.
Slightly more voluminous than type 1a hair.
Type 1b hair is close twin with type 1a hair, especially when your mane is wet and hanging straight. But once your hair is completely dry, the subtle hints of waves from the mid-shafts to the ends become more pronounced, so you can distinguish it from type 1a hair.
Differentiating Between Type 1 Hair Patterns
It is important to remember that most people don’t fit neatly into a single hair type. Those with a B-level hair type, regardless of the number are likely to have a mix of all types within their number. For example, someone with 1b hair is likely to have some super-straight hairs, some bendy and some downright wavy hair too.
For this reason, type 1b hair can be hard to differentiate from the others in the type 1 spectrum, especially when wet. Type 1b hair tends to hang straight when wet, making it look like type 1a, but there’s a quick method to see if your hair has any wave to it. Type 1a is stubbornly straight- you must invest in getting a wave or bend, meanwhile, type 1c hair is thicker with more defined waves. Somewhere in between lies type 1b. While 1a hair’s primary concern is likely flatness and type 1c’s primary concern is usually frizz and puffiness, type 1b hair’s biggest is greasy roots.
Benefits of Having Type 1B Hair
It isn’t frizzy
Type 1b is generally straight, so it's easy for the natural oils on your scalp to glide down most of your hair shafts. This gives off a naturally glossy and smooth appearance.
It can hold a curl
Comparatively speaking, type 1b hair is easier to curl into waves due to its natural bends, that means your hairstylist doesn't have to work hard when getting your locks ready for a night out.
It has some volume
Courtesy of the slight bends and waves and a mildly coarse texture, type 1b hair has some volume, sidestepping complete flatness.
Challenges Faced with Type 1B Hair
Speaking of greasy hair, here are a few challenges those with type 1b can experience:
It can appear greasy
Just as natural oils can help moisturize your mane, they can easily make your hair look like oil slick; that is because the overall straight geometry of type 1b hair strands from the roots to the mid-shafts works gravity favor and not so much yours
It is quite dainty
Type 1b hair strands tend to be on the fine side. In which case, natural oils and product buildup easily weigh the hair down, extinguishing the little volume type 1b may have. Moreover, those with fragile strands are highly susceptible to heat and chemical- induced damage.
It is drier at the ends
It is oily at the roots and drier at the ends, due to the slight waves and bends in your hair, you can be more prone to drier ends, as the oils don’t reach your ends, and this can cause tangles and breakage.
How To Care for Type 1B Hair
If you are part of the straight-hair crew, you also need to wash your hair regularly to reduce buildup, add volume, regulate scalp sebum and keep scalp buildup at a minimum, but that's not all type 1b needed, here are a few more practices to bear in mind.
Lightweight Moisturizer
The top one-third of type 1b hair is usually prone to oiliness. But the slight waviness in the bottom two-thirds of your hair may mean that scalp sebum has difficulty making it to your hair tips.
A lightweight leave-in conditioner can nip your drier ends in the bud. All you need to do is apply a dollop to your hair, starting mid-length all the way down to your ends. Doing so, prevents adding more moisture to your roots while rehydrating your hair tips to minimize split ends.
Silicone-Free
If your hair is forever falling flat, try passing on silicones. These polymers form a protective layer on the hair shaft to add softness and shine while reducing frizz. It is essentially a waterproofing ingredient widely used in haircare, however with all the many benefits silicones may have, it may not go well with type 1 hair. The reason being the silicone-induced coating on your hair shafts contributes to product buildup and more buildup translates to an oily scalp and a flatter hairstyle-exactly what you do not need for 1b hair.
Oil-Control products
Unfortunately, type 1b hair tends oily at the roots and dry at the ends. The overall straight nature of type 1b hair, paired with the tendency to have a finer texture, cause your hair to appear greasier from even the smallest amount of oil. Meanwhile the gentle waves from the mid-length down are enough to prevent some of the sebum on the scalp to travel down to the hair tips. It is important to avoid over washing which can ramp up oil production.
