1b Hair Guide: New 2023 Product Recommendations
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Do you have type 1B hair? You might be unsure because many people didn’t even know this hair type existed until pretty recently. In fact, all of the straight hair types used to be crowded together into one classification.
But beautiful 1B hair is a very versatile hair type, so if you’ve been blessed with 1B locks, there’s a lot to be happy about!
This guide to 1B hair will help you work out if you have 1B hair and give you some tips on caring for your tresses, to keep them looking their gorgeous best. And we’ll also share some of the best product recommendations for 1B hair.
Let’s start by finding out what 1B hair looks like:
Finding Your Hair Type: Do I Have 1B Hair?
Type 1B hair is one of the straight hair classifications in the Andre Walker Hair Typing System. This system has four main types ranging from straight hair (type 1) through wavy hair and curly hair types to coily or kinky hair (type 4). Each hair type category is split into three sub-classes, A-C, depending on the size of curl or wave each hair strand has.
Everyone’s hair is unique, and your locks probably won’t fit neatly into one of these 12 hair types. But knowing which one is most like your own hair makes it easier for you to care for your mane and keep it looking great. Our easy hair type quiz can help you work out which hair type you have, though it won’t tell you the exact pattern.
So what does type 1B hair look like, and how does it compare to the other straight hair types?
What Is Type 1B hair?
Type 1B hair is the middle Type 1 category, so it doesn’t have completely straight strands like 1A hair but doesn’t have as much texture as type 1C. And while it’s probably fine to medium texture, you might also find a few coarse fibers in the mix.
1B Hair Texture
Most people with type 1B hair will find they actually have a mix of hair textures. Some of their strands may be super-straight, while others may be pretty wavy. But overall, the 1B hair texture is straight with a little body and slight waves towards the ends, which makes it easier to curl and style than type 1A.
Unfortunately, those gentle waves can also cause the ends to get dry, while at the same time, you may have problems with an oily scalp and greasy roots. And because type 1B hair is often quite fine, it can get damaged when you style it or even when you’re sleeping.
1A vs. 1B vs. 1C Hair
It can be hard to tell the difference between type 1B hair and the others in the type 1 category. The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at your wave pattern.
Type 1A hair is totally straight, and you’ll have to work hard to get a wave or curl. Type 1C hair has a subtle wave through it and can sometimes struggle with frizz.
Type 1B falls somewhere between these two types, with more volume than type 1A and a gentle wave from the mid-lengths through to the tips.
Examples of 1B Hair
1B hair is incredibly versatile, and you can make a ton of different styles work with your locks. It straightens easily, holds a curl, and works well with various hairstyles like ponytails, updos, and braids.
Just remember to apply a heat protectant before you bring out the hot tools, and keep your use of styling products to a minimum to avoid build-up.
Here’s some 1B style inspiration to show what you can achieve with your gorgeous locks:
Midlength and Long 1b Haircuts
If you’re blessed with 1B hair, you have plenty of options for long and mid-length hairstyles. Long layers will accentuate your natural wave pattern, while a shoulder-length layered cut is great for keeping hair voluminous.
And you can also add an extra dimension by cutting in curtain bangs. They’ll look amazing with your type of hair and they’re also really easy to grow out when you feel like changing your style.
Short 1B Hair
A short crop is a great way to give 1B hair more body, as it helps stop the hair shafts from lying flat against your head. The Pixie cut is easier to maintain on the 1B hair type than on wavier types, but you do need to commit to regular trims to keep it looking great.
If you go for a short cut, long layers and choppy ends will look good. Don’t overdo the layers, as they can mess with your hair’s natural texture.
1b Hair Men
Men with the 1B hair type have many options when it comes to hairstyles, but keeping it shorter will add volume and make styling easier. If you grow your hair longer, styling can get trickier, but adding a few layers will give it more movement.
1B Hair Routine
1B hair is pretty easy to care for. It doesn’t usually get really dry or frizzy, and you don’t have to worry too much about breakage.
But every hair type always looks and feels better with a little TLC, so here are a few tips for keeping your 1B hair looking great:
Check Your Porosity
Hair porosity describes how easy it is for your hair to lose or retain moisture, and knowing if your hair is high-porosity or low-porosity is essential for healthy hair.
Rich moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil are ideal for high-porosity hair while low-porosity hair needs lighter moisturizers like aloe vera.
Not sure how to check your porosity? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Hair Porosity to find out for sure.
Use a Balanced Hair Washing Schedule
If you have the 1B hair type, you need to find a happy balance between washing your hair too little or too often. If you overwash 1B hair, your scalp will increase its oil production, and the excess sebum will cause your roots to become oily, giving you limp locks. On the other hand, If you underwash your 1B locks, you’ll find they look greasy and feel heavy.
How often you need to wash type 1B hair varies for everyone, but generally, it needs to be cleansed every two or three days. If you wash your locks daily, they may feel oily when you first change your routine. But stick with it – your hair and scalp will soon adjust and calm oil production.
Make sure you pick an oil-controlling shampoo and a lightweight conditioner, focusing the conditioner on the ends. Using a clarifying shampoo every three or four washes will keep your scalp feeling fresh and prevent natural and product buildup. You can also use a dry shampoo to freshen your locks between wash days.
Avoid Damage
Although 1B hair strands can be thick, they’re more likely to be fine, which also means they’re easily damaged. Avoiding as much damage as possible will keep your hair looking its best, so save hot tools for special occasions, and don’t use hair colors too frequently.
