At first appearance, type 1A hair may appear to be simple to maintain. Because it’s fine and straight, it appears that you won’t have a bad hair day. However, type 1A hair is more difficult to manage than it appears. In reality, there’s more to this hair type than meets the eye.
We spoke with trichologist Anabel Kingsley and stylist Nunzio Saviano to learn more about type 1A hair and how to care for it. Continue reading to find out what they had to say.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Anabel Kingsley, Philip Kingsley’s brand president and consulting trichologist.
- Nunzio Saviano is a New York City stylist and the proprietor of Nunzio Saviano Salon.
What Is Hair Type 1A?
First and foremost, you must confirm that you have type 1A hair. “The hair strand (diameter) is incredibly thin and does not retain a curl, even when fashioned with a curling iron,” explains Saviano. “Type 1A hair is totally straight, with no wave pattern—even when wet—and is usually quite flat, with no body.”
According to Kingsley, one of the most difficult aspects of this hair type is that, due to its smaller diameter, it is delicate and quickly breaks.
“If you have type 1A hair, you’ll find it gets oily and weighted down rapidly at the root,” she says. “People with type 1A hair often appreciate the way their hair feels, looks, and behaves when washed frequently.”
Differentiating Type 1A and Type 1B Hair
Type 1B hair is the most prevalent type of straight hair we encounter. There are a few distinctions between them, despite the fact that they both have fine hair. “Type 1B hair has a lot more substance and can retain a curl because of the natural wave,” Saviano explains. “It’s a simpler hair type to style in a variety of ways.”
How Do You Take Care of Type 1A Hair?
Each hair type necessitates its own regimen. This is the best method for caring for type 1A hair:
Regular shampooing
People with naturally fine hair, especially type 1A hair, are more likely to develop oily roots than those with other hair types. “This is because people with fine hair have more hairs per square centimeter—and each hair has its own sebaceous (oil) gland,” Kingsley adds.
“As a result, more oils are produced by the scalp.” Because type 1A hair is thin and straight, any sebum accumulation weights it down quickly. The easiest technique to eliminate extra oils and prevent irritation and limpness is to cleanse frequently—for example, shampoo every day to every other day.”
Purchase the Correct Brush
“Utilize a brush with rounded, plastic prongs,” Kingsley recommends. “Boar bristle brushes can rip away parts of the cuticle, your hair’s exterior protective covering.”
Make use of Volumizing Products.
Hair care begins in the shower. “Volume shampoos and conditioners are excellent for not weighing it down,” explains Saviano. “For fine, thin hair, shampoos and conditioners are advised, as well as a little spray gel at the root for the body.”
Gently wash
When shampooing, don’t scrub your hair; instead, “concentrate on your scalp and gently press the suds into your mid-lengths and ends,” Kingsley advises. “Rinse thoroughly. Inadequate shampoo rinsing is a major cause of dull hair.”
Correctly detangle
Start working out knots from the ends, not the roots. This, according to Kingsley, will help you prevent unneeded breakage.
Handle with Caution
“Type 1A hair should be handled with extreme caution while styling, dyeing, and cutting,” Saviano advises. “Because of the diameter, it is readily broken when colored and seems thinner if not cut properly.”
Avoid Tight Clothes
“Because type 1A is fine and prone to breakage, apply minimum traction on your strands when putting it up.” “Make sure your ponytails and braids aren’t too tight,” Kingsley advises.
What Are the Best Type 1A Hairstyles and Cuts?
Simple styles work well for type 1A hair. “All one length, precise cuts are preferable for this type of hair,” adds Saviano. “Bangs with face-framing also work without crown layers, which would just make the hair seem smaller.” Collarbone length is typically a good place to start.”
