Discovering your hair type and sub-type is hugely beneficial to finding what your hair needs. Understanding the specifics of your hair type will help you to figure out what products will work best for your hair, and advise on which product types you should avoid, enabling you to create the perfect hair care routine.
Creating a middle ground between straight and curly hair, type 2 hair is extremely versatile when it comes to styling. It has an "S" shape, and while it’s often soft and easy to manage, it can be prone to frizz and dryness. Type 2 hair is unique because it needs a tailored routine to enhance waves without weighing them down or causing frizz.
There are three subtypes:
- 2A: This subtype is made of fine, loose waves that can easily fall flat.
- 2B: This subtype features more defined, but slightly frizzier, waves.
- 2C: This subtype features thick, tight waves, that can sometimes border on being considered curls rather than waves.
If you're unsure which type you have, follow our guide on How To Determine Your Hair Type to help identify your specific hair type and subtype.
Type 2A Hair
Type 2A hair is quite fine in texture and features loose waves that may sometimes seem ‘barely there’. Of the 3 subtypes of wavy hair, 2A features the loosest waves and usually appears quite straight at the root, but loose waves come in further down the length of the hair.
How To Care For Type 2A Hair
Having a slight wave naturally means that this subtype is very easy to style and manage, and with it being in between straight and curly it is very adaptable to whichever styling you prefer and holds it well. Focusing on root lift when styling this hair type is vital. When styling, try to add lift at the roots to create more volume. Avoid heavy creams and oils that can make your waves look limp.
In terms of styling products for type 2 Hair, due to its fine texture, it can sometimes be quite prone to oiliness and product buildup, so lightweight products and products in smaller amounts are the best way to ensure type 2 hair doesn’t become oversaturated with the product. Volume can sometimes be a struggle for 2A hair, so since it can sometimes become a little flat, sticking to lightweight products like mousse or texturizing spray will help to add volume without weighing your hair down.
When choosing wash-day products for wavy hair, it’s important to look for products that are lightweight yet hydrating. For 2A hair, a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo works best to cleanse your tresses without stripping away the natural oils that provide our hair with so much nourishment. The conditioner you choose should include ingredients that provide your hair with moisture without weighing down your waves—look for formulas with ingredients like glycerine or aloe vera.
After your hair is clean, your hair drying choice will depend on what sort of style you want when your hair is dry, and how much time you have. Letting your hair air dry is the best option for the most natural look and is a great choice for maintaining soft waves. However, if you're a little stuck for time and need a speedier option, using a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment, on a low heat setting will allow your waves to dry in their natural form without disrupting your wave pattern.
Type 2B Hair
2B hair is very similar to 2A, however, it has slightly more defined waves that start closer to the roots, giving you a clearly recognisable "S" shape to the waves. However, this subtype tends to be more frizz-prone than 2A, meaning that this type can also tangle much more easily.
How To Care For Type 2B Hair
With frizz being one of the main struggles for those with 2B wavy hair, people with this hair type need to find a product that can add moisture to their locks, that is lightweight enough to not weigh the hair down and make it look flat. Good products for this would include a leave-in conditioner or curl cream but remember to avoid heavy products and look for lighter ingredients and try out different product types to see which works best for you and your hair's needs.
Using a wide-tooth comb on damp hair will help to detangle your hair while keeping your natural curl pattern intact but will also help to minimise the damage of tugging on the tangles.
Picking the right products for 2B hair can help enhance texture and keep frizz under control. Similarly to 2A hair, a sulphate-free shampoo is ideal for gently cleansing without drying out your hair, while a lightweight conditioner can add moisture without making your waves limp. Leave-in conditioners or curl creams are great for providing extra hydration and definition, especially for reducing frizz. Since 2B hair is prone to tangles, it’s helpful to detangle with a wide-tooth comb on damp hair. To style, opt for air-drying or use a diffuser to preserve your wave pattern, and always finish with a lightweight anti-frizz serum to keep your waves smooth and shiny.
Like with 2A, air-drying is ideal for 2B hair to get the most natural waves through your hair without products or heat altering them in any way. However, if you do prefer to use a hairdryer, utilising a diffuser will help to maintain those waves as best as you can with heat being applied. It is worth noting that heat tools can be harsh on wavy hair, often leading to more frizz. If you do use them, make sure to apply a good heat protectant beforehand.
Type 2C Hair
2C hair has the tightest and thickest wave pattern of all type 2 subtypes, which often blends with loose curls. It also tends to be more prone to frizz, dryness, and tangles because of its denser texture.
How To Care For Type 2C Hair
It is important to prioritise hydration for 2C hair to try and combat the dryness that it often features. Using a moisturising shampoo and deep conditioner regularly will help to keep your hair hydrated and keep frizz and dryness at bay. For 2C hair, co-washing can be an excellent option to maintain moisture and reduce frizz, as thicker waves need that extra hydration. Opting for moisture-rich products like curl creams, leave-in treatments, or oils infused with shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil will lock in hydration and keep your waves soft and defined.
Anti-frizz serums and lightweight oils will be your go-to with this hair type, as they will work wonders for sealing in the moisture from other products and help to keep your hair smooth. Products like this will work best if you apply them to damp hair after washing using the above-recommended shampoo and conditioner types. It would also be worth considering incorporating a weekly hair mask into your haircare routine to give your hair a little boost of repair and strength.
Styling products designed for fuller waves or loose curls are essential to this hair type, as their formulas offer benefits to help the hair that may weigh less curled types down. Products such as curl creams, and curl enhancers are perfect for 2C hair, offering more definition to waves and curls whilst often adding moisture without weighing down the hair.
As with all type 2 hair, styling your hair to be straight, curly or natural is easily done. Styling this hair type to be curly and wavy will be much easier if recommended products are used, curl enhancers and gels are great for ensuring the definition of the waves, while moisture and anti-frizz products are essential for getting the smooth look to finish off your hairstyle beautifully.
Wavy Hair Porosity
Type 2 hair often features wide open hair cuticles, causing this hair type to often be dry as it struggles to retain hydration. Type 2 hair needs a lot of protein within its hair care routine to enable the hair to seal in moisture and try to minimise dryness. A great product to use for this would be a light hair oil or a light leave-in conditioner that contains moisturising ingredients that won't weigh your hair down ,such as glycerine or aloe vera.
Wavy Hair Texture
Type 2 hair is described as a medium thickness, meaning that it is not too fine, but also not too thick, it is a happy medium. This means that it can work well with a variation of different product textures. This hair type is also medium in density. Again, described as a happy medium, this hair type is not too thin or thick. The medium density of type 2 hair means that, generally, a pea-sized amount of product per section of your hair should be plenty for your hair type, ensuring all areas are evenly coated but not oversaturated.
To find everything you need for your wavy hair routine, browse our shampoo’s, conditioners and treatments specifically designed for wavy hair.