Your hair doesn’t necessarily have to be stick straight from root to tip in order to be classified as straight hair. Some natural waving or bending at the ends or towards the back can still occur without resulting in a label of “wavy” or “curly”.
Why is it important to know your true hair type? This classification system will help you determine the right techniques and products so you can work with your natural beauty instead of fighting against it. While it might take some getting used to, the end result will be significantly more good hair days plus a healthier scalp and strands to boot.
If you’re wondering how to determine your true hair type, start with a good cleansing wash and a gentle, lightweight conditioner. Rinse thoroughly, use a wide tooth comb to gently remove tangles and let your hair air dry. While it might not be optimally styled, the results can help you determine your hair’s true type and texture.
Once you’ve successfully identified your natural straight hair, use photos and personal observations to help you determine the specific type and width. This can help you fine tune your product and style choices.
1a
This type of hair is truly stick straight with no curls or bends of any kind. This straight hair type can be difficult to heat style since it will not hold a curl. It is usually fine in weight.
1b
This straight hair type is one of the most common, with a bit more volume and some natural bends or waves here and there. 1b hair can be heat styled successfully. It often has a medium weight.
1c
Hair that is labeled as 1c has even more volume, with more bends or waves occurring at the tips. It holds styles very effectively. This type has a more course weight.
It doesn’t take too much effort to make your straight hair look great. However, it can also come with its own set of issues that can make it look dull, limp and frizzy if you’re not careful to address them.
Straight hair has a tendency to lack body, so it can appear limp very easily. Utilize techniques and hair products for straight hair that increase volume for an added boost.
Your hair’s natural oils spread and settle more easily on straight hair. This can result in a flat and lifeless style that can also appear unhygienic. Develop healthy practices to keep oil production at controlled levels.
While pretty much any hair type has to deal with frizz, straight hair is especially prone to static, which can result in unsightly flyaways. Keep your hair properly moisturized and always put some type of finishing product on your locks to keep these issues at bay.
Sometimes, a good hair day comes down to the weather. Here’s how the temperature and humidity could impact your style decisions for the day.
As with curly hair, humidity can lead to frizz in natural straight hair. Hotter temperatures can bump up oil and sweat production, giving your straight hair a greasy and flat look. Use products to keep hair light and fresh during this season.
When the temperatures turn cold, you’re much more at risk for static and flyaways. While hats may be tempting, remember that they’ll only make matters worse when it’s time to take them off. Cold weather can also zap your hair of its moisture, leading to dry and brittle strands. Moisturize and protect with products that won’t lead to unwanted buildup.
While the list of ways straight hair can go wrong may sound overwhelming, some good practices can set you up for truly gorgeous hair day after day. With the right hair products for straight hair, plus some good techniques and tools in your pocket, you’ll see how easy it is to love your locks.
Straight hair can go flat when it’s weighed down with oil and product buildup. Wash your hair every other day to keep your hair fresh, vibrant and voluminous. The best shampoo for straight hair will be gentle enough to allow for more frequent wash sessions. Follow up with a lightweight conditioner to maintain healthy moisture levels.
When you’re ready to set your signature style, follow these tips for the best results.
Brushing and Combing
A paddle brush is a straight-haired girl’s best friend; just make sure you only use it on dry hair to prevent stretching or breaking. Brush before showering to prevent extra tangles, and use a wide-tooth comb when hair is wet.
Blow Drying
When drying your hair, higher temperature settings are best at the roots, which can help activate volume-boosting products for extra lift and bounce. Protect your ends and set your style by finishing the rest on a cooler setting.
Heat Styling
Chances are, you turn to either a flat or curling iron to give your hair some extra style. Try to limit use to only once or twice a week and use a protecting spray first. Otherwise, you could be dealing with serious damage and breakage.
Finishing Products
Once every hair is in place, you’ll want to enhance and protect your look with the right products. Consider lightweight sprays to add texture or hold your style in place. A smoothing serum can help protect against frizz and flyaways.
In addition to your everyday routine, there are some important supplements you can add to your natural straight hair care regimen.
While frequent trims won’t necessarily make your hair grow any faster, they can help keep your ends healthy. It’s also helpful to see a stylist every six to eight weeks to help your style maintain its shape. This is especially true for fine, straight hair.
You certainly don’t want to douse your strands in heavy moisturizers that will weigh them down on a daily basis. However, it’s good for your hair and scalp to enjoy some intense moisturizing treatments every week or so. Choose products that are made to be effective without deflating that much-needed volume at the root.
It’s important to use the right hair products for straight hair, but caring for your tresses from the inside out can be just as important. Making healthy choices can help keep your hair looking its absolute best while improving strength and promoting new growth.
A diet rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants is great for every hair type, so fill you plate with plenty of fresh fruits, veggies and lean protein. Healthy oils like Omega-3’s and Vitamin E can be great for your skin, hair and nails, but too much oil consumption and production can contribute to an oily scalp. Limit supplements to lower doses to keep sebum production under control. Don’t forget to hydrate!
When you’re stressed, your body produces larger amount of a powerful hormone called cortisol. Too much can severely impact your health, leading to a host of unwanted side effects, including hair loss. Stay calm, practice self-care and find positive ways to reduce stress to keep your hair, body and mind healthy.
Welcome to the LaLa Daisy Hair Care Resource Center where you can access all of our hair care guides and get tips for all hair types. Whether you have naturally curly hair, straight hair, wavy hair, kinky / coily hair, fine hair, or thick hair, you’ll find a comprehensive guide specifically for your hair type. We’ll define the characteristics of your hair type and how to take care of it in order to have the healthiest hair you’ve ever had. You’ll learn about the most important areas to focus on and even get tips about nutrition. That’s right, nutrition definitely impacts the health of your hair.
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