Straight Hair with Swing
Description
Type 1B hair is straight with slight body and swing at the ends. Learn which scissors, edges, and techniques give the best results on this common hair type.
Straight Hair with Swing (Type 1B)
Quick look
- Type code: Type 1B — Straight Hair with Swing.
- Texture & porosity: Fibers remain mostly round with a slight elliptical lean, giving this type a soft S-bend and medium density that responds quickly to direction.1
- Risk factors: Removing too many layers or blasting with uncontrolled heat collapses the bend that provides movement and exposes gaps along the outline.2
- Tool pairing: Secure the baseline with a micro-serrated bevel, then layer with 5.5-6.0 in semi-convex blades and reserve mid-tooth blenders for gentle interior diffusion only.2,3
Why it matters
Type 1B hair needs enough structure to read intentional while allowing the natural swing to show. Balancing a firm weight line with airy crown work keeps the silhouette modern without emptying the perimeter your client relies on for fullness.2
Technique map
- Cut the outline in natural fall using a short micro-serrated bevel so the weight line stays graphic even after the strand settles.2
- Elevate crown sections to about 45 degrees above horizontal and point cut with a semi-convex 5.5 in shear to stack soft movement.2
- Ventilate interior panels with a 35-40 tooth blender above the parietal ridge, leaving the final inch untouched so the outline remains solid.3
- Finish with nozzle-directed airflow or a cordless iron pass to accent the weight line and open the mid-lengths without scorching the cuticle.2
Usage notes
- Use diagonal-back partings when setting sections; the bias automatically lifts the root without stealing weight from the ends.2
- Keep tension moderate—just enough to control the panel while letting the natural S-curve cue where layers should land.2
- After heat finishing, reassess the outline in natural fall and refine with the bevel wherever the weight line has softened.2
Maintenance / Client Care
- Encourage clients to rough-dry to about 75 percent without a nozzle, then polish with a round brush to lock in movement while keeping cuticle flat.2
- Layer a root-lift spray into the palms before raking through so the product lives at the base instead of weighing down the surface.4
- Book trims every eight to ten weeks so interior lift and perimeter strength stay balanced as density shifts with wear.2
Related Types & Sources
Related hair types: Glass Straight Fine Hair (Type 1A), Dense Straight Heavy Hair (Type 1C)
Sources
- Simultaneous hair cross-section and curvature analysis
- The Bob Haircut Trends to Brush Up on Before Spring
- Weight Removal 101
- Tips for Styling a Messy Bob Hairstyle
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Type 1B hair is straight with slight body and swing at the ends. Learn which scissors, edges, and techniques give the best results on this common hair type.
The best scissors for 1B hair depend on the cutting techniques used. Consider blade type, edge geometry, and steel hardness when selecting scissors for this hair type. Consult our reference guides for specific recommendations.
Professional techniques for 1B hair vary by desired outcome. The hair's natural texture, density, and curl pattern determine which cutting approaches deliver the best results. See our cutting techniques guides for detailed instruction.