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What Is My Hair Type

1C hair

By 1000 Ventures Last reviewed

Straight but coarse, with a slight bend or wave in places. It has volume and can turn frizzy in humid air.

Close-up of 1C hair
Family
Type 1, straight
Curl size
A soft bend through the lengths
Key traits
Coarse, thick strands, A slight bend in places, Prone to frizz in humidity, Holds styles well

What does 1C hair look like?

1C hair is still straight overall, but the strands are thick and coarse, and there is a soft bend or wave in places. It has a lot of volume and does not lie as flat as 1A or 1B. In humid weather it often frizzes, and parts of it may start to look wavy.

Coarse strands have a thicker outer layer, so they are strong and hold styles well. They also take up moisture from the air, which lifts the outer layer and causes frizz.

How do I know if I have 1C 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.

1C sits right on the border with wavy hair. If the bend forms clear S-shapes from the middle of the hair down when it air-dries, you are probably 2A. If the hair is straight with only a stray bend, 1C fits.

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 1C hair

  1. Wash two or three times a week. Coarse hair does not get oily as fast.
  2. Use a smoothing or moisturizing conditioner on every wash.
  3. Put a light oil or anti-frizz serum on damp ends.
  4. Air-dry with a little leave-in, or blow-dry downward with a nozzle to smooth the cuticle.
  5. Use a deep conditioner once a week if the hair feels rough.

Best products for 1C hair

1C hair can take more moisture than other straight types. Smoothing creams, light oils and anti-humidity sprays help with frizz. Avoid very drying shampoos that leave the hair rough.

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 1C hair

1C hair holds curls, waves and updos well. Long layers take off some weight and stop the hair from looking bulky. Many people with 1C hair find their natural bend shows more after a few weeks of gentler care.

Not sure which type you are? Take one close-up of your hair and the free hair type test tells you in seconds.

Check my hair type

Frequently asked questions

What is 1C hair?
1C hair is straight but coarse and thick, with a slight bend or wave in places. It has volume and tends to frizz in humidity.
Is 1C hair straight or wavy?
It is counted as straight, but it is the closest straight type to wavy. If it dries in clear S-shaped waves, it is more likely 2A.
How do I stop 1C hair from frizzing?
Use a smoothing conditioner, put a light serum on damp ends, and dry it with the airflow pointing down the strand.

Neighboring hair types

Close-up of 1B hair 1B hair Straight with more body. The strands are medium thick and the ends may bend or flip out a little. Close-up of 2A hair 2A hair Fine, loose S-shaped waves that start around eye level. Brushing or heavy products can make them fall flat.

Or see all 12 on the hair type chart.

Find your hair type

Hair type photo test One close-up of your hair, your type from 1A to 4C in seconds. Take the photo test Hair type quiz No photo? Five questions about how your hair dries. Take the quiz Hair type chart All 12 types side by side, with the curl size to compare. See the chart