If you have type 1 hair, you may enjoy its natural shine or how easily it stays straight and easy to manage. However, type 1 hair is not all a walk in the park. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind to avoid the potential challenges of type 1 hair.

Understanding your hair type better allows you to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. This guide gives you all of the information you need to know about your type 1 hair and how to develop the best routine to care for it.

Table of Contents:

• How to Identify Type 1 Hair
• What Are the Different Subtypes of Type 1 Hair?
• Type 1A
• Type 1B
• Type 1C
• What To Expect from Type 1 Hair
• How To Care for Type 1 Hair
• Wash Regularly
• Wash Carefully
• Be Careful When Brushing
• How To Style Type 1 Hair
• Layer Your Hair
• Choose Your Product Carefully
• Be Mindful of Heat
• Be Careful When Tying Your Hair
• What Products to Use for Type 1 Hair
• Hair Masks
• Clarifying Shampoo
• Volumizing Conditioner

How to Identify Type 1 Hair

Hair type is determined by two factors — the texture of your hair and its structure. Type 1 hair can be identified by the straightness of the hair structure and the thinner texture of the hair. If you have type 1 hair, you likely notice that your hair is finer and has a harder time holding on to curls.

Despite type 1 hair being generally straight, the different subtypes feature different textures and provide more insight into what to expect from your hair.

What Are the Different Subtypes of Type 1 Hair?

Although all type 1 hair is determined by its straight structure, not all type 1 hair is the same. Type 1 hair is different based largely on the texture of the hair. There are three main subtypes of type 1 hair that all differ slightly.

• Type 1A

Type 1A is the straightest out of the three subtypes of straight hair and has no natural curls. Its texture also makes it very fine, and it does not hold curls nearly as well as the other subtypes of type 1 hair. This subtype is also the least common of the three.

• Type 1B

This subtype is mostly straight, with only slight waves, if any. This hair type is often described as having a medium texture since it is slightly coarser than type 1a, which means that the strands of hair are thicker.

Type 1B has more body than type 1A, meaning that it is better able to hold curls and is a bit easier to style. Just as is the case for all type 1 hair, this subtype can still be shiny and even oily in between washes.

• Type 1C

Type 1C is the most voluminous of the three hair types and has more body than the others. At this level, the hair is still mostly straight but has a little bend and some waves to it. This subtype has the coarsest hair out of any of the other three.

It can be difficult to tell 1b and 1c hair apart, but you can often do so by how much frizz the hair has. Type 1C hair is often frizzier in addition to being wavier, especially when combed out. The waves and frizz that separate 1C hair from the other two subtypes also reduce the amount of shine in the hair.

What To Expect from Type 1 Hair

There are multiple benefits to having type 1 hair, but you can expect some frustrations as well. Because of its texture, type 1 hair can often be identified by a noticeable shine as natural oils can work their way through the hair.

Many people enjoy some of the upsides of having type 1 hair. Some of the main benefits of type 1 hair include a lack of natural frizz and a natural shine. Type 1 hair is also one of the easiest to maintain and care for out of all hair types, but it does still require some work. As you consider how to manage and care for your hair, there are a few things that will factor into how you care for it.

First, because type 1 hair strands are straight and soft, it is easier for oil to navigate through the hair, from the scalp to the end of each hair strand, with little resistance. Therefore, type 1 hair gets oily faster than other hair types. This oil build-up can make the hair appear greasy, strip away its volume, and make it difficult to style.

As a result, it is hard to find the balance between clean and oily hair. After all, natural oils are necessary for providing hair moisture and flexibility. Maintaining a healthy amount of oil in your hair depends in large part on how you care for it.

Secondly, the fine thickness of type 1 hair makes it more fragile and more susceptible to breakage. Therefore, you need to be more careful in your haircare approach.

How To Care for Type 1 Hair

In some ways, type 1 hair is easier to work with, but in many ways, it does require a bit more extra care.

• Wash Regularly

As you work to care for your type 1 hair, keep in mind that it can appear greasier than other hair types if not washed enough but can dry out if washed too much. Since oil works through type 1 hair more easily than other hair types, you can wash your hair more often.

When considering the best washing routine, it is important to find out what works best for your hair. The right routine will likely require some trial and error to figure out, as it depends on how quickly oil starts to build up.

Many people with type 1 hair prefer the texture and capability of their hair when washed more frequently. As a result, the best practice is to wash your hair once every other day or every few days. Since type 1 hair produces more oil, it is less likely to dry out than other hair types.

• Wash Carefully

As you wash your hair, you can focus on gently rubbing the shampoo through your hair without scrubbing vigorously. The texture of type 1 hair allows you to work the oil out of your hair without much effort. However, you should be sure to rinse the hair well in order to avoid residual shampoo and dirt, leaving the hair with a dull appearance.

