Your hair is between no-iron, pin-straight hair and bouncy, lovely curls—think almost wavy but not quite there, easily managed but with an oily scalp and drier ends. The kind has both advantages and disadvantages.
- Pros: air dries beautifully, straightens and curls quickly, and holds any and all styles.
- Cons: include the previously stated Sahara-level dry ends, very hyperactive oil production, and fragile strands prone to buildup.
Does this sound familiar? You might potentially dwell in 1B territory. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about care for type 1B hair from me (your fellow 1B buddy), celebrity and editorial hairdresser Harry Josh, and hairstylist and specialist Marilisa Sears.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
Harry Josh is a celebrity and editorial hairdresser who also founded Harry Josh Pro Tools.
Marilisa Sears is a hairdresser and expert who has been the artistic director of Marc Anthony True Professional Haircare for over 25 years.
What Is Hair Type 1B?
Beware: Type 1B hair might deceive at first appearance. While type 1B hair falls straight, it has a small softness to it, a natural bend if you will, according to Sears. While not completely wavy, the hair has a sense of movement.
Type 1B hair is characterized by fine strands mixed with a few coarse fibers. Type 1B hair is fine to medium in thickness, with movement and volume throughout the body. Consider Kendall Jenner’s hair, says Sears.
Distinguishing Between Type 1 Hair Patterns
It’s vital to realize that most people don’t have a single hair type. Those with a B-level hair type (regardless of number) are likely to have a mixture of all sorts. Someone with type 1B hair, for example, is likely to have some super-straight hair, some bendy hair, and some plain wavy hair.
As a result, type 1B hair can be difficult to distinguish from other types of type 1 hair, especially when wet (type 1B hair tends to hang straight when wet, making it look like type 1A). Josh suggests checking to see whether the hair has any wave to it.
Type 1A hair is obstinately straight—you must invest in a wave or curve. Type 1C hair is thicker and has more distinct waves. Type 1B exists somewhere in the middle.
According to Sears, type 1B hair’s main adversary is greasy roots, whereas type 1A hair’s main enemy is probable flatness and type 1C hair’s main enemy is frizz and poofiness.
How Do You Take Care of Type 1B Hair?
When it comes to the best techniques to care for type 1B hair, both experts agree:
Use oil-controlling products.
Unfortunately, type 1B hair is greasy at the roots and dry at the ends. The general straight aspect of type 1B hair, along with a finer texture, allows hair to seem greasier from even modest levels of oil.
Meanwhile, Josh claims that the soft waves from the mid-length down prevent some of the scalp’s natural oils from reaching the tips. Because greasy hair is normal, Sears recommends against over-washing, which can increase oil production.
She recommends washing two to three times each week for best results. I try to strive for that, but depending on the week, I wind up somewhere closer to every other day.
Keep your strands from becoming weighed down.
Josh recommends using oil-controlling shampoos and lightweight conditioners (scroll down for our favorite picks). When it comes to conditioning, keep the product on the ends and away from the scalp.
According to Josh, type 1B hair is often burdened down by natural and product buildup, so using a clarifying shampoo once a week is essential for maintaining hair abundant and the scalp feeling fresh. It will also assist to reduce oil output. Use dry shampoo as needed between washes to keep oil and grease at away.
Reduce possibly harmful hair habits.
As previously stated, the strands of type 1B hair are finer, which regrettably implies they are also weaker. These delicate strands are extremely vulnerable to harm of any kind—chemical, heat, color treatment, build-up, and so on.
Consider giving your hair a rest every now and again to avoid as much damage as possible. Limit the number of times you or your hairdresser color your hair, and try to keep the hot tools for exceptional occasions.
Fortunately, type 1B hair is quite moldable while wet—for waves, scrunch damp hair with (or without) a wave or texturizing spray, or add an air-dry balm to damp hair for straighter strands.
Use silk scrunchies
Finally, safety is always a priority. Silk pillowcases, according to Sears, make a difference in terms of frizz and knots for all hair types. Use silk scrunchies or other mild hair ties whenever feasible. Always use a heat protectant before applying heat to your hair.
The Best Haircuts and Styles for Type 1B Hair
The good news is that people with 1B hair may wear a variety of styles and cuts. When it comes to style, type 1B hair effortlessly straightens and curls—and keeps those curls—so you may switch between the two as needed. (However, try not to overdo it with the hot tools.)
Those with 1B hair may carry off a wide range of hairstyles, including styled down, updos, braids, and so on. To avoid build-up and filth, keep product usage to a minimum. Consider a half-up, half-down style: There are several half-up, half-down designs to choose from, and they assist to create the appearance of volume.
When it comes to cuts, the sky is the limit. Josh recommends using lengthy layers to accentuate the natural wave structure of the hair while providing the illusion of volume.
Longer and layered haircuts, according to Sears, offer fullness that is especially beneficial for type 1B hair. It’s worth noting that I wear my hair in this style and enjoy it.
Both specialists prefer shoulder-to-chin length haircuts for type 1B hair. A tighter crop, according to Josh, makes the hair appear lighter and combats some of the gravity that may draw down and straighten the hair.
Sears only had one piece of advice for 1B hair: don’t go overboard with the layers. Type 1B hair looks best with lengthy layers and somewhat jagged ends to give texture. Over-layering may overwhelm the hair and disrupt the natural waves and texture.
