1A hair is the straightest and finest subtype of hair, characterized by strands that lie completely flat from roots to ends with no natural wave or curl. It is typically very fine, silky, smooth, and glossy, often described as having a sleek, glass-like appearance. Because the cuticles are flat and smooth, 1A hair reflects light well, giving it a natural shine and making it resistant to frizz. This hair type is often soft to the touch and can be quite delicate and prone to breakage due to its thinness
. People with 1A hair usually have hair that is very straight with no bends or waves, even when wet, and it tends to lay flat against the scalp. However, 1A hair can struggle with volume because it is fine and tends to get oily quickly as natural scalp oils travel easily down the straight strands. Styling can be challenging since it does not hold curls or waves well, and heavy styling products may weigh it down
. In summary, 1A hair is:
- Completely straight with no waves or curls
- Fine to superfine in texture
- Silky, smooth, and glossy due to flat cuticles
- Prone to oiliness and flatness
- Difficult to style with volume or curls
- Delicate and prone to breakage
This hair type is commonly found in people of Asian descent and requires lightweight, volumizing products and gentle care to maintain its shine and health without weighing it down
