The Ultimate Guide for Type 2 Hair Types
Embrace that enviable wavy texture with the right frizz-fighting products.
Type 2 hair develops its structure from the shape of the cortex and is often divided into 3 categories: 2A, 2B and 2C. Classified as hair that is naturally wavy, type 2 hair forms an S shape in the hair, and the stronger the ‘S’ shape, the curlier the hair is. Here’s an infographic to identify your hair category and cortex:
Type 2 Hair Guide
Once you’ve found your hair category, find its characteristics below:
So why is it important to know your hair type? Well, have you tried a multitude of hair products, treatments and looks, yet are left feeling disappointed when they didn’t quite work on your hair? Knowing how to classify your strands is a great way to help you select the right products and build a hair care regimen that your locks will benefit from most.
Many of us with curly or wavy hair textures don’t actually know which hair type we have. While some may argue that they would rather not identify their curls using a chart, it can be super helpful to know where your hair type lies. Knowing the kind of curl pattern you have, whether it’s type 2 hair, 3 hair or 4 hair, can help you narrow down your product options when it’s time to shop for hair care items that work best for you.
Type 2A: Wavy
Type 2A hair has a loose S-shaped pattern, with the hair often being quite fine. If you have type 2 hair that’s fine, your hair can feel weighed down if you don’t use lightweight products for your hair type. This type of hair is already pretty easy to manage, but when teamed with the right haircut, you can achieve the appearance of fuller, thicker strands.
How to wear type 2A hair
We suggest trying a longer length, which is a celebrity and street-style star favorite. This length will show off your wavy texture perfectly.
Top product picks for type 2A hair
There’s nothing worse than dealing with limp and lifeless hair texture. If volume is your issue, opt for using products like Nexxus Diametress Rebalancing Shampoo and Conditioner to help boost volume.
Give your hair some extra texture with a few spritzes of Nexxus Between Washes Beach Waves Tousled Texture Sea Salt Spray to finish the look.
Type 2B: Wavy-Curvy
With a more prominent S shape, type 2B hair resembles loose beach-like waves with curls that don’t bounce up. Waves are more clearly defined and while that might sound most pleasing, type 2B hair can often frizz.
How to wear type 2B hair
Type 2 hair looks great in longer styles, but if you have short hair, you can embrace your wavy texture too. Mussed-up waves look great on any hair length; the more disheveled the better.
Top product picks for type 2B hair
If you are looking for a style that’s frizz-free and moisturized, we suggest washing hair with Love Beauty and Planet Sulfate-Free Blue-Green Algae & Eucalyptus Shampoo and Conditioner to help tame frizz before styling.
Get some extra volume and frizz-taming by adding TRESemmé Dry Texture Finishing Spray at the end of your styling routine.
Type 2C: Wavy-Whirly
Wavy hair 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 tends to be the most frizz-prone of all type 2 hair.
How to wear type 2C hair
As type 2C hair can feel heavy due to the thickness, we suggest styling it in a side or off-center parting and pinning back if needed. On the flip side, you can embrace the thick feeling of your hair by wearing it in flawless wash-and-go styles.
Top product picks for type 2C hair
For curly-haired ladies struggling with coarse strands, we suggest trying Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo and Super Slip Detangling Conditioner. This hair care system was created with curly hair types in mind! It gently cleanses, hydrates and provides your hair with the curl definition you crave.
We hope you feel more confident identifying your unique hair type! Snap a picture of your curls and tag us @AllThingsHairUS to show off your style.
