Your complete guide to wavy, kinky and often frizzy hair
What type of hair isn’t very curly, or super straight, but somewhere in between? Type 2 Hair, that’s what. Type 2 hair is typically wavy or kinky (not-quite straight, not-quite curly) but is notoriously hard to categorize thanks to the spectrum of textures. This hair type embodies loose waves, well-defined curls and sometimes, unwelcome frizz or flatness at the root.
If that sounds like you, you and your hair probably get along sometimes, i.e. when it gives you effortless waves, but other times it has zero chill. Frizz no doubt gives you the ick and your flyaways cannot be trusted. Don’t stress, cos we’ve compiled a beginner’s guide to your Type 2 waves, for more of what you want them to do and less of what you don’t.
Type 2 hair types
Type 2A hair
Type 2A hair has the loosest wave of all their Type 2s – a gentle ‘S’ shape. It starts or appears straight at the root for a few inches and then falls into gentle waves. The texture of Type 2A hair is typically thinner in body and can lack volume. Type 2A hair also might need a bit more manipulation to create texture because the ‘S’ wave pattern isn’t particularly significant in its natural state.
Type 2B hair
Type 2B hair has a medium texture and is moderately wavy – your ‘S’ shape is much more defined than Type 2A hair. It tends to lie flat on the crown of the head before rippling out from mid-length to ends. You can expect a lot more volume in Type 2B hair which makes it easier to style into bouncy waves. To keep it real though, because of the thicker strands and tighter definition, Type 2B hair types can struggle with frizzy hair texture.
Type 2C hair
Type 2C hair is a wave with personality. Sometimes suffering from an identity crisis, people can mistake Type 2C hair for 3A or even a 4A or 4B hair type. While Type 2C curls can’t be wrapped around a finger, it does have a strong wave pattern and to test whether you’re in this category, check if the wave starts at the root. If it does, this is your hair type. If you also notice your hair doesn’t have a kink distinctive of Type 4 coily hair types or Type 3 curls, then it’s a 2C for sure. Volume is not an issue for you, but frizz and flyaways are. Another bonus: Type 2C hair doesn’t need much when it comes to styling those curls.
The pros of Type 2 hair
Type 2 hair is fun! Whether you want bombshell curls or a ‘I just woke up like this’ tousle, your strands are a team player. The trick is to identify your curl pattern – along with its characteristics (frizz, puffiness, flatness) – to help you choose the perfect products to keep it in its full glory.
Something to remember with Type 2 hair is that less is more. You have beautiful natural texture, so work with your natural curl pattern and you’ll see a better formation of those waves and curls.
The cons of Type 2 hair
A few key things to remember when it comes to Type 2 hair:
Avoid over-washing – you end up stripping your hair of essential oils, nutrients and moisture (which can also see your scalp producing excess oil in counteraction).
Curl friendly products to help those curls pop – particularly for Type 2C hair types – will add extra moisture and support frizz control, especially because this type of hair can suffer from dehydration. Heat protection and a silk pillowcase are also your friends.
Best products to use on Type 2 hair
being’s BYE BYE FRIZZ Smoothing Shampoo and BYE BYE FRIZZ Smoothing Conditioner are ideal for those with wavy, frizz-prone hair. With naturally derived ingredients such as Jojoba Oil and Almond Oil, hair is left feeling soft, smooth and with ideal shape, for waves that feel more ‘you’.
