Type 1A hair is the first subclass of straight Hair (Type 1). One way to identify 1A Hair is that the hair strand (diameter) is extremely fine and does not hold a curl, even when styled with a curling iron. Type 1A hair is completely straight, with no wave pattern to it (not even when it’s wet), and most of the time, it’s very flat, with no body to it. It is the rarest hair type and is common among Asian women.
Characteristics of Type 1A
The features peculiar to type 1A Hair include
Straight: Type 1A hair is the straightest of all hair types, with no bends or waves. It is also a bit wispy.
Fine: The strands are typically very fine, making it difficult to hold a curl or achieve volume.
Easy to damage: The finer texture makes the Hair more fragile and susceptible to damage. One of the biggest challenges with this hair texture is breakage, as due to its finer diameter, it is fragile and breaks easily.
Shiny appearance: It can become oily quickly, as the Hair’s structure allows sebum to travel easily from the scalp to the ends. It can also quickly become weighed down at the roots.
Soft texture: The texture is generally soft and smooth.
Lacks Volume: The fine texture can make it difficult to achieve volume, and heavy products can weigh it down.
How to take care of Type 1A Hair
Wash Gently: If you have type 1A Hair, you shouldn’t wash your Hair more than two to three times per week. Washing can help remove excess oil and prevent limpness, as any build-up of sebum can weigh the Hair down very easily. Washing regularly would help prevent the clogging of grease in the hair pores.
Products: Limit the amount of heavy hair products used, as they can weigh the Hair down. Opt for lightweight, volumizing products that help to promote volume and definition of the Hair instead. Also, make light spritzes your best friend.
Detangle Correctly: Detangle the Hair gently, from the ends to avoid breakage (never start detangling from the roots).
Consider Dry Shampoo: This can be used as a substitute on off-wash days to tone the shine down. It can help reduce the grease by absorbing excess oil. Dry shampoo may also add volume between washes.
Brush Gently: Be gentle when brushing and styling to avoid damage. Also use the Right Brush, a brush with rounded, plastic prongs works well for this hair type.
Heating Tools: Always use a heat protectant to minimize damage when using heating tools. Tip: Blowing dry hair upside down produces extra volume.
Handle With Care: Type 1A hair should be handled very carefully when styling, colouring, and cutting. Because of its diameter, it can easily break when coloured and look thinner if not cut right.
Avoid Tight Styles: Because type 1A is fine and prone to breakage, make sure that you place minimal traction on your strands when you put it up. Ensure ponytails and braids aren’t too tight.
How To Wash Type 1A Hair
Shampoo: When washing, avoid scrubbing the Hair. Instead, focus on the scalp and gently massage products into the mid-length and ends of the Hair. Rinse well, as insufficient shampoo rinsing is a common cause of dull Hair.
Condition: Apply a volumizing conditioner to the length of the Hair, leaving it for a few minutes before rinsing out.
Pros of Type 1A Hair
It requires little maintenance, such as styling.
Natural oil flows to the hair shaft readily.
It has a shiny appearance.
Little to no appearance of frizz.
It is less prone to split ends and breakage.
It does not get dry often.
It is easier to grow out.
Weakness/Cons of Type 1A Hair
It is prone to a lack of volume
It is prone to limpness.
It gets easily greased.
It can be challenging to style.
Best Products for Type 1A hair
Pre-shampoo treatments
Clarifier
Heat protection
Lightweight conditioners
Spray Gel
Volumizing shampoo
Natural Ingredients that are beneficial for Type 1A hair
Carrier oils such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil.
Lemon,
Honey,
Vegetable Glycerine.
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