Protect
Protection is always important, silk pillowcases for all hair types-they really make a huge difference in terms of frizz and tangles. When possible, use silk/satin scrunchies as well. Always use heat protectants before applying heat to your hair.
Limit Hair Damaging Practices
The strands of type 1b tend to be on the finer side, which unfortunately means they are also on the weaker side. These fragile strands are highly susceptible to damage of all types-chemical, heat, color treatment and buildup. Consider limiting all strenuous hair practices every now and then.
Give Your Hair a Break
Give your delicate type 1b hair a break every now and then, it is recommended to occasionally break out the heat tools, and not forget the heat protectant when doing so. And regularly wearing clip-ins may do more harm than good, as hair extensions tend to be heavy on the hair, which puts extra strain on your already fragile type 1b hair, leading to excessive shedding and breakage.
What Are the Best Hairstyles and Cuts for Type 1B Hair
While other hair types need a lot of products or styling to look their best, the 1b hair type is low maintenance by comparison. It doesn’t require much from you and the natural texture is very slight. You won’t always need to heat style or blow dry with a round brush to perfect it.
The mostly straight texture is perfectly suited for air-drying, making hair care a little easier. And since many products are too heavy for the medium-textured hair type, you won’t need to douse your strands in multiple products to make it manageable or to style it.
Long Hairstyles
Beachy Waves
For a casual, carefree look, beachy waves are the way to go for your type 1b hair. You can easily achieve a beachy wave hairstyle because you already have soft waves. With a little assistance from a curling iron, you can create the ideal beachy, fun hairstyle for you casual day out.
Half Up, Half Down
Show off your beautiful hair while wearing it half up and half down. It is incredibly simple to look stylishly unassuming this way. Additionally, it keeps your hair in place all day so you don’t have to constantly flick it back.
Short Hairstyles
Pixie Cut
This can essentially mean chopping off your strands, but the pixie is such a sweet, romantic short hairstyle that not every hair type has the luxury of being able to pull off. It will require less maintenance than those with wavy and curly hair types and will grow out quite nicely.
The Side Part
The middle part doesn’t really do a whole lot for your hair type. It really accentuates how flat your strands tend to be. To combat that, try the side part, you can fake extra volume and body by messing around with the placement of your part. The deeper the side part the voluminous your hair will appear.
Mid-length Hairstyles
Shoulder-length Cut with Layers
Shoulder-length cuts of any variety are truly the best 1b hairstyles. They show off your hair’s natural texture, while not being too long or too short. What will really help your hair type is adding in some layers. With such straight strands, layers add an extra bit of dimension and volume that you would otherwise be missing out on.
Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are all the rage these days, and they are especially the perfect hairstyle for 1b hair type. The trendy bangs pair well with any haircut, and it creates some dimension in limp locks. They are also incredibly easy to maintain and will grow out to beautiful face-framing layers.
Curls and Up-do’s
Loose Curls
Unlike type 1a hair, your hair can truly hold curls. Loose curls will have a natural flow and can add softness to your style. All you have to do to achieve this is alternate the direction you curl your hair in to give your curls a more organic appearance. Your curls will be looser if you use bigger, thicker hair strands to wrap around your curling iron.
Bun Curls
Just because your hair is straight doesn’t mean you always have to wear it that way. Winding your hair into two large, coiled buns while it’s wet will give you gorgeous, voluminous curls the next morning.
Combined with natural smoothness and shine, this style will become one of your favorites because it is so easy. A little mousse and silk scrunchies to secure the buns overnight will reveal your beautiful curls the next day.
The Best Products to Use for Type 1B Hair
Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying shampoo will help calm oil production, leaving your scalp free of excess sebum that can weigh down your hair even more. Your scalp will feel incredibly refreshed and free after just one use of a clarifying shampoo.
