20 Tips & Products for Type 2 Hair

Knowing how to work with your hair type is key to making your hair look its best. Type 2 hair is wavy hair, and although you may have an idea of wavy hair in your head, there are different types of wave patterns that range from soft to deep and everything in between. Figuring out your hair type doesn’t need to be overly complicated. We’ve rounded up all the best type 2 hair care routine tips and products so you know the best way to care for your hair and enhance its natural texture!

What Is Type 2 Hair?

Type 2 hair, also known as wavy hair, is neither straight nor curly. It’s truly an in between hair type, and ranges from loose loops to large S-shaped curls. The waves sit close to the head and become curlier from the ears onwards. It can be fine, medium or coarse in thickness, and compared to other curl types, type 2 is the least dry. This is because the looser curls allow the scalp’s natural oils to move down the hair shaft more easily. Type 2 hair also typically has less volume at the roots.

2a – Soft Waves
Type 2a hair has the loosest wave pattern. It has a fine, barely there tousled texture with a handful of slight bends. It tends to be quite straight at the roots and forms a soft S-shape wave toward the mid-lengths to ends. It’s very easy to straighten, is typically thinner in body than the other hair types, and can lack volume. 2a hair may need more manipulation than the others to create texture because the S-wave pattern isn’t significant. It can be prone to frizz since there’s naturally less moisture stored in the hair and is prone to breakage because of how fine it naturally is.

2b – Wavy
2b hair has more defined S-shape waves, particularly from the mid shaft to the ends. The root still lies pretty flat against the scalp, with the ends of the hair forming the S-shaped curl. It’s more challenging to straighten than type 2a hair, but easier to straighten than type 2c. And since we all have different textures throughout our hair, it’s possible to have type 2b hair scattered with 2a and 2c waves. This hair type tends to be weighed down by heavy products, and your waves don’t always hold very well throughout the day.

2c – Deep Waves
2c waves are thick, and people with this hair type often have a few sections with proper ribbons of curls. The S-bends are well defined and start at the roots, so there’s more lift at the root, and usually more frizz. It’s the closest to curly hair, so if you’ve ever been confused about whether your hair is wavy or curly, you likely have 2c hair. The waves in your hair are super defined, and look nothing like tousled, beach waves, and your waves can vary in shape, ranging from an S-shape to a slight curl, or corkscrew.

20 Type 2 Hair Care Routine Tips & Products

2a – Soft Waves

1. 1. Be wary of using heavy styling products that can easily weigh down your strands. Look for products formulated with a lightweight consistency.

1. Steer clear of heavy, oil-based products. Since sebum has an easier time sliding down straighter hair, heavy formulas will make your hair flat at the root, making volume nearly impossible.
2. Since 2a hair lacks volume, use a lightweight mousse like the Kerotin Volumizing Mousse to add lift to the roots and make your hair look fuller.
3. As 2a hair can be prone to frizz, use moisturizing products like a leave-in conditioner and frizz fighters.
4. Avoid doing things that will further dry out your hair such as excessive blow drying and using the wrong hair products for your hair type.
5. You may need to wash your hair more often than other curly types as your hair type can get oily faster.
6. Clarify your hair every so often with a scalp scrub like the Briogeo Scalp Revival.
7. Since 2a hair is more prone to breakage, make sure to use a detangler spray before brushing and styling.

2b – Wavy

1. Use a texturizing mist to enhance your natural wave pattern.
2. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to help reduce frizz and protect your waves.
3. Use a stronghold lightweight hair gel to hold style for longer and help your waves last. And remember- less is always more!
4. Since 2b hair struggles with volume, add texture with styling techniques such as finger curling after products have been applied for stronger waves.
5. Avoid conditioning creams or using too much product at the roots, which will weigh down your waves rather than enhance them.
6. Since wavy hair can easily become overloaded with styling products, make sure to clarify your hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo for bounce and definition.
7. Use a diffuser or plop your hair with a microfibre towel to remove excess water as you style.

2c – Deep Waves

1. 1. Shampoos and co-washes (washing your hair with conditioner only) are key for type 2c hair. In between shampoos, use a sulfate-free co-wash so you don’t strip essential moisture from your strands.
   2. Layer a leave-in conditioner under a mousse to enhance your hair’s natural wave pattern while adding hydration.
   3. Since 2c hair can become dehydrated, use a lightweight hydrating hair mask once a week. This will help nourish your strands without weighing down your hair.
   4. Dry your hair with a diffuser or plop it dry with a cotton t-shirt or microfibre towel. This will help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles.
   5. Look for lightweight products that control frizz, like a hair oil. They’ll add moisture back into your hair and keep flyaways at bay. Run a dime-size amount through the middle and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots!

We hope this post gave you clarification on the products and techniques to use for your wavy hair type!

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