There are many hair shades, styles, and colors in the world. It isn’t easy to make sense of every hair type without first categorizing it and studying it. People’s hair types remain the same throughout their lives. Hair specialists have categorized hair into 12 distinct patterns between 1A and 4C to elaborate how curled or straight the hair is and how the type affects styling and hair care. That is because any type of styling is temporary, and hair grows back to its natural pattern after some time.
What is 1A Hair?
Hairstyles are often based on how hair curls. This classification has four main types of hair: type 1 hair is straight, type 2 hair is wavy, type 3 hair is curly, and type 4 hair is coily.
The extent to which your hair curls is determined by the shape of your hair follicles.
1A hair type falls in the type 1 hair category with no natural curls. Type 1a hair is very rare and is defined as straight, fine strands, shiny and oily. If you have 1A hair it means that your hair cannot hold curls and will naturally produce a lot of oil that leads to its shine. This hair type ranges from fine to superfine thickness and has a very thin volume.
How to Determine Your Hair Type
Knowing your hair type is vital to giving your hair the proper care it needs. The most pressing question everyone has is how you determine your hair type. We will properly define all the 12 hair types so that it is possible for you to notice your hair pattern and give it proper care.
For Men
The four main hair types are depending on the pattern of curls on your hair. Since the hair pattern is natural, any attempt to modify it is often temporary, and the hair regains its pattern after a short period. A good recommendation for men is to check the curl of their hair every 3 inches to gauge on which of the four main hair patterns your hair falls.
Type 1 hair lacks a distinguishable curl pattern and is easy to tell apart from hair other types. It is less vulnerable to styling and weather damage compared to other hair types. Suppose your hair is not vulnerable to teasing. The grading of the hairstyle from A to C goes from fine to curl-resistant strands. The main difference is that grade a is thin, b medium hair while c has more hair that can make curls.
Wavy hair is the hallmark of type 2 hair; its curls are not so intense as to make it curly hair. Like type one hair, it is also graded from grade a to c representing a shift from fine and thin to coarse and curly hair. Type 2 hair is less oily compared to type 1 though it tends to frizz out. 2A has natural, beachy, and loose waves that form a C shape when dry. It is the least frizzy of type 2 hair. Type 2B has waves that are clearly defined and tightly drawn and form an S shape when dry. Type 2C has defined waves that begin at the hair root to the tip; it forms loose spiral curves that form an S shape and is the frizziest type 2 hair.
Type 3 hair has an S shape due to the natural curls and forms ringlets naturally defined. Type 3 hair tends to be dry owing to its texture. It is easier to style compared to type 2—the trends in type 3 run from loose curls to corkscrew curls. 3A has natural loopy curls, while 3B is coarse and dense. Both 3A and 3B form an S shape. 3C has a corkscrew shape with a circumference the size of a pencil. It is more voluminous than A and B.
Kinky hair or coiled hair is what constitutes type 4 hair and is commonly associated with people of African roots. The hair grading runs from tightly coiled in 4a to Z-angled in 4C. The 4A hair strands are fine and wiry with a noticeable curl pattern. 4B pattern is less defined because the coils are tight and often resemble a zigzag pattern. 4c is the curliest hair type; it is delicate and can shrink to 70% in size.
For Women
There is virtually no difference between the hair pattern in men and women. Interestingly men and women have the same hair texture, and the hair types are similar across both genders. The only noticeable difference is men tend to crop their hair and keep it short while women grow longer hair. The use of different sterling products and haircuts brings most of the distinction between women’s hair and men’s hair.
Women’s hair type follows the same pattern as men’s and ranges from type 1 for the straightest hair, type 2 for wavy hair, type 3 for curly hair, and type 4 for kinky hair. There is a reduction in the amount of sebum that reaches the tip of the hair from type 1 to type 4 and across the different grades in each hair type. The decrease in the oil causes the hair to curl and increase in volume. While 1A is straight and thin, 4C is kinked and fluffy.
Best Products for 1A hair
Prismax Hair Botox
Prismax Hair Botox is a blend of essential oils and vitamins that rejuvenate, hydrate, and repair broken hair.
This product is a deep conditioning treatment that will help clean your hair of the oils and other hair products that have stuffed your hair. It would be best if you used this treatment only once a month.