It’s also better not to leave your 1B hair wet for too long, as the added weight of the water on wet hair can stretch and weaken the hair shaft. Use a microfiber towel to remove excess water, and then apply a texturizing spray or air-dry balm and let your damp hair air dry. If you choose to blow dry your locks, use a heat protectant first.
Avoid Heavy Oils
The 1B hair type tends to be oily at the roots, and then the soft waves can cause dry hair from the mid-length down to the tips. So it’s crucial to avoid overwashing as this can make your scalp increase oil production, leading to greasy-looking hair.
So although you need to moisturize your locks, it’s best to avoid heavy oils and pick lightweight conditioners, including leave-in conditioners and hair masks. Whichever conditioning product you’re using, apply it to your hair from the mid-length down so that you hydrate the ends without overloading the roots.
Protect Your Hairstyle
It’s always important to protect your type 1B hair from damage, and protection is even more essential if you have fine hair. Use satin nightcaps or pillowcases to reduce frizz and tangles, and use soft silk scrunchies when you tie your locks back.
Minimizing your hair’s exposure to chemicals like colors and perms will also keep it looking healthy. And if you decide to use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant first.
The Best 1B Hair Products of 2023
Each hair type has its own needs, and picking the right combination of hair products and tools to look after your hair is essential.
So here are some of the best products for 1B hair to help keep your locks looking their best.
Take these into the shower
Beautiful hair starts in the shower, and these specially-selected hair products will give you an ideal start to your care routine.
Scalp Massager
Using a scalp massager makes it easier to spread shampoo through your hair while also stimulating your scalp and improving the circulation to your hair follicles. It’s suitable for every hair type, and the unique design makes it comfortable to use.
Since many curly and wavy haired people use less sudsing shampoo, a scalp shampoo brush helps really cleanse the scalp and boosts hair growth!
Clarifying Shampoo
Product build-up is a common problem for type 1B hair. Using a clarifying shampoo every few washes will eliminate the build-up and keep your hair feeling clean and refreshed. This clarifying shampoo is gentle enough to use on sensitive scalps and safe for color-treated hair.
This is my top pick for clarifying all hair types. It removes buildup the best and is still gentle on curly hair.
Shampoo and Conditioner
It’s essential to pick specific shampoos and conditioners that suit your hair type, texture, and porosity. Type 1B hair strands are often fine, and these Maui products contain the perfect blend of light, nourishing ingredients to keep fine 1B hair looking great.
Arvazallia Argan Oil Mask
This sulfate- and paraben-free hair mask works wonders on all hair types, including your 1B locks. It contains argan oil to nourish your hair, leaving it silky-soft, healthy, and manageable.
Keep these on your Beauty Counter
Add these items to your hair care kit to help your 1B locks stay looking their best:
Detangling Hair Brush
A specially-designed detangling brush is the best way to eliminate tangles and knots from your locks. This Tangle Teezer brush is ideal for use on fine and fragile strands.
Boar Bristle Brush
Using a boar bristle brush is a great way to distribute excess sebum from the roots to the tips of your hair. It will smooth and polish your hair while also reducing frizz and helping to prevent hair breakage.
Weightless Hair Oil
Choosing a lightweight hair oil is essential to avoid weighing down your locks. This vegan hair oil is sulfate- and paraben-free and will lock in more moisture to give your hair extra shine and softness.
Leave in Conditioner
A good quality leave-in conditioner is a vital part of your hair care kit. This popular conditioner is a great detangler, eliminates frizz, and restores shine to your locks.
Serum
This lightweight hair serum will help to seal split ends, tame frizz, and leave your locks soft and shiny.
Heat Styling Tools
Your 1B locks can easily be damaged by heat styling, so it’s essential to invest in high-quality hair tools if you choose to style your hair. This popular straightener will straighten or curl your locks while millions of ions deliver added shine.
Caring for 1B Hair Overnight
If you’re a restless sleeper, all that tossing and turning overnight can damage your hair. These products will help to protect your locks while you’re asleep:
Satin Bonnet
This sleep bonnet is lined with satin to reduce friction between your hair strands. It’s adjustable at the side, which stops it slipping and makes it comfortable to sleep in.
Satin Hair Scrunchies
If you feel uncomfortable wearing a satin bonnet or nightcap, tying your hair up in a high ponytail or pineapple will protect it while you sleep. These soft scrunchies are made from a breathable fabric, so they won’t pull on your delicate locks.
No Damage Bobby Pins
If you’re a restless sleeper, using bobby pins will keep your nightcap or bonnet from slipping off. The ball tip on these bobby pins helps them grip securely and also stops them from snagging.
1B Hair FAQs
Still want to know more about type 1B hair? Here are some of the questions we get asked most often:
What Does Healthy 1B Hair Look Like?
Healthy type 1B hair is straight with roots that lie against the head and ends that may have a little texture. It is shiny, has some volume, and you can create a little extra body with an effective hair care and styling routine.
Why Does My Hair Feel Waxy?
Waxy hair is often caused by product build-up, and this is a common problem for people with fine hair. You can avoid this problem by using a clarifying shampoo every few washes.
Why Is My Hair Oily?
Naturally straight hair can tend to be a bit oily because the scalp’s natural oils travel easily from root to end of each strand. You can prevent this by applying conditioner on the ends of your hair and avoiding your roots and scalp.
The Bottom Line
So now you have all the essential information you need to look after your 1B hair. You know which styles and haircuts will look great, how to look after your 1B locks, and the best hair care products to pamper it with.
1B hair might get overlooked by some people, but now you can see just how gorgeous your 1B locks can be!
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