ACV Hair Rinse
A hair rinse may very well be your saving grace. Rinses that contain apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, or rosemary oil can be very beneficial to keep oil at bay. Know that this isn’t a treatment you should use daily. Start using one every other week, then work it into your routine on a daily basis.
Lightweight Conditioner
You may think that because your hair is so greasy you don’t need to hydrate it, but you would be wrong. We know it seems silly to add more oils and products to your hair, but the fact of the matter is that’s exactly what they need. Leave-in conditioners are great for your type 1b hair, just be sure to use lightweight leave-ins that will leave your hair hydrated rather than weigh down as some conditioners can do. Aim to apply the product more in the middle of your hair towards the ends, this will also keep your drier ends hydrated.
Hair Mask
Adding a weekly hair mask into your routine will give your dry strands the moisture it desperately needs. Hair masks are great to repair damage, restoring hydration and adding shine to your hair without weighing them down.
Serum
Putting oil on oily hair sounds like a recipe for disaster, but much like with an oily face, continually stripping an oily scalp causes the body to produce more oil. You need to properly nourish the scalp in order to find peace with your grease. There are oil-based serums that are formulated with lightweight oils such as Abyssinian and camellia seed oils that can hydrate and nourish your hair.
Ingredients to Look for and Ingredients to Avoid
Ingredients to Look For:
Abyssinian oil is lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs quickly into skin and hair. You won’t have to worry about greasy residue or oily buildup with this oil. Abyssinian oil goes on lightweight without stickiness, greasiness or tack- making it the perfect oil for type 1b hair, because it will not weigh down your strands like heavier oils like castor oil.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is an oil that functions as a mask, conditioner, treatment, you name it. It has high levels of fatty acids that condition and protect the hair, it also contains antioxidants like vitamin E that prevent split ends and protect hair during styling and treatments.
Camellia Seed Oil
Camellia oil has been famously used by Japanese and other Asian ethnicities for centuries. It is commonly used as a leave-in and applied to damp hair after washing hair. Camellia oil will give you an extra boost of shine and make your hair manageable. Camellia oil absorbs quickly and won’t leave any greasy residue behind.
Aloe
Due to its moisturizing properties and nourishing vitamins, aloe vera is a popular treatment in hair care, research has shown that it may help with dandruff relief and that the plant compounds may also help promote healthier hair.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant that is full of vital nutrients that improve the health, shine and texture of the hair and scalp. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the scalp especially those dry inflamed scalp. However, honey is suitable for any hair type as it adds moisture and shine to the hair as well as reduces frizz by smoothing the hair follicles.
Ingredients to Avoid:
Castor Oil
Castor oil is not recommended for type 1 hair types, because it has a super-rich and heavy consistency that can clog your hair follicles and leave your roots looking greasy, which is a big no-no for your type 1b hair.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is generally a good product, however when used undiluted or at a high concentration or even in its purest form, it will weigh down your hair, due to its ultra-rich and heavy consistency.
Silicones
For your type 1b hair, silicones are generally not recommended as they can block moisture from absorbing into the hair, which will ultimately lead to dryness or even an overproduction of sebum in an oily scalp scenario, that will leave your hair feeling weighed down and essentially making it look flat.
Sulfates and Parabens
Sulfates and parabens can be harsh on the scalp which can potentially cause irritation and dryness. They can also cause a number of problems for your hair including drying, irritating your scalp, fading your color and even hair loss. Go for shampoos that are sulfate-free as they tend to be milder and gentle on the scalp.
Recommended Hair Care Routine for Type 1B Hair
Shampoo
Only shampoo your hair once every 2-3 days. Over washing can trick your scalp into producing more sebum and make your hair oiler than needed. And, if you want to add more volume and body to your hair, stay away from using products with silicones and start using clarifying shampoos.
Hair Rinse
Rinses that contain rosemary, apple cider vinegar and aloe can help keep oil at bay. This isn’t a treatment you should use daily but use it on a weekly basis to ensure you rinse out all the excess product from your hair to help keep your hair clean with an extra boost of shine.
