Comprehensive Overview on 1A Hair Types: A Guide for Understanding and Styling
Going Straight Ahead:
Hey there, buddy! Ever feel left out in the sea of curls and kinks? Well, if you've got pin-straight, thin tresses, you might just be the king or queen of the straight-haired world – we're talking 1A territory here. Andre Walker (Oprah's longtime hair guru) has categorized it as the rarest of all hair types. But whether you're the only one in the room rocking 1A hair or not, this hair has its own rewards and challenges. So let's dive into the world of 1A hair, including how to identify it, how to take care of it, and some fancy haircut ideas.
Here's what we got planned:
- What's up with 1A hair?
- Tips for maintaining your 1A mane
- Washing and styling like a pro
We've also got some top-notch hair experts to back us up, like Vanessa Ocando (NYC hairstylist), Dendy Engelman (board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic, NYC), Raven Hurtado (Maxine Salon, Chicago), and Sanae Furutani (Jerome Lordet Salon, NYC).
1A hair: What's that all about?
This straight-haired category is as sleek as they come. "It lies flat with zero natural wave or curl," says Vanessa Ocando, a NYC hairstylist. "It's typically very soft and sometimes appears slippery." Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic, adds that the effortless shine can be a bonus some people love, as oil from the scalp can easily travel down the hair shaft, often resulting in shinier hair compared to more textured types. However, this also means that 1A hair can get oily quickly. If the mere thought of waiting until Sunday to wash your hair after a long weekend with the girls has you reaching for a beanie, chances are you've got 1A hair.
Still unsure? Think back to the last time you let your hair air-dry without any help from products or styling tools. If it dried completely straight, you're probably a 1A hair-er. Since 1A hair is so fine and thin, you may notice you can see your scalp through it, like Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, explains.
Caring for 1A hair
"This hair, because it's fine and delicate, you want to treat it like silk," says Sanae Furutani, a stylist at Jerome Lordet Salon in NYC. So here are some tips to keep your sleek strands looking fabulous.
First off, gentle's the word when it comes to brushes. You want a brush that's easy on your tresses, especially when your hair is wet. Ocando recommends a Tangle Teezer (flexible teeth) or a wide-tooth comb. If you're ready to invest, our experts suggest the Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Hair Brush or The Hair Edit Boar Bristle Finishing Brush for a more budget-friendly option.
Next up, avoid heavy styling products, oils, and serums that can weigh down your hair. Instead, go for lightweight serums or mists to boost shine without compromising movement. Try the Fekkai Full Blown Volume Dry Texturizing Spray or Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist for that extra oomph.
Lastly, plan for a visit to the salon every 10 to 12 weeks to keep those split ends at bay.
Washing 1A hair like a pro
"Because type 1A hair is more prone to oiliness, it typically needs to be shampooed more frequently," says Dendy Engelman. "This varies based on the individual." Aim for washing your hair every 2–3 days to prevent buildup without over-stripping your locks. Using harsh chemicals too often can lead to dryness and brittleness, so avoid daily washing unless your scalp is excessively oily or you're active and sweating a lot.
To preserve the color of your hair, reduce washing frequency if it's colored, and opt for shampoos designed for color-treated hair. If your scalp gets oily quickly, clarifying shampoos can be used occasionally, but not as your primary shampoo. A quick water rinse post-exercise can help remove sweat without the need for daily shampooing. Lastly, clean your brushes and combs weekly to prevent the redistribution of oils and product buildup.
- In the world of 1A hair, this straight-haired category is known for its sleek and smooth texture, with no natural wave or curl, as seen in Vanessa Ocando's description.
- For maintaining the fabulous look of 1A hair, it is advised to use gentle brushes, lightweight serums for shine while avoiding heavy styling products, oils, and serums that might weigh it down, and plan regular salon visits every 10 to 12 weeks to manage split ends.
