A Deeper Dive into Hair Types: Straight Hair

So now that you know your hair a little better, let’s take a closer look at the different types of hair out there (if you missed it, be sure to check out our two-part series on getting to know your hair). We’ll be starting out with a deceptively simple hair type: straight hair. As it turns out, there’s more going on than just ruler-straight locks here.

The Characteristics of Straight Hair

Of course, the most obvious characteristic of straight hair is that it’s straight. This means that straight hair naturally tends to be shinier, as the oils naturally produced by your scalp are more readily able to travel along the hair. As with any other type of hair, straight hair can be subdivided into three different types: 1A, 1B, and 1C.

• 1A: stick straight, no curl, doesn’t tend to hold curls when styled either - the rarest hair type
• 1B: extra body when compared to 1A, generally straight when dried, can hold a curl which allows for more movement and texture
• 1C: still mostly flat but has a tousled look when air dried, often thick and coarse

Straight Hair Care

Taking good care of your hair starts with making sure you’re using the right products for your hair type. Additionally, straight hair should be washed regularly to avoid having oily-looking hair. Try to use products that offer multiple benefits in a single bottle rather than layering on a ton of different ones. Avoid going to bed with wet hair, since you're likely to wake up with a cowlick or frizz that will be tough to work out in the morning. If you must go to bed with damp hair, spritzing on some leave-in conditioner and putting your hair in a loose braid can help it be more manageable.

Styling Tips for Straight Hair

Curls can be tough for straight hair to hold. If you want a nice curl to your hair, you’ll definitely want to use hairspray or a finishing spray to help them stay nice and bouncy. Oh, and ditch the brush and comb. Opt for finger combing your curls instead. Make sure you use a heat protectant spray before you start styling with heat. Keep the heat on the lower end, regardless of whether you’re going for something straighter or something curly.

Straight hair can be beautiful and dramatic. Understanding the finer points of having straight hair, the subtypes, caring for it, and knowing how to style it without damaging it, takes a little time and effort. Remember, if you have any questions about what products you should be using on your hair, you can always ask your Blake Charles Salon stylist for the perfect recommendations for your hair.

Did you know that the way you style your hair can change how young you look? Read this next: 6 Hairstyles That Make You Look Younger.