Caring for straight 1c hair is all about using appropriate products and avoiding excessive heat-based styling. After all, straight hair is prone to frizz and breakage, so you need to keep it moist and nourished throughout the year.
In this article, we explain what 1c hair is and run through styling options and what to consider when deciding on your 1c hair care routine for the best results.
What is 1c hair?
Different from 2c wavy hair and 3c curly hair, the 1c hair type is straight, with high width and density. It is often fairly dense with a tousled look and can be styled in various ways. 1c hair is also frizzy as the beds in the hair make it difficult for the oils to reach the hair’s ends. As such, you need to take steps to prevent your 1c hair from drying out, or it will look even more frizzy.
As they look very similar, discerning the differences in 1c vs 2a hair is helpful. This is the flattest and loosest of all wavy hair types, but you will still notice the distinct natural wave pattern, which usually begins at the curve of the head. This is the easy way to tell the difference between 1c and 2a hair.
1a vs 1b vs 1c hair: A comparison
You may have 1a, 1b, or 1c hair if your hair is straight. But how do you tell the difference? Check out our comparison table below to learn the key characteristics of each straight hair type:
Hair type | Main characteristics |
Type 1a |
This is the finest and straightest type of hair. It tends to be thin and very smooth, with no curl or wave pattern. |
Type 1b |
This is a thicker version of type 1a hair, but it can also have a slight wave or bend. It’s also more textured than 1a hair. |
Type 1c |
This is the thickest of all type 1 hair and features slight bends and arcs. It’s also the type 1 hair most prone to frizz. |
How to style 1c hair
You can style type 1c hair in numerous ways. As it’s fairly thick, you have a lot of hair to work with. We love tousled styles, which add depth and texture to your natural look. Many women also style their 1c hair with bangs, as this is a great hair type for face-framing styles.
Alternatively, you can wear your 1c hair in an updo or pony to keep things simple. The crucial thing to remember when styling this hair type is to take the necessary steps to prevent frizz, as we explain below.
How to care for 1c hair
Fundamental to any successful 1c hair routine is frizz elimination. Therefore, the 1c hair products you use are crucial for keeping frizz at bay. Here, we look at some of the best products for 1c hair and explain how to use them for the best results:
Invest in a natural shampoo and conditioner
Chemical-based shampoos and conditioners aren’t a good option for people with hair type 1c. Sulfates, parabens, and alcohol-based products can all cause your hair to dry out, rather than locking in its natural moisture. This can lead to dehydrated hair that’s prone to breakage.
Therefore, we advise you to buy a natural shampoo and conditioner that is rich in nourishing ingredients like essential oils. This will help to lock in your hair’s moisture and replenish it if has dried out due to the weather.
Use an ionic hair dryer
One of the best ways to prevent your 1c hair from frizzing is to use an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special. The ionic technology reduces static and prevents your hair from frizzing as you dry it, resulting in a smooth, sleek blow-dry that looks the part.
Moreover, when you dry your hair with an ionic hair dryer from Laifen, you can use the adjustable heat setting to dry your hair on low or medium heat. As a result, you can guard against overheating your hair as you dry it.
Treat your hair regularly
Homemade heat masks are a brilliant option for nourishing and replenishing your hair follicles. Though you don’t need to wear a hair mask every week, opting for one a few times a month can make a huge difference to the moisture content of your hair, which helps to reduce frizz and breakage. Those products can help you avoid splid ends effectively as well.
There are so many hair masks to opt for, but coconut oil-based masks are great for people with 1c hair. As mentioned, you can make your own hair mask at home, or you can order one online.
Limit your heat-based styling
Heat-based styling can cause your 1c hair to dry out. While using an ionic hair dryer on a low or medium setting is okay, you should limit the amount you use heat-based hair straighteners. While they offer impressive short-term results, straighteners can cause your follicles to dry out and may also cause damage to your scalp.
Be aware of oil buildup from products
If you use several styling products, including hairspray, you need to watch out for product buildup in your 1c hair. Excessive product use can cause your hair to look oily and greasy, so you will need to wash your hair regularly if you use lots of products.
Wrap up
The good news is that caring for your 1c hair isn’t difficult; you just need to guard against frizz and prevent your hair from drying out. If you use the correct products, avoid excessive heat drying, and switch to an ionic hair dryer, your 1c hair will look and feel great and you should be able to style it in numerous ways, without worrying about frizz or breakage.
