In this article I’ve explained what is 1b hair type and how to take care of this texture. I’ve also recommended a few top products for 1b hair.
What Is 1b Hair
As we all know, there are four basic hair types: straight (1), wavy (2), curly (3), and coily (4). (4). While these types have subtypes based on the characteristics of your hair, such as a, b, and c. Today, we'll look at the 1B hair type.
It falls under the purview of the straight subcategory. The strands of this hair type bend from the middle to the ends and struggle with curling ability. Furthermore, the strands are medium-thick, resulting in a gleaming finish.
There's only one problem with this type: it gets oily very quickly. (GARN, S M. “Hair texture: its definition, evaluation and measurement.” American journal of physical anthropology vol. 8,4 (1950): 453-65. doi:10.1002/ajpa.1330080416)
Since the roots are straight and don't bend or curl, the natural oil moves faster. If you have hair type 1B, you may notice that it becomes oily after a few days of washing.
Furthermore, such hair cannot withstand heavy gels. If you use it, your hair will become extremely greasy, making styling impossible.
1B hair has the following basic characteristics: it is medium-thick, straight with small bends from mid-to-end, appears voluminous, and is easily oily. This type of hair can be curled using curling products.
Related: 1A Hair Texture
Pros and Cons of 1B Hair
Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of having 1B hair now that you know what it is.
The benefits of having hair like this are that it is naturally healthy and thick. To top it all off, they're shiny in their natural state. Because you don't have to put in a lot of effort, it's low-maintenance.
A simple blow dry will do the trick. Hair products aren't needed in large quantities because they get greasy quickly. Last but not least I love this hair type as the texture makes them immune to breakage.
Due to their proximity to the hair's roots, they can quickly become oily or greasy. To keep your hair from becoming greasy, you'll need to wash it more frequently.
I have often found that the 1B hair type is a nightmare for those who love curls. You'll need a variety of products to keep your hair's curls in place. Lastly, it is not perfectly straight and has bends from the midshaft.
Related: 1c Hair Guide
1B Hair Routine
To keep your hair type 1B, you don't have to worry about much. You don't have to spend much time, but taking care of your strands is essential. Let's take a look at what you should do.
Hair Washing and conditioning
In order to keep hair hydrated, your scalp produces natural oils (sebum). The oil secretion reaches the strands of hair, causing it to become oily.
Washing your hair on a regular basis will keep it fresh and oil-free. I also suggest you keep it clean by washing it twice or three times a week.
Another way to ensure that your hair is silky and smooth is to use conditioner. Make sure you only use it on the ends of your hair, not the roots. This will nourish your hair and keep it frizz-free.
Hair Rinse
The best way to remove oily hair is with a hair rinse. There are numerous natural products available on the market. Apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal, or rosemary oil are the best ingredients.
These are great for preventing oil buildup in your hair. Make sure you only do it once a week.
Other than this, you can have lemon rinse or even coffee/tea rinse.
Lemon Rinse: Lemons contain vitamin C, which promotes hair growth. To use this rinse, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of water and mix thoroughly. For the best results, apply it after shampooing. This will keep the scalp clean and prevent oil from accumulating. You can also add mint leaves for a cooling effect.
Coffee/Tea Rinse: Rinsing with a coffee or tea rinse may reduce hair loss. Caffeine, found in these products, aids in hair care and growth. You can use herbal teabags or 2 tablespoons of coffee to make this rinse, then add it to a cup of water and stir. Before straining, let it sit for 5 minutes. Make sure to use it only once a week.
There are a few products that you can find online. Here’s some suggestions from me.
Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse: This rinse will help clear your scalp of oil buildup, bacteria, and dirt.
Your hair will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Moreover, the rinse helps you get rid of an itchy scalp and boosts hair growth. It is 100% natural and has extracts from herbs such as organic aloe, green tea, and chamomile.
-A’PIEU Raspberry Scalp Hair Vinegar: Another great product that helps you clear your scalp of oil buildup. It also ensures that the natural and healthy oils stay and do not harm your hair.
It also gives off a raspberry scent. Apply the rinse after shampooing and use your fingertips to massage it thoroughly. Use lukewarm water to wash it off.
Hair Mask
The best way to keep your hair moisturized is with a hair mask. So, why do you need to hydrate your oily hair in the first place? Allow me to explain! Even though your hair produces natural oils, it will remain healthy if you keep it well-hydrated.
A leave-in conditioner and a hair mask are excellent tools for the job! Do not use products that are too heavy for your hair's roots. You should focus on hydrating the strand from the middle to the end.
One such leave-in conditioner is PURA D'OR HairClimax Biotin Healing Virgin Hair Masque. It has antioxidants and minerals from castor oil, avocado oil, argan oil, and biotin. It helps with hydrating and hair growth.
Summary
- The 1B hair type has straight strands that have bends from the midshaft to the tip. They have a medium-thick texture, resulting in a gleaming finish.
- This type of hair tends to get oily quickly. Given that they have straight roots, the oil tends to travel faster. It requires washing every two or three days.
- One cannot curl this kind of hair. To do so, you will need a lot of heavy products. Such products make the hair more oily and less shiny.
- The 1B hair type is low-maintenance and a quick blow-dry can help you style it.
- The texture allows the hair to be immune to breakage.
- To maintain the hair, you need to wash it with a proper shampoo. Conditioning is important. Don’t condition the scalp, only the mid and the tip.
- Hair rinse can help you maintain the texture and keep it oil-free. Natural hair rinse works wonders, and it needs to be done once a week.
- A hair mask and leave-in conditioner, on the other hand, hydrate your hair.
- Stick to natural products to avoid harming your hair.
- There are various hairstyles available for such hair- curtain bangs, angular bobs, and even layers. It will add volume.
- Lastly, 1B hair type is best at its natural state. You need to make sure to maintain it and listen to what it needs. Don’t use excessive products that might harm the texture. Pick products that will nourish them!
Final Thoughts on the 1b Hair Type
I have found the 1b hair type one of the easiest to manage and style. However, a lot of people wish for poker straight 1a hair as they look smoother.
However, the slight wave that 1b hair has got makes it more voluminous and less likely to look dull and limp.
But yes, 1b hair does come with its set of challenges as it might get frizzy.
So I hope my 1b hair care guide helped you find routines and hair products that suit your tresses the best!
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