Type 1 Hair: What is it and How to Take Care of it

Type 1 hair is the finest and straightest hair type, often struggling to hold any sort of curl, which can be a pain when it comes to styling! Type 1 hair tends to be shinier than other hair types, and very smooth to touch. The hair natural oils are easily able to travel from the root through to the lengths – so those with this hair type often find their hair looks flat and lifeless. But how do you identify your hair type and how do you take care of type 1 hair? RUSH’s expertise in haircare will guide you on expert tips, dos/don’ts, and ideal hairstyles for your unique hair type.

What is Type 1 Hair?

Type 1 has three subtypes: 1a, 1b and 1c. Type 1a hair is super straight and fine, so you might find it almost impossible to hold a curl, and you’re often wishing that you had a little more volume. Type 1b hair is slightly less straight and does have a little more volume, however you probably still reach for the hairspray. Type 1c hair is slightly wavy, prone to frizz and oiliness, appears thick and full, and is easier to curl due to its coarser texture.

Type 1a

Type 1b

Type 1c

Differences Between Type 1 Hair and Type 2 Hair

Most people often think that the terms ‘type 1’ and ‘type 2’ are interchangeable – but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Both type 1 and type 2 hair are beautiful and complex in their own right. Type 1 hair is straight in comparison to type 2 hair which is classified as wavy. Type 1 hair is straight, with little texture or body, and is often unable to hold any type of curl. Type 2 hair is wavy, with a gentle “S” shaped pattern – this is one of the most common hair types. 

Read: What is Your Hair Type?

How do I figure out my hair type?

Whilst it might seem impossible to nail down your hair type – we’re here to help you decipher the code! First, identify the appearance of your hair after letting it dry naturally after washing  – is it straight, wavy, curly or coily? Then, take a strand of hair between your fingers and rub it back and forth – if you can’t feel anything, you have fine hair. If you can feel the hair between your fingers, then you have medium hair, and if your hair feels thick between your fingers, then you have coarse hair. Another indicator is your hair’s ability to absorb moisture which is known as your hair’s porosity. This is figured out by how long it takes for the hair to dry naturally – if it takes a short amount of time then your hair has a high porosity, if it takes a long time then you have a low porosity. And finally, identify whether you have a dry, oily or balanced scalp – these will all point you in the right direction to determining your hair type.

How to Care for Type 1 Hair

For some, type 1 hair can feel like a nightmare to care for due to the hair’s sleek nature – a feature which most actually envy! Achieving any sort of a curl or even a kink is a task for type 1 hair, which means the hair is often left looking flat and lifeless. To combat this, here are our top tips for looking after type 1 hair:

• Shampoo More Often – Type 1 hair easily accumulates dirt, oil and dust, which can weigh your hair down, leaving your hair lacking volume and looking flat. Shampooing daily cleanses your scalp, whilst clearing flakes and skin cell build-up, leaving your hair looking bouncy and shiny.
• Limit Heat Styling – Type 1 hair is already naturally straight, but also smaller in strand density, meaning it is more prone to breakage. Heat styling can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it looking lifeless. Try to avoid the use of hot tools and if you must use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray. We’d also recommend allowing the hair to dry naturally.
• Avoid Keeping Hair Very Long – Most people with type 1 hair cling on to their long hair as they believe it makes it look thicker. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The most flattering length for fine hair is shoulder-length or shorter, as it removes enough weight to give your mane a boost of fullness, whilst making it easier to add volume to the roots. 
• Use a Shampoo and Conditioner Formulated for Type 1 Hair – Using products specifically formulated for type 1 hair can help to add bulk to the individual strands of hair, whilst also conditioning each individual strand and ensuring hair is left feeling thicker and bouncier. 

Dos for Type 1 Hair

• Get Regular Trims – Frequent trims are the key to many of our hair queries, but they are especially crucial for those with type 1 hair. Trimming the hair allows the hair to grow healthier, whilst leaving hair looking fuller. 
• Blow-dry Your Hair Upside Down –  If you’re wanting to achieve thicker looking hair, flip your hair upside down when drying it to lift the roots off the scalp. By using this method, the hair strands are lifted, creating a more volumised look. 
• Use Conditioner – Conditioner leaves your locks feeling nourished, helping type 1 hair to feel bouncier. Only apply conditioner to the ends or mid-lengths, where moisture is needed the most to avoid the hair being flattened at the root. 

Don’ts for Type 1 Hair

• Don’t Wash Your Hair with Hot Water – Make sure to turn down the temperature when you’re washing your hair as hot water strips your hair of its natural oil, leaving the hair feeling and looking dried out. 

• Avoid Keeping Hair Very Long – Many people with type 1 hair hold onto long lengths, thinking it will make their hair appear thicker. However, this isn’t always true. Fine, straight hair tends to lie flat, and longer lengths can weigh it down even more, making it look limp and lifeless.

Expert Tip from Rush

For us, it is essential to identify your hair type. You can have all the techniques, all the products and all the knowledge, but if you’re not able to identify your hair type properly then these products and methods simply won’t work. If you’re unsure of your hair type, book a consultation with one of the experts at RUSH to better understand your hair care needs.

Best Hairstyles for Type 1

Type 1 hair comes with its own struggles when it comes to styling, it often struggles to hold a style due to the hair’s straightness.

Long Straight Hair  

This is a classic style for those with type 1 hair – effortlessly chic and takes minimal effort. But just because it’s simple, doesn’t mean that it’s boring. To avoid the hair looking flat, dial down on the amount of heat you use on your hair, and always using a heat protectant spray when you’re trying to tame your mane. If you’re wanting to give your type 1 hair a little extra volume, spray some hairspray on the roots to give it an extra oomph. 

Long Layers

Layering long locks is a fantastic way to add volume and definition for those with flat type 1 hair giving the illusion of thicker hair. The versatility of this look is endless – even a few long layers throughout the hair can add dimension to the hair.  

Sharp Bob

A sharp bob is a wonderful option for those with type 1 hair as it gives the illusion of thicker hair. To give the illusion of volume and dimension, we’d recommend using a volumising mist or a texture spray to give the illusion of thick, healthy hair.

Book Your Hair Appointment Now

Ready to transform your look? Book your hair appointment with our skilled stylists at Rush.co.uk or find a salon near you to embark on a personalised beauty journey. Our experts are here to bring your hair dreams to life.