Straight hair is one of the four hair types, which also includes wavy, curly, and coily hair. Each of these four types of hair also has unique subcategories or subtypes. 

Type 1C hair is the third and final subtype of straight hair (type 1). Out of the three straight hair types, type 1C has the most volume and thickness.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at type 1C hair, giving you everything you need to know about its unique qualities and providing you with the necessary information about hair care and maintenance. 

Table of contents: 

• Straight Hair Types
• Type 1A
• Type 1B
• A Closer Look at Type 1C Hair
• Benefits of Having Type 1C Hair
• Some Drawbacks of Having Type 1C Hair
• Caring for Your Type 1C Hair
• Determining Your Hair Type

Straight Hair Types

Type 1 hair is identified by its straightness and tends to lay flat on the head. Out of all the hair types, it also has the least amount of body and volume. Regarding hair texture, type 1 hair can range from very fine to slightly coarse.

Hair texture refers to the thickness and form of the hair strands. It is defined in three ways: fine, medium, and thick (coarse) hair. Texture is important in hair care, styling, and maintenance.

• Fine hair is common in straight hair types. It also tends to be the most fragile hair texture. This also makes it more susceptible to damage from harsh hair care products.

• Medium hair texture is more resistant to damage and breaking than finer hair. It’s also easier to style. The majority of people have medium hair texture. 

• Thick or coarse hair texture is the most tolerant of styling products and is least likely to break from damage. Naturally, it also takes the longest to dry.

Type 1 hair typically lacks any discernible curls. However, subtypes of type 1 hair can have some slight waves or bend. The three subtypes of type 1 include type 1A, type 1B, and type 1C.

Type 1A

Type 1A hair is a pin-straight hair type. It has no natural curls or waves and lies flat on the head with little body or volume. When it comes to texture, it is extremely fine.

Type 1B

Type 1B hair is more coarse than type 1A but still has a fine to medium texture. It also lacks many curls, but slight waves and bends may appear to give it some volume and body.

A Closer Look at Type 1C Hair

Type 1C hair is the last subtype of the straight hair category. It is considered the most textured and coarse type of straight hair. Regarding appearance, type 1C hair is mostly straight but has a slight wave or bend underneath. 

This makes the appearance more voluminous rather than completely flat, like type 1A. Type 1C still lacks a natural curl like type 2 and type 2 hair, but it certainly does a better job of holding a curl than its other two subtype counterparts. 

Type 1C hair tends to be a bit more resilient than type 1A and type 1B hair, thanks to its thicker texture. However, this does mean it’s more susceptible to frizz and flyaways. 

Commonly type 1C hair:

• Is mostly straight from the root with slight bends underneath at the mid-body
• Is the most coarse out of the straight hair subtypes
• Still has type 1 hair characteristics like shine and sleekness 
• Has a more pronounced appearance of volume, making the hair look fuller
  
  

Benefits of Having Type 1C Hair

Type 1C hair could be the best of both worlds. It retains straightness with ease yet holds curls much better than the other straight hair subtypes. 

Let’s look at some of the benefits of having type 1C hair.

Easy Styling With Type 1C Hair

Styling is not an issue with type 1C hair since it is naturally straight. Elegant styles are easy to create. 

You can wear it straight with little effort or treatment or decide to accent some of those natural soft waves. Adding a bit of volume won’t be as difficult as in type 1A or 1B.

Type 1C Is Less Prone to Damage 

Straight hair types tend to be more prone to breakage and damage because of thinner hair texture.

However, the texture of type 1C hair is more coarse, making the strands a bit stronger. So, flat irons, blow dryers, and heat styling are less of a threat to hair health. But a heat protectant is still recommended. 

Some Drawbacks of Having Type 1C Hair

While it has some great benefits over other straight hair types, type 1C hair can have some drawbacks. Let’s look at some of the common challenges faced by those with type 1C hair.

More Prone to Flyaways and Frizz 

There are pros and cons to having a coarser hair texture; dealing with flyaways and frizzy hair is one of the drawbacks when it comes to 1C hair.

While you won’t experience the same frizzy mane as those with curly hair, humid environments can make frizz more pronounced for those with type 1C hair. 

Type 1B Is More Easily Tangled

Knots and tangles aren’t reserved for curly hair alone. It’s just another give-and-take for those who have slightly more bend in their hair. 