Conditioning
With type 1b hair, it is recommended to avoid applying conditioner to your scalp as it can make your hair a bit limp and lifeless, but it is suggested to focus on your ends which tend to be drier and frizzy. It is said that applying an extra bit of conditioner on them will help keep them nourished.
Drying
It is always recommended to let your hair air-dry when you have the chance to avoid heat damage but to also always apply a heat protectant when using heat. It is also suggested to not rub your hair with a towel when drying and wringing out water but to rather wrap your hair with a microfiber towel that will create less friction.
Protective Styling
It is always best to handle your hair with the best care, whether you are using heat or detangling, it is important to handle your hair with the utmost care, by using the right detangling tools and brushes and detangling your hair the right way. And also apply a heat protectant whenever you use heat in your hair.
Trimming
The best way to avoid split ends is to regularly trim your hair to help it grow and prevent damage. Trimming for type 1b hair is recommended every 6-8 weeks depending on your individual hair and it is important to make whoever trims your hair is skilled enough to do it right.
Night Care
Your night care routine is just as important as your hair wash routine because this is how you will prevent frizz, friction and tangles in your hair. Your night care routine will also save you time, when it comes to styling your hair the next day. It is recommended to not put your hair in tight hairstyles and to consider investing in silk/satin pillowcases and scrunchies which are going to help you prevent friction and frizzy hair.
Mistakes To Avoid With Type 1B Hair
Know your hair
The reason the hair typing system is so important to know, is that it can guide you in the right direction when it comes to learning what your hair needs and what to avoid when it comes to your particularly hair, there are other things like genetics, porosity and density to consider in attempts to building the best hair care routine, however it is important to use the hair type system as a guide rather than a well-studied facts about your hair and if you cannot do it yourself, it is always recommended to consult people who have worked with hair and studied hair like hairstylists and trichologists and other medical professionals to help you care for your hair best.
Excessive Product Use
Excessive product use can be counterproductive to your hair and cause all sorts of problems to your hair such as flatness, greasy hair and even frizz. It is important to know which products to use and even the amount that is needed. The right products can make the difference in having luscious voluminous hair as opposed to flat and lifeless hair.
Excessive Heat Use
Excessive heat use for any hair type is not good, as excessive heat damages your cuticles and eventually affects how your hair is structured, which can cause excessive hair loss overtime. It is important to keep the heat as possible and use it as seldom as possible.
Lifestyle Habits for Healthier Type 1B Hair
Balanced diet
The most effective home treatment for hair care is a healthy diet, because what you eat and put inside your body will reflect on the outside. Make sure your diet consists of all the beautiful fruits and vegetables that are packed with a variety of hair-loving vitamins and minerals.
Drink water
The most important part of living a healthy lifestyle that will impact not only your overall health but your hair and skin as well, is to make sure you consume enough water on a daily basis.
Relax
Stress is known to have a negative effect on you in general, what some people don’t realize is that it can also affect your hair growth process, and keep your hair in its telogen phase longer, so it is vital for you to limit and reduce any stressors in your life and do activities that are relaxing.
Avoid damage
There are many factors that contribute to the damage of your hair, the best tip to avoid hair damage is to firstly be aware of these factors such as sun damage, heat damage and even chlorine-induced damage. It is important to take care of your hair attentively to ensure you care for it in the way it requires.
Conclusion
Every single hair type has its unique set of issues and benefits, it is up to you to take the time, effort and some strategy to figure out what exactly your hair needs and to practically apply everything you find useful in this guide. The most important thing is to love and appreciate your beautiful locks and always be grateful that you are gifted with such beautiful hair. Pray over your hair and ask God to give you the wisdom and strength to be a good steward over your hair. it is your crown, and it is important to let it shine. it important to remember that God cares about everything involving you, and that includes your hair as well.
here's a scripture to keep in mind.
Luke 12:7 " Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
God Bless and thank you for reading.
Reference
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