Pros
- Hydrates dry hair.
- Repairs broken hair.
- Moisturizes hair.
- It helps manage frizzes.
Cons
- It is not suitable for face application as it has Botox.
Daily Dose Leave-in Conditioner
Daily Dose is a leave-in conditioner necessary when you need to let your hair stay damp overnight to avoid frizzes.
This conditioner helps make hair manageable, eliminates frizz, adds moisture, and shines your hair. It can help repair your hair, soften and strengthen it.
Pros
- Helps manage hair.
- Can eliminate frizz.
- Moisturizes hair.
Cons
- It may not take away frizz for all people.
Prismax Clarifying Shampoo with Lipotein-Q
If you are looking for a hair conditioner that is not oily and will produce good results with 1A hair, then here is your best bet.
Clarifying shampoos are great for cleaning oil in 1A hair and degreasing it so that you can restore the natural shine. You can use this conditioner daily to achieve the best results.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses hair.
- Removes oils, dirt, and product build-up.
Cons
- Users should avoid eye contact with their eyes.
It’s a 10 Silk Express Miracle Silk Shampoo
Regular cleansing and cleaning of hair are one of the most vital hair maintenance regimens. 1A shampoo requires a shampoo that can work with dry.
This shampoo helps make hair manageable, silkiness, elasticity, and shines your hair. It can help repair your hair, soften and strengthen it.
Pros
- Enhance silkiness and manageability of hair.
- It improves elasticity and creates a lustrous.
- Restore vibration by conditioning and straightening your hair.
Cons
- It would help if you had a conditioner to use with the shampoo.
Best Hairstyles for 1A Hair
There are many hairstyles that you can adorn when you have straight 1A hair. The best style often depends on the thickness of your hair. There is also plenty of hair cut that men can get with this hairstyle ranging from sleek to bob. If you have been blessed to have this hair type, you have a lot of freedom to play with many hairstyles and cuts. The only downside is that curls won’t last as the hair is not designed for curls, and there is a constant need to wash.
For Men
The hairstyles and haircuts that work for men with short hair are less curly since they won’t curl naturally. The main challenge with styling this hair is that the hair is excessively soft, difficult to curl, needs to be washed often, and is difficult to damage. Those with a round face can opt for shorter cuts with side bangs. Such a hairstyle can often weigh-off those with thicker hair.
There is a range of styles that anyone with any style can pick from. Here are my top ten picks. Just be creative with your hair and find what works for you. Try a mix of the following styles for better results.
- Side-Tossed Straight Hair Hairstyles
- Medium-Length Swept Back Straight Hair
- Man, Bun Hairstyles for Men with Straight Hair
- Straight Hair Modern Bowl Cut
- Long and Layered Straight Hairstyles
- Ivy League Haircuts for Straight Hair
- Half Up Half Down Men’s Straight Hair
- Quiff Haircut
- Front Fringe Haircut with Straight Hair
- Short Back and Layers
For Women
There are innumerable hairstyles for 1A hair. One of the most common styling solutions is to switch up your part. Play the look by adding a thick braid or several mini braids to add personality to the straight hair.
Adding lots of layers is a method that works for all, whether one has long hair or short hair. Layering creates in instant style for type 1A hair. Layering hair helps to create movement versatility and increase volume to otherwise flat type 1A hair. Layering is often a shortcut to adding volume on short flat, and thin hair.
Here is a list of popular women hairstyles that work with 1A:
- Blunt Long Hair
- Fishtail Side Braids
- Short Messy Spikes
- Dark Green Asymmetric Bob
- Platinum Blonde Long Straight Bob
- Pompadour Style
- Blonde Goddess Braids
- Urban Ponytail Hairstyle
- Straight Layered Hair
- Side Swept Undercut
How to Care for 1A Hair
Having type 1A hair is rare; those blessed with hair should take care of the hair for the best results. If you do not take care of your hair it may be overrun by dryness, limp locks, flyways, tangles, and frizz. Flyaway may occur when flat hair is flat hair hydrated. Dry hair is caused by the environment, static electricity, styling products, malnutrition, or low water intake.