While you may not experience tangles mid-body, you can expect some of them toward the end of the strands. To deal with pesky knots and tangles, brush regularly with a detangling brush, preferably with rounded bristles, to avoid damage and breakage.

Shine Turns to Greasiness

Type 1 hair carries much more shine than other hair types, thanks to the prevalence of natural hair oils. While this is great for moisture and increasing hair strength, it can leave the hair looking oily.

Oily hair caused by natural oils can appear greasy. The only way to combat this is through regular washing. However, since type 1C hair has a slight mid-shaft bend, these same oils may not reach the ends, leading to dryness at the hair tips.

Caring for Your Type 1C Hair

When it comes to hair products for type 1C hair, the best products will be those that help provide volume without making the hair oily. For this, volumizing creams or WOW’s Coconut & Avocado Natural Hair Conditioner work well.

Keeping your type 1C hair healthy also begins with a regular hair care routine. However, the routine should be tailored to all the unique characteristics of this particular straight-hair subtype. 

Here are some helpful tips for a better type 1C hair care routine.

Regular Washing To Avoid Oil Buildup

All straight hair types, including type 1C, carry a certain shine and glow thanks to natural hair oils. But, without regular washing, that luster can quickly become greasy. In order to maintain the health and beauty of your hair, you should wash it two to three times a week.

However, it is also important to avoid too much washing, as this can dry out the scalp and the hair at the root. For many, dry shampoo works well for this purpose. 

Also, clarifying shampoo like WOW’s Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo can help retain shine without drying out your follicles. It is silicone-free and free of sulfates and parabens.

Take Steps To Avoid the Frizz

Here’s one easy tip: Don’t go to bed with damp hair. For hair types prone to frizz, sleeping on wet hair strands can make frizz worse. You can let wet hair air dry or blow dry in a cool setting. 

Leave-in conditioners can also help minimize frizz. WOW’s Coconut Milk Hair Mask can also help dial down the frizz while helping to provide moisture and hydration for those brittle, dry ends.

When it comes to conditioning, those with type 1 hair should avoid deep conditioners that over-moisturize an already oily scalp. This can make excess greasiness worse.

Trim Your Type 1C Hair Regularly

Since type 1C hair has a slight bend, natural hair oils tend not to make it past those wave points. This can leave hair ends dry and brittle. 

Regular trims can help eliminate dead, brittle ends and help stimulate new hair growth at limp strand ends.

Also, the longer you wait between trims, the heavier the hair will become. This can make your type 1C hair appear flatter and less voluminous. Aim for trimming every 10 to 12 weeks. 

Determining Your Hair Type

Why does determining your hair type matter so much? In short, knowing hair type is important when it comes to proper hair care and styling routines. 

Hair type falls into four distinct groups: Straight, wavy, curly, and coily or kinky hair. They each have their own subtypes. 

We’ve already seen type 1, so let’s take a look at the others.

• Wavy hair (Type 2 hair) includes type 2A hair, type 2B hair, and type 2C hair.
• Curly hair (Type 3 hair) includes type 3A hair, type 3B hair, and type 3C hair.
• Coily hair (Type 4 hair) includes type 4A hair, type 4B hair, and type 4C hair.

A Look at Hair Structure

Follicles, along with hair roots, rest right below the skin’s surface. These follicles contain sebaceous glands which produce an oil called sebum, giving hair shine or a greasy look. 

The creation of hair starts within the follicle. This happens when cells get together to form a hair-creating protein called keratin. The part of the hair we see on the scalp is called the hair shaft, and it is made of three keratin layers.

• The medulla is the first, innermost layer of keratin. This layer is usually less present among finer hair textures and types, like type 1 hair.

• The middle layer of keratin is called the cortex. Here, pigment cells are housed. These cells help give hair its color. 

• The outermost layer is called the cuticle. This layer of keratin contains overlapping cells that protect the hair shaft. 

So, when people speak of hair type, they’re referring to hair structure. In effect, hair type refers to the shape and structure of a person’s hair follicles. It’s also described as a hair curl pattern. 

Type 1C hair is the thickest and most voluminous subtype of straight hair. It has unique benefits and drawbacks when creating a healthy hair care routine. 

Make sure to visit WOW to check out our complete hair care collection for your type 1C hair needs.