The complete guide to type 2 hair and products review

Some days, your hair feels straight and some days, it feels curly. If you experience this, you are most likely to have type 2 hair. Type 2 hair or wavy hair forms an S that looks like beach waves or Korean perm. It has 3 categories: type 2a which has a flat S pattern, type 2b with a more defined S pattern and type 2c with a strong S pattern that is borderline curly hair. But why are we talking about this? Why is it important to know your hair type? It is important to know your hair type so you can properly identify how to care for your hair. With so many different products in the market, it is important to know that what you use is compatible with your hair type. To help you with your type 2 hair journey, let us talk more about this curly hair type. 

Type 2A hair

Type 2A hair has a less defined and flat S pattern that gives it a very soft wave look. Most type 2a hair has fine strands, making it less capable of holding an S pattern, hence the soft waves. This hair type can sometimes be mistaken for straight hair or type 1 hair.

Type 2B hair

Type 2B hair has a more defined S pattern. This hair type looks like a loose beach waves curls without the body. Those with type 2B hair have thicker hair strands that are prone to frizz. 

Type 2C hair

Type 2C hair is the curliest of the three. It has a distinct S pattern that it is sometimes mistaken as curly hair. It has a coarse and thick texture that makes it prone to frizz and dryness.

Wash Day Routine

There is no rocket science in washing type 2 hair. Just like all the other hair types, the best way to keep the hair healthy is to keep it clean and moisturized all the time. Generally, it is best to use hair care products that do not contain chemicals like silicone that can weigh the hair down. This can make your waves look flatter and without the body. You can always refer to the Curly Girl Method to guide you on making your natural waves shine!

How to wash your hair?

When washing type 2 hair, it is recommended to use a shampoo and conditioner that can add moisture to the hair. Wash your hair upside down and finger combs them to loosen the strands and to remove the tangles. Massage your scalp to get those blood vessels working. After you wash your hair, use a microfiber towel to dry them. Scrunch your hair and while it is still damp, you can add hair mousse or volumizing leave-in conditioner for that extra body.

How to protect wavy hair in between washes?

Washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner every day can strip off the natural oil in your scalp and hair strands. This can make your waves even more limp and flat. Instead, you can use dry shampoo to clean your hair. You can also do the no-poo method to keep your hair and scalp clean. 

How often should you wash your hair?

There is no general rule on how often to wash your wavy hair. Although it is not recommended to wash your hair with shampoo every day, it is still imperative to keep your hair and scalp clean. When you feel that your hair is getting sticky and heavy, then it is a sign that you need to give your waves a good wash.

Products for type 2 hair:

Type 2A hair

Briogeo shampoo and conditioner set This organic shampoo and conditioner set is perfect for 2A hair types. It is a gentle sulphate free which gives a lot of hydration to your curly hair. Just one shampoo and your curls will be bouncier and softer than ever before. Buy On Amazon

Curl keeper gel It is an important product in your hair care routine. It is a water-based product suitable for 2A hair to maintain shine and frizz-free. Suitable for any weather condition. Buy On Amazon

John Frieda Frizz Ease Another cool product that can tame your 2a hair texture is the John Frieda frizz ease. Not only does it deeply moisturize your hair from roots to tips but also gives a very defined look to your waves. If your scalp is dry, you can use this mousse after every wash to keep up with the oil balance. Buy On Amazon

Type 2B hair

Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus set This is a great product for type 2b hair which help to detangle, prevents frizz and damage during styling, and offers a silky smooth texture to hair. It also helps to repair damaged and unmanageable hair give definition to your wavy hair. Buy On Amazon

Got2b Kinkier Curling Mousse It is a weightless mousse that eliminates frizz and defines curly and wavy hair. It is suitable for all types of hair wavy, curly and kinky and adds shine to the hair. It will hold the waves and curls tight without making the strands feel tight. So if you want to style your hair while making its texture smooth, this is a great product. Buy On Amazon

Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner This leave-in conditioner prevents damage and restores the texture of curly or frizzy hair. It is enriched with organic ingredients which is great for curly, wavy and kinky hair types. This leave-in conditioner is the one that will improve the texture of your natural hair and will give you the confidence to wear it natural. Buy On Amazon

Type 2C hair

Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel This gel is great for type 2c hair to make your style stay longer. It is gentle in texture contains no silicones or sulphates, so you can be sure that there won’t be any build-up and frizz while experimenting with wavy hair ideas. Buy On Amazon

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing conditioner This conditioner will give you your softest strands yet. Incredibly nourishing, your 2C waves will come out looking restored and refreshed after each use. After just one wash, 92% of people noticed less damage. Buy On Amazon

As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner A cleansing conditioner that gives your natural hair the treatment it deserves with the As I Am Coconut CoWash. This hydrating conditioning cream gently removes residue, oils, and build-up, resulting in cleansed hair that’s not stripped of its moisture. This co-wash adds moisture to the hair, whilst promoting healthy hair growth. Buy On Amazon

How to refresh and enhance wavy hair?

On busy and active days, our hair tends to get flat and limp as we go along with our activities. We often take our hair for granted and we end up just tying them in a bun or ponytail. And that should be a no-no especially nowadays that there are many hair care products that can instantly revive our waves. Whenever you feel your hair getting oily, Tresemme Pro Pure Dry Shampoo can instantly freshen up your hair without fuzz. Whenever you feel like your hair is losing volume, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher can save your hair from getting limp and lifeless. If your hair is getting frizzy and dry, bring back its moisture with Pacifica Beauty Pineapple Curls Refreshing Mist.

How to sleep with type 2 hair?

Like curly hair, wavy hair can also be prone to damage and breakage from friction as we sleep. Protect your waves while you sleep by using a silk or satin pillowcase. You can also adopt the pineapple hairstyle, but instead, tie your hair in a bun on top of your head. This way, you can protect your hair from damage as your sleep