Wavy Hair Types and Essential Care Tips
Discover wavy hair types and essential care tips for your natural waves.
Wavy hair combines the best of both worlds—straight and curly—boasting versatility and a natural bounce. Understanding your specific wavy hair type is essential for styling and care. In this guide, we explore different wavy hair types to help you embrace and enhance your natural shape. We also provide our top product picks to aid you in caring for your waves. Read on to learn more.
Different Types of Wavy Hair
1. Wavy Hair Type 2A
Examine your strands. If they are fine and have a loose S-shaped pattern, you have type 2A hair. Since this type tends to look flat, opt for hairstyles that add volume. Go for shoulder-length cuts, too, as wearing your hair too long may weigh your locks down and make them look even flatter.
Editor’s tip: Say bye to dry and dull waves with Cream Silk Rich Organic Powerfusion Ultra Conditioner. It has ingredients derived from nature, like shea butter and coconut oil, which are known to moisturize. It also has different flora oils and extracts that help soften, smoothen, and nourish hair.
2. Wavy Hair Type 2B
This wavy hair type features a distinct ‘S’ shape, similar to loose beachy waves with curls that don’t spring up. While type 2B waves offer more definition, they’re prone to frizz. To enhance type 2B hair, try textured hairstyles such as mermaid waves and bohemian looks.
Editor’s tip: Keep frizz under control by washing your hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo. It has KERA10 Protein Complex that can go up to 10 layers deep into your hair to nourish it. It gives your hair 10 salon benefits in one wash! Aside from having an anti-frizz and anti-humidity formulation, this shampoo makes your hair soft and smooth, adds shine, tames flyaways, detangles, strengthens your hair, provides heat protection, and leaves a long-lasting fragrance.
After shampooing, use TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Serum Conditioner for best results. This conditioner has KERA10 Protein Complex and oleo serum to moisturize and nourish your hair deeply.
3. Wavy Hair Type 2C
Type 2C hair features loose spirals, bordering on curly, and tends to be thicker, coarser, and prone to frizz. Opt for long to medium-length haircuts for better manageability. Style with braids or cute half-up half-down hairstyles to showcase your hair’s texture while keeping it under control.
Editor’s tip: Fight dryness and frizz with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Keratin Tri-Silk Serum Shampoo. It has a unique blend of weightless Nutri-Oils that helps protect hair from the premature effects of aging. These Nutri-Oils also help make your hair smooth, leaving it extra nourished, bouncy, and glossy.
Pair Dove Nourishing Oil Care Keratin Tri-Silk Serum Shampoo with Dove Nourishing Oil Care 1 Minute Serum Conditioner for best results. This conditioner is infused with coconut, almond, and argan oils and Keratin Repair Actives to nourish and transform dry, rough hair into smooth, soft strands.
How to Take Care of Wavy Hair
Whether you have loose waves or wavy-curly hair, the right hair care routine can help you keep your tresses smooth, soft, and manageable. Here are some tips to help you.
1. Use shampoos and conditioners that combat dryness and frizz.
A shampoo-and-conditioner system that works for your friend may not work the same for you. Use products that address your hair needs. If your wavy hair often gets frizzy, use an anti-frizz shampoo and an anti-frizz conditioner. If your wavy hair looks dry and feels rough, go for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. Hair masks are also good remedies for dry hair, so get one and apply it to your hair weekly.
2. Ditch that rough towel.
Do you rub your towel on your hair after you shower? Stop doing that. Friction from towel-rubbing can cause breakage, making your wavy hair look frizzy and damaged. Instead, use a smooth towel or a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water from your hair.
3. Apply leave-on cream after washing your hair.
What’s great about a leave-on cream is that it’s a styling product and hair treatment in one. It helps keep frizz at bay while giving your hair a boost of moisture and nourishment. Just apply a small amount of leave-on cream to damp or dry hair. Focus on the mid-lengths to the tips, where it tends to get dry the most, so your hair won’t look flat.
4. Use a diffuser or simply air-dry your wavy hair.
A diffuser dries your hair while directing the airflow in a way that doesn’t disrupt the shape of your curls and waves. If you don’t have one, you can let your hair dry naturally—just apply leave-on cream or a lightweight styling product to tame frizz. If you want to use heat-styling tools like a blow dryer or a straightening iron to style your hair, keep them at the lowest heat setting to minimize damage.
5. Hands off your hair!
Once you’re done styling your hair, leave it alone. When you frequently touch your strands, dirt and oil from your hands get transferred to your locks. This disrupts your hair’s shape, making it look unruly.
Now that you know the different wavy hair types and how to care for your locks, you can rock your waves more confidently. Have fun with your hair!