1B hair

What does 1B hair look like?

1B hair is straight, but it has more body and movement than 1A. The strands are medium thick, and the hair has some lift at the roots. The ends can bend or flip out, especially after sleeping on it. It is the most common form of straight hair.

Medium strands are stronger than fine ones, so they hold a shape a little better. That is also why 1B hair keeps a blow-dry or a loose curl for longer than 1A.

How do I know if I have 1B hair?

Check it on wash day, after your hair has dried on its own with no styling products. Look at a section from the middle of your head, not the hairline, which is often looser.

Compared with 1A, 1B has more body and some bend at the ends. Compared with 1C, it is softer and less coarse, with no wave in the lengths. If you see faint S-shapes when it air-dries, look at 1C or 2A.

For a second opinion, take a close-up and run the free hair type test, or compare the photos on the hair type chart.

How to care for 1B hair

1. Wash every one to three days, depending on how fast your roots get oily.
2. Use a balancing shampoo and a light conditioner from mid-length to ends.
3. Put on a heat protectant before blow-drying or straightening.
4. Use a little light leave-in or serum on the ends if they feel dry.
5. Sleep on a smooth pillowcase if your ends flip or kink overnight.

Best products for 1B hair

Light to medium weight products suit 1B hair. A volumizing mousse at the roots and a drop of serum on the ends covers most days. Rich masks are fine once a week on the ends.

Your hair's porosity matters as much as its type when you pick products. Low porosity hair needs lighter products and a little warmth to let them in, while high porosity hair needs richer ones to seal moisture. Our hair porosity test shows how to check yours.

Styles and cuts for 1B hair

1B hair takes most cuts well. Layers show off its movement, and it holds a loose curl or a bouncy blow-dry for most of the day.