When it comes to hair, it can feel like the opposite of what you have is always more desirable. If you have curls, you may have put energy into trying to make them straight, and if you have straight hair, you may have battled with trying to keep a curl for any length of time.
People with curly hair often envy those of us with straight locks for more than just looks. It is generally believed that straight hair is easier to take care of, and in some ways it is true. Straight hair usually looks the same every day, while curly hair can be affected by the weather. Bustle reports that straight hair is the most desired type of hair. In spite of this, there are some common mistakes people make when caring for straight hair. This article outlines some of these mistakes.
Straight hair is low maintenance
The misconception that there is no upkeep required for straight hair is not true. Even though it is easier to style and less prone to getting tangled than curly hair, it does not mean that it should be ignored. Those same qualities that make it so appealing can also leave it prone to damage, especially if you have type 1A hair (which stays straight, even when wet, according to Byrdie).
According to trichologist Anabel Kingsley, type 1A hair is more delicate and weak than other hair types, making it more prone to breakage and split ends. It also appears to be oilier than other hair types due to the increased density of individual hair strands and oil glands on their scalps.
Furthermore, the oil is more noticeable on fine, straight hair, which can cause it to become weighed down quickly. Therefore, people with type 1A hair need to be mindful of keeping it clean and safeguarding it from damage.
A ponytail is a reliable choice.
The timeless ponytail is the go-to hairstyle for those with long, straight hair. It is a straightforward way of keeping your hair off your face and looks good on almost everyone. This style requires minimal effort, as no styling tools or products are necessary, which makes it a low-maintenance option that is also gentle on your hair.
Although it may not seem to be the case, straight hair can be fragile and prone to breakage. Pulling the hair tightly into a ponytail when it is wet can be particularly damaging, as it can have 50% less elasticity when wet. To protect the hair, it is recommended that you let it dry naturally before putting it up, and not to pull it too tight when putting it up in a ponytail or braid.
Richer hair products add body to straight hair
If you have straight, fine hair that tends to be dry, you may be tempted to use the most luxurious and rich products available to make your locks look voluminous. Unfortunately, this tactic will not give you the desired outcome; instead, the residue from these products will cause your hair to become heavy and lack its shine (as per Real Simple).
Rather than opting for heavier products, opt for lighter alternatives and avoid those containing alcohol. Adam Maclay, a stylist, informed Bustle that using these can lead to significant damage to straight, fine hair over time.
Nunzio Saviano, another stylist, suggests using volumizing products to increase hair volume without making it too heavy. He also suggests using shampoos and conditioners for thin and fine hair, as well as a light spray gel at the roots for body.
Run a brush through your locks immediately following a shampoo to
Having straight hair that appears glossy and smooth is a sign of good maintenance. Therefore, those with straight hair often take steps to ensure that their hair remains straight and undisturbed. If their hair appears to be getting tangled or disheveled, they may act quickly to remedy the situation. For example, after washing, many will use a hairbrush to brush it out.
It is understandable why this may seem appealing, however it is not a good idea. Straight hair is more delicate than other types of hair, and is less stretchy when wet, so forcing a brush through it when it is wet could cause damage.
To avoid tangles after washing, take your time and use a light touch. Stylist Adam Maclay suggested to Bustle, “carefully brush from the ends to the roots, sectioning off small amounts at a time to avoid tugging on your hair too hard.”
More conditioner is always better
Straight hair can often be thirsty and prone to split ends, as well as a magnet for static in dryer months. If you feel that your straight hair is in need of moisture, you likely aren’t wrong; however, using too much conditioner can make it appear lifeless and limp.
Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist, suggests using a light conditioner including “thickening proteins” on the middle and ends of your hair to avoid a greasy scalp. Kingsley further states that if your hair is very dry you should look into a pre-shampoo treatment for deep nourishment.
These treatments won’t weigh down the delicate strands and, when left on for the right amount of time and any heavy residue is washed out, they give type 1A hair the advantages without the heaviness that post-shampoo treatments can cause.
You can make straight hair do anything you want
Straight hair can be a great starting point for getting creative with hairstyles. It is easy to style into buns, updos, braids, and other looks without the need for many special tools. With the abundance of styling tools and salon treatments, such as perms, available, it seems like the possibilities for people with straight hair are endless. Finger curls, ringlets, and big pageant styles – they can all be achieved with this hair type.
Using a towel to cover your head is a great method to get your hair dry following a shower.
It may become necessary to give a second look to long-standing customs. For example, the tradition of wrapping your hair in a towel after showering is one that has been passed down from generation to generation of women. Not only does it look cool in a vintage-style way, but it’s a great way to keep your hair out of the way while finishing up your beauty routine. Because this trick has worked for so many female ancestors, it should be more than sufficient for you.
Though using a towel turban after shampooing your hair won’t cause any harm, it isn’t the ideal way to treat wet hair. Stylist Carla Pisegna told Elle Canada that rubbing the towel too harshly into your hair can cause harm. If you still can’t let go of this practice, Pisegna suggests applying any styling products you plan to use before you wrap your hair in a towel. She advises to “apply it to your wet hair, comb it through, and then wrap it in a towel”.
Trimming straight hair more often will help it grow faster
Getting regular haircuts makes sense if you sport a shorter ‘do or a particular style that needs to be maintained. Nonetheless, does it really help hair to grow faster? We’ve all heard various people, including our hairdressers, talk about this, and it appears to be true. But is it really?
Glamour UK reports that regular haircuts won’t make your hair grow faster, but they will make the hair you have stronger, making it easier to grow longer. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft if not taken care of, causing more damage. Thus, getting trims to stop split ends will help you grow healthy hair more quickly.
You can add volume to straight hair with regular use of hot tools
For those with straight hair, curling or adding a wave can give it a dramatic flair. But some of us might find that our straight hair just doesn’t hold a curl, and styling it aggressively doesn’t make it stay. Even if your straight hair does hold curl, you should still use heat tools with caution because it can be vulnerable to heat damage. To protect your hair when styling, use a towel to dry it before blow-drying, use a heat protectant and choose lower heat settings on your hot tools.
Cleansing straight hair on a daily basis will prevent it from appearing
For those with straight hair, particularly fine type 1A hair, it is often suggested to wash it every day since greasy buildup is more visible on such hair. However, this is not necessarily the best option for fine hair. According to stylist Jennifer Watson, fine hair only needs to be shampooed 2-3 times a week. Over-washing can make the hair appear flat and lifeless. To avoid greasy roots on non-washing days, dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse recommends using dry shampoo to absorb oil and add volume.
All straight hair acts the same way
If you take a closer look, you will discover that not all straight hair is the same. You might have pin-straight hair that never loses its shape, while your straight-haired friend may find that her hair has a slight natural wave from time to time. This is not your imagination – there are two main types of straight hair: types 1A and 1B.
Type 1A is stick-straight and very fine, and since it doesn’t hold a curl, it looks best without styling. Type 1B, on the other hand, is a desirable look for many, being mostly straight and well-behaved, but sometimes with a natural wave. It is softer than type 1A hair and can form waves. Type 1B is actually a combination of different hair types, mostly fine with some coarser or wavy hairs. Both types of straight hair are prone to oiliness and breakage, so they should be washed with care. Type 1A hair is best with a straight-cut look, while 1B hair can be nicely worn in layers.