The best way to maintain your hair is first to maintain good health, which is to make sure you are on a good diet to help provide necessary nutrients and keep the hair healthy. Develop a hair maintenance regimen that works with your hair. Regular maintenance will keep your hair healthy, manageable, and moisturized. Here are things you can prioritize in hair maintenance.
Moisturize the 1A hair
1A hair has a reputation for having an oily scalp while the hair tips remain dry. It is often difficult to even out that difference. It is wise to apply conditioners and moisturizers to the hair tips. However, it would help if you strive not to apply any moisturizer to your scalp. A good tip is to apply the moisturizer from the ears down. You can use deep conditioning treatments monthly to reduce dry and frizzy hair.
Degrease the oily hair
Use a clarifying shampoo to reduce the natural oil build-up and product build-up once a month. Cleansing the hair from the grease from hairsprays, dry shampoo, and natural hair oil can keep your hair fresh.
Add some volume to the hair
If you need to add volume to your 1A hair, stop using silicones. It would help if you started using a clarifying shampoo.
Myths on 1A Hair
While you are taking care of your hair, you may have come across some tips; however, some of them are misleading and could lead to breakage of your hair. Here are the most common myths.
Using high-temperature styling will help maintain straight hair
A high-temperature setting can damage any hair and cause breakage and frizzing. You should adjust the heat setting of the blower or styler depending on the thickness of your hair. But it is a good practice to keep temperatures low to medium and use a heat protectant before styling.
Cold Water helps to keep hair shiny and straight
Coldwater doesn’t affect the straightness or curl of hair. The water molecules close the hair cuticle and lock in moisture and help keep the hair moisturized. Moisture helps to retain hair luster; however, it doesn’t affect the curl in any way.
Combining hair from root to tip promotes straight hair.
Hair combing helps to give hair a temporary style. The problem with using a comb is that it breaks hair and causes frizzes.
Don’ts
Here are actions you should avoid maintaining your 1A hair look and health.
- Do not wash your hair with hot water.
- Do not style your hair with heat styling tools at higher temperatures.
- Do not over-shampoo or under-shampoo 2 to three days apart is fine.
- Do not sleep on wet hair unless you want frizzes and cowlicks, but if you need to go to bed with damp hair spray a leave-in conditioner.
- Please do not use too many products on the hair to try to make it look; rather, get those few that work with your hair and use them consistently. The best kind of product for this hair is a natural product.
- Do not use hair spray to keep the curl in place.
- Do not use heavy serums or butter.
Dos
- Comb your hair with fingers rather than a brush.
- Wash your hair regularly to avoid grease build-up.
- Use natural products on the hair.
- Use dry shampoos whenever possible.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about 1A Hair
Answer: 1A is soft and shiny but thin and wispy hair. It is relatively easy to manage and style, but it often needs a little bit of lift at the roots.
Answer: Taking care of 1A hair is challenging on one end is that the hair is naturally oily, which can lead to the growth of dandruff but also excessive cleaning through shampooing can trigger the scalp to release excess body oil leading to greasy and extremely shiny hair. It is wise to shampoo moderately and avoid over-shampooing. Choose a lightweight leave-in conditioner whenever you use heat styling tools to create volume and curls for your 1A hair.
Answer: 1A hair is the most slippery hair type. Those who feel that it is slippery because of the amount of oil but due to 10 layers of cuticles. 1A hair is the most protected hair; hence it is the least vulnerable of all hair types. The cuticles are a protective coating that guards the inner protein structure of the hair. The cuticles in 1A are wider, thicker, and densely packed, giving shine and leading to the hair’s slippery nature.
Answer: 1A hair is a very rare hair type, but it tends to be more distributed in the Asian populations. It is usually needle straight with the inability to curl.
Answer: People with 1A hair face challenges such as dryness, product build-up, lack of shine, and limp locks. However, the hair is easy to maintain to get silky, healthy, and smooth hair by cleaning it regularly but overdoing it can also be harmful.
Conclusion
1A hair is thin, fine, and straight due to the accelerated oil distribution from the root to the tip. Due to the straight pattern, it is less voluminous, and many try to add many products to the hair to style it. The best way to maintain it and reduce dullness and flatness is to shampoo the hair once every 2-3 days. Avoid using too much product; instead, use a moderate amount on the hair. If you still experience tangles, it good to use a leave-in conditioner to reduce the problem of your hair knotting up.
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