• Be Careful When Brushing

When brushing your hair, it is also important to be cautious. The fine texture of type 1 hair makes it more prone to breakage, damage and split ends. Those with type 1A hair are at the highest risk for breakage. If your hair is tangled, avoid brushing from the root to the end of the strands. Instead, start brushing closer to the ends of the hair and continue to brush out.

How To Style Type 1 Hair

Those with type 1 hair generally have fewer options when styling their hair. Type 1 hair is thinner and less voluminous than other hair types, making it harder to change the style. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can make the hair livelier and more versatile.

• Layer Your Hair

One of the best styling practices for this hair type is to have it layered when you get a haircut. By adding layers to your hair, you can give your hair more body and added volume. Layering also adds more style and movement to your hair.

• Choose Your Product Carefully

Generally, type 1 hair is lighter than other hair types, so it is harder to work with. As you aim to style your hair properly, you should avoid using heavy products in your hair. Stick to light hair gels and creams to avoid weighing down the strands.

If you want to curl your type 1 hair, keep in mind that it is less likely to hold the style than other hair types, and you may need a bit more product to help.

• Be Mindful of Heat

When you go to curl your hair, you also need to beware of the heat. For the same reason, that type 1 hair is prone to breakage, it is also at a higher risk for heat damage. Those with type 1A hair need to be especially careful. Curling tools and blow dryers may not only dry out the hair excessively, but they are more likely to damage the hair.

• Be Careful When Tying Your Hair

If you enjoy braiding your hair or wearing it up in a ponytail, you should avoid tying it up tightly. A simple hair tie that grips the hair too tightly can cause breakage and damage the hair.

What Products to Use for Type 1 Hair

Because type 1 hair is thinner than other types of hair, it presents some challenges in taking care of it. With a tendency to be oily, type 1 hair makes you think about which products will not add extra oil to your hair. The products you use will also depend on whether you have flat type 1a hair or frizzier type 1C hair. By using some of the following haircare products, you can provide the proper attention and support to your type 1 hair.

• Hair Masks

Hair masks are an excellent way to provide your hair with added moisture, nutrition, and even more volume. In general, hair masks help nourish and moisturize your hair. For type 1 hair, a hair mask provides added texture and volume by moisturizing your hair and improving its ability to hold curls.

As you look for a hair mask, look no further than WOW’s Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Mask. Formulated with Moroccan Argan Oil and Hydrolyzed Wheat Proteins, this mask keeps your hair soft while also shielding it from possible damage.

To apply a hair mask, you should work the mask deeply into your hair and the scalp. Allow the mask to sit in your hair for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with warm water. Once the product is out, rinse it with cool water to close the hair cuticles.

You should apply a hair mask about once a week, which is enough to provide additional nutrients and hydrate the hair. Applying a mask more than twice a week has the potential to make your hair too oily and be harsh on your scalp.

• Clarifying Shampoo

To combat overly oily hair, you should add a clarifying shampoo to your haircare routine. Clarifying shampoos are typically stronger than your everyday shampoo and are powerful enough to exfoliate your scalp and cleanse your hair of oils and dirt. Because of type 1 hair’s oily tendencies, it is a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo about once a week.

As with anything, too much can be negative. Try not to use a clarifying shampoo more than once or twice a week. Since they are more powerful, these shampoos have the tendency to dry out your hair and scalp by stripping them of their natural oils. Of course, you always want to strike a balance between too oily and not oily enough.

In the search for a clarifying shampoo, you should choose one that cleans deeply without drying out your hair. For an effective but moisturizing clarifying shampoo, try WOW’s Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo. This formula is designed to provide natural vitamins and antioxidants to strengthen hair, boost volume, and support moisture retention.

• Volumizing Conditioner

An effective moisturizing and volumizing conditioner will help improve your ability to style your hair and strengthen it for better styling. For a conditioner that can give added life to your type 1 hair, try WOW’s Coconut & Avocado Natural Hair Conditioner. With both avocado and coconut oils, this conditioner is perfect for thin, fragile hair, helping to reinforce each strand.

Castor oil helps to lubricate the hair, increase flexibility, and reduce its chance of breakage. Meanwhile, sweet almond oil and avocado oil infuse your hair with A, B, and E vitamins, helping it to retain valuable moisture.

In many ways, type 1 hair is easier to work with less frizz and a smooth, natural shine, but with its ability to get oily and difficulty to style, it presents multiple challenges as well. As long as you take extra precautions and are careful with your hair, you can boost its life and embrace its shine. Fortunately, you have WOW Skin Science on your side.

To find other products that can help you care for your type 1 hair, you can check out our complete collection of haircare products at WOW Skin Science. Our products include all-natural ingredients to help you nourish your hair without any harsh chemicals or additives. Try our 100% plant-based haircare options and see the difference for yourself.

Explore the WOW website for more natural hair care products. From our all natural sulfate, silicone and paraben-free hair care collection we recommend Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo. And if you would like to learn more about apple cider vinegar's benefits or onion oil's benefits check out our ultimate guide on how to use them on your hair.