Understanding your hair type can make a world of difference for your strands. The tricky part is actually figuring out the type of hair you have and what products to use. That’s where Mane Addicts comes in to save the day. We’re here to share everything you need to know about 1A hair, including what it is, the products to use, and the best hairstyles. Be sure to bookmark this guide and scroll below to discover everything there is to know about this hair type!
(via Unsplash)
What Is 1A Hair?
These strands tend to be fairly fine and lack any sort of curl pattern. Think stick-straight hair that’s thin and wispy. Everyone with type 1 hair has straight hair, but what sets 1A apart from 1B and 1C hair types? We’re so glad you asked. This hair type is as straight as can be and doesn’t have any sort of volume or body. While holding a curl or wave may be difficult for your strands, they do tend to be a lot shinier and are almost always free of frizz.
This hair type does tend to be pretty rare, however. Not many people actually have stick-straight strands. Still, there are a handful of people who do and they deserve to know how to care for their hair. You’re likely one of them.
How to Care for 1A Hair
The good news is that this hair type is relatively low-maintenance. You don’t need to do too much to your strands to ensure they’re well taken care of. Here are a few things you can do to keep your type 1A hair looking its best:
1. Wash your hair regularly.
Maintaining a regular wash schedule is critical to control your oil production. It’s recommended you wash your hair every two to three days to keep it clean and also give it some oomph. Refreshed hair always tends to look a little bit more voluminous than dirty hair. Be careful not to wash it too often, because that can actually cause your strands to produce more oil. And we don’t want that now, do we?
2. Use cold water to rinse your strands.
When you wash your hair, cold water is best. It doesn’t need to be ice cold so make it comfortable. Washing your hair with cold water not only rids the scalp of impurities, dirt, oil, and the like but also will keep your hair cleaner for longer. This will come in handy on those days you can’t be bothered to wash your hair, even if it’s been a few days since a rise already.
3. Don’t overdo it with hair products.
Your thin, flat, fine hair may have you reaching for all the hair products—put them down. You don’t need them. Using too many of them will actually make things worse. They’ll only weigh down your lifeless strands and can even make them appear greasier than they already are. Instead, you’ll want to choose products that offer multiple benefits. More on that below!
4. Don’t go to bed with wet hair.
Sleeping on wet strands is a huge no-no for those with 1A hair. Doing so will create unnecessary (and unwanted) frizz, while also tangling your tresses. Avoid this by going to bed with dry hair. If you must go to bed with wet or damp strands, spritz on some leave-in conditioner for some added slip and protection.
5. Schedule regular hair trims.
Trimming your dead ends will add some life and fullness back into your limp strands. The longer you go without cutting your hair, the more weighed down they’ll be. So, get trims on a regular basis. Talking to your hairstylist can help you determine what that maintenance looks like for you.
How to Style 1A Hair
Styling 1A hair is relatively easy, given that it’s already straight. You don’t need to take a flat iron to your strands because they’re, well, straight. Adding curl and volume, however, is a whole other story. When you use a blow dryer, blow dry upside down to give your strands some added body. This will also help add volume before you use any heat styling tools.
Speaking of heat styling tools, it’s best to use lower settings to protect your strands from damage and frizz. If your hair is a bit thicker, you can increase the temperature, but never go higher than medium heat.
As far as curling your hair goes, this can be pretty tricky with your hair type. You may be able to get your hair to curl, though it’ll likely fall out relatively quickly. To prevent this, use hairspray. Even using rollers over a curling iron can help create curls that last longer.
The Best Hairstyles for 1A Hair
We’ve rounded up a few hairstyles (including cuts and color) that’ll add some volume and dimension to your lifeless strands.
1. Multi Layers
Layers really help give slick straight hair more dimension. Keeping things one length can be rather boring, so spice up your long locks with s some layers. Plus, layers add an extra bit of movement to keep things interesting. You can even do a nice ombré color to really jazz it up.
2. Blunt Bob
For those with 1A hair that tends to be on the thinner side, a blunt bob haircut will make your strands appear thicker. And isn’t that what you really want? Opting for balayage as well can really make this look something special.
3. Asymmetrical Cuts
We might be making a moot point by once again noting how flat this hair type is, but here we are reminding you of that once more. Did we hammer it home yet? Anyway, to liven up type 1A hair, we suggest going with an asymmetrical cut of your choice. Even ask your stylist what they would recommend because chances are they have just the cut in mind.
4. Side Braid
Putting your hair into a braid may seem like it defeats the purpose of adding more volume to your hair, but hear us out. The side braid is an easy way to fake body no matter how thin your tresses are. Your strands will appear thicker almost instantly.
5. Side-Parted Strands
The verdict is still out as to whether we should all be rocking the side part or the middle part. For the 1A hair type, side parts add volume to otherwise flat strands. Do with that information what you will.
The Best Hair Products for 1A Hair
Now that you know basically everything there is to know about your strands, we had to share some of our favorite 1A hair products. You didn’t think we’d forget the products, did you?
Hey mane muse, we wanted to give you a heads up that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Okay, so what does that mean for you? It just means that Mane Addicts will collect a small share of the sale from any purchase you make from the products we recommend.
1. Dove Refresh+Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo: $5.72
Dry shampoo is a savior for anyone with this hair type. With all the oils your hair produces, dry shampoo will be constantly used to soak it all up. We highly recommend the Dove Refresh+Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo for that reason and because it adds some volume. You know your flat hair needs it.
(via Walmart)
2. Hairitage Magic Spell Texturizing Spray: $7.94
Texturizing spray is a great way to create movement and volume for type 1A hair. We’re especially big fans of the Magic Spell Texturizing Spray from Hairitage. It smells great, is vegan, and made without all the chemicals that tend to weigh flat hair down. It doesn’t get much better than that.
(via Walmart)
3. Living Proof Full Shampoo: $29
Volumizing shampoos are the way to go because they add volume—duh. Another moot point coming in hot. Our favorite volumizing shampoo? The Living Proof Full Shampoo. It has to be full of magic, because it can make the thinest of strands look incredibly thick.
(via Living Proof)
4. It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite: $16.99
Leave-in conditioners can often be too heavy for 1A strands, but that’s not the case with the It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite. You’ll be able to repair, restore, detangle, and de-frizz your tresses with this lighter formula.
(via Walmart)
5. Bumble and bumble Thickening Volume Conditioner: $30
Your fine hair will be more voluminous after one wash with this conditioner, we promise. The best part is the weightless technology of this conditioner. Your hair will feel full of body and life, but it won’t be weighed down at all by product.