Type 2 Hair; Anatomy, Care and Styles

What is type 2 hair?

Often referred to as being naturally wavy, type 2 hair is normally classified into type 2A, 2B and 2C, and has an “s” shape in the hair strand. The tighter the S the more curly the hair strands.

Type 2A has a slight wave – with a light S pattern and normally rather fine, and lacks volume for this reason. This hair type can be more susceptible to build up and looking weighed down if the wrong products are used. To make the best of this hair type, a choppy bob or celeb favourite shoulder-length lob works best to give this hair type some body.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Drew Barrymore (@drew.barrymore.brasil) on Jul 21, 2019 at 7:06pm PDT

Type 2B have soft bouncy waves with a more prominent S shape – think year-round beachy waves ( we aren’t jealous at all) – and more frizz-prone than 2A hair, but still often flat at the root. Type 2 looks great in longer styles to allow you to channel those chic effortless waves.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ? ? ? ? ? ? (@holly_erica_) on Jul 21, 2019 at 6:09pm PDT

Type 2C have more defined waves, almost curls. With a very distinct ‘S’ shaped pattern, type 2C hair is borderline curly with strands of hair forming loose spiral curls. Type 2C hair is thicker, coarser and more resilient to styling, yet can be the frizziest of all type 2 hair.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ?????. ? ? ? ? ? (@wurlygirlworld) on Jun 12, 2019 at 8:28am PDT

Wavy hair pros and cons

Pros: Year-round beach waves and versatility

You know those natural, beachy waves that many women try to achieve through sea salt sprays and clever styling hacks? They are all yours au naturel, meaning you have an on-trend style all year round! This style is most suited to type 2B hair.

Type 2 hair also has great versatility, enabling you to go between straight and curly styles with minimal effort. After all, who doesn’t like to have a variety of options when it comes to hair?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by las vegas hand-tied extensions (@madison.renteria) on Jul 26, 2019 at 10:38am PDT

Cons: Identity crisis and frizzy flat hair

While it can be amazing going between straight and curly styles,  type 2 hair owners can often struggle to know which category they fall in. Is it straight? Is it curly?  We share your pain. This can lead to using the wrong products for your hair because let’s face it, no one has created a product system for curly-straight-wavy-kinda-frizzy hair yet.

This means it can either be too heavy causing it to weigh your hair down at the root, making it look flat and without body, or not moisturising enough leading to dryness and breakage. It is a balancing act, and you’ll probably find you change your routine based on how your hair is behaving, the weather, humidity, how much time you have, and how it was styled the day before.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Reine Abou Rjeily ????? (@reineabourjeily) on Jul 20, 2019 at 11:34pm PDT

Caring for wavy hair

Given that wavy hair is the most prone to frizz, it is important to utilise products that will help it retain moisture through the lengths without weighing it down at the root. Products such as oils and those that contain humectants will help with this.

When it comes to drying, you want to avoid adding to frizz and blot your hair dry with a microfibre towel or t-shirt and let your hair air dry as much as possible. Applying serums and leave-in conditioners before letting your hair air dry will help to reduce the frizz and leave your waves looking smooth. You can define them with a curling iron or smooth out with straighteners, whichever your preference.

As type 2C hair can feel heavy due to the thickness, we suggest styling it in a side or off-centre parting and pinning back if needed.

Cut-wise, you have a lot of options, from choppy bobs to mid-length cuts give type 2 hair a relaxed look. A lob (long bob) is another low-maintenance option for type 2 hair.