Wavy Hair Types, Haircutes and Hairstyles for Women this 2023
Just like curly hair, wavy hair or type 2 hair falls under different categories. Most of us wavy haired women don’t usually go technical when we talk about hair, but it’s worth knowing your hair type so you can find the right products, treatments, and styles for you.
To get you started, we put together this guide that has everything you need to know about your waves—from the different categories of type 2 hair, to the best products and styles for each of them!
Different Types of Wavy Hair
1. Wavy Hair Type 2A
Look closely at your strands. If they are fine and have a loose “S” shaped pattern, you have type 2A hair. This hair type tends to look flat, so you have to choose hairstyles and haircuts that make it appear fuller.
Ideal hairstyles for type 2a hair: Wearing your hair too long may weigh your hair down and make it look even flatter, so shoulder-length cuts are winners.
Top product picks: Keep your wavy hair from getting dry and dull by using 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.
Cream Silk Rich Organic Powerfusion Rich Moisture Ultra Conditioner
Buy Now2. Wavy Hair Type 2B
This type has a more prominent “S” shape. Think loose beachy waves with curls that don’t bounce up. Type 2B waves have more definition; however, it tends to frizz often.
Ideal hairstyles for type 2B hair: Be a mermaid and wear your waves long—they really go well with length. You can also pull off boho-chic hairstyles effortlessly with this hair type.
Top product picks: 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, and these include making your hair soft, smooth, and shiny, calming frizz, taming flyaways, and providing heat protection.
Complement this shampoo with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Serum Conditioner. Aside from KERA10 Protein Complex, this conditioner also has oleo serum for added nourishment and moisturization.
3. Wavy Hair Type 2C
Type 2C is your wavy-curly hair. It is borderline curly with strands forming loose spirals. This type is thicker, coarser, and can be more challenging to style. If you’re a type 2C, chances are, you deal with frizz a lot.
Ideal hairstyles for type 2C hair: Go for long to medium styles as these lengths would give you more control over your wavy-curly strands. Try braided or cute half-up half-down hairstyles to keep it from going all over the place.
Top product picks: Wavy hair types tend to get dry and frizzy, especially in a humid country like ours. We recommend using Dove Nourishing Oil Care Keratin Tri-Silk Serum Shampoo to give your hair the nourishment it needs. This shampoo 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 and leaves it extra nourished, bouncy, and glossy.
After using this shampoo, follow it up with Dove Nourishing Oil Care 1 Minute Serum Conditioner. It is infused with serum capsules such as coconut, argan, almond, and sunflower seed oils that transform dry, rough hair to smoother, softer hair.
How to Style Wavy Hair for Women
Make your waves look their best by trying out these hairstyles and haircuts.
1. Long and Layered
Wavy haired women are prone to hair frizz, flyaways, and unwanted volume, especially with the humidity that’s ever-present in our atmosphere. A haircut that is just a few inches down your shoulders may do your waves good. Layers can also help tone down the volume so your hair gets just the right amount of bounce.
2. Shoulder-Length Wavy Hair
To keep your hair from getting frizzy at this length, stay away from your hair brush. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle and style your hair. Then, enhance your waves with sea salt spray to give that beach-y vibe. Then, maintain your hair by using an anti-frizz shampoo.
3. Wavy Medium Bob
Wanna go shorter? Of course, you can. You can try a medium bob especially if you have thin, wavy hair. This way, your thin hair doesn’t get dragged down by weight. Getting a medium bob is also a good way to refresh your look if you’ve had long hair for so long. Just ask your stylist to make the tips layered; a blunt, wavy haircut is prone to flyaways and mushrooming.
4. Long and Thick Waves
If you have Type 2B hair, leave it down and show it off! Pull off this hairstyle by making sure that your hair is soft, manageable, and frizz-free. Tame your tutsang and tikwas with a drop of leave-on cream, and you have nothing to worry about.
5. Pixie Cut for Wavy Hair
Yes, you can get a pixie cut even if you have wavy hair. With layers in all the right places, you’ll get a chic, bouncy pixie cut. If you want an edgy and high-fashioned look, you can try pixie cut with short bangs. Meanwhile, a pixie cut with long bangs or side-swept bangs makes for a chic and wearable ‘do.
6. Messy and Tousled Short Wavy Hair
The tried and tested way of styling your short wavy hair is by giving it a messy yet structured tousled look. This trendy hairstyle for wavy haired women makes you look as though you’ve just woken up but in a very chic way.
7. Dip-Dyed Waves
Getting dip-dyed hair can be flattering and effortlessly stylish. It would look even better with layered waves, giving the color more depth and volume. You can also go for ombre hair if you want a subtle transition from dark to light colors.
8. Wavy Chin-Length Bob
Rock short waves together with a classic haircut like the bob. Get a chin-length bob with slightly longer layers at the back to prevent flyaways while maintaining bounce and volume.
9. Wavy Bob with Side Part
Even as simple as changing the parting of your hair can make a great difference in your whole look. Create a side part if you want a more posh vibe. This hair hack can also make your hair look thicker.
10. One-Sided Clip
Barrettes and hair clips are all the rage these days. If you’re finding it hard to keep your wavy hair in place, you can go for a cute barrette and clip one side of your hair for a quick but stylish fix!
11. Half Ponytail with Bow
Whether you have long or medium-length wavy hair, you can cop this hairstyle. First, tie the upper section of your hair into a half ponytail. Make sure yo tie it high on your crown with a hair tie. Then, wrap a bow around the hairstyle, scrunch your waves to add body and volume, and you’re done!
12. Messy Half Updo With Side Bangs
You can also forego the brush and simply finger-comb your hair into a half updo. This is good for thin, wavy haired women as the messy bit keeps your hair from looking flat. If you have side bangs, just comb this neatly to one side to keep it in good shape.
13. Half Up Dutch Crown Braid
Want to braid your wavy hair? Try the half up Dutch crown braid. It lets you glam up for special occasions. This hairstyle lets you experiment with braids while letting you showcase your natural waves.
14. Beach Waves With Bangs
If you have natural Type 2b wavy hair, you can get a lob or shoulder-length hair, scrunch it, and leave it down. The result? Chic beach waves! you can even add bangs to frame your face.
15. Long Mermaid Waves
If you used to pretend that you were a mermaid when you were a kid, now is the time to live out your fantasy—at least with your wavy hair. The key to nailing this look is to keep your waves moisturized and frizz-free. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo can help, as this doesn’t strip away your hair’s natural oils.
Editor’s tip: Keep your wavy hair smooth by washing it with Love Beauty and Planet Argan Oil & Lavender Smooth and Serene Shampoo. It helps calm frizz, gently cleanses your hair, and makes it fragrant. And the best part? The ingredients are eco-friendly and are not harsh on your hair.
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 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 hair damage.
5. Hands off your hair!
Once you’re done styling your hair, leave it alone. When you frequently touch your hair, dirt and oil from your hands get transferred to your hair. This disrupts your hair’s shape, making it look frizzy.
These hairstyles and haircuts for wavy hair show that you can experiment with different looks when you have natural waves. Pick the one that best suits your personality, and have fun with your hair.
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