Table of Contents
Introduction
Not quite straight, not quite curly? That frustrating in-between zone has a name: Type 2 wavy hair. If your strands naturally fall into soft bends or loose “S” shapes, you belong to the wave family. Wavy hair is versatile, effortlessly stylish, but also prone to frizz and confusion when it comes to care.
This guide will break down the spectrum of Type 2 hair into its subcategories—2A, 2B, and 2C—so you can identify where your texture fits. You’ll also discover tailored routines, product recommendations, and techniques to bring out the best in your waves without weighing them down.
What is Type 2 Wavy Hair? The Spectrum of S-Shaped Waves
Type 2 hair lives in the middle ground between straight and curly. Its defining feature is the “S” pattern, which can appear loose and subtle or strong and defined depending on the subtype. Wavy hair can be fine or coarse, flat or voluminous, but it almost always shares one common trait: it is prone to frizz.
The Andre Walker Hair Typing System, a classification chart widely used in the beauty industry, divides hair into four main categories: straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily (Type 4). Within Type 2 hair, the spectrum is further broken down into 2A, 2B, and 2C.
Know Your Wave: Breaking Down the 2A, 2B, and 2C Subtypes
Type 2A Hair: The Gentle Wave
2A hair is the loosest wave in the spectrum. The pattern is subtle, almost tousled, and can often fall flat if weighed down with heavy products. The texture is typically fine, with strands that are naturally shiny but lacking in volume at the roots.
Visually, this hair type gives off that effortless “beachy” look without much styling. Because the waves are delicate, 2A hair is easy to straighten but can also struggle to hold curl definition.
Type 2B Hair: The Defined Wave
Sitting in the middle of the wavy family, 2B hair forms a more noticeable “S” shape that usually starts from the mid-lengths and flows to the ends. The roots often remain straight, while the body of the hair carries the wave.
This type is highly prone to frizz, especially in humid weather. Many people with 2B hair find themselves stuck between wanting smooth, polished hair and wanting to encourage their waves. It has more volume than 2A but can still be inconsistent in its pattern.
Type 2C Hair: The Strong Wave
2C is the most defined wavy subtype and often mistaken for loose curls. These waves start closer to the roots and can even form some spiral shapes mixed into the pattern. Strands are typically thick and coarse, giving the hair plenty of body and volume.
The trade-off is that 2C hair tends to frizz easily and can feel dry. On good days, it can look nearly curly; on frizzier days, it can feel unruly without the right products.
The Golden Rules of a Type 2 Wavy Hair Routine
Wavy hair has its own unique needs. Following a “curly girl” routine word for word doesn’t always work, as waves are lighter and more easily weighed down. These are the essentials every wavy-haired person should know:
Rule 1: Clarify Gently
Waves lose definition when product buildup weighs them down. Use a gentle, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo every 2–4 weeks to refresh your scalp and restore bounce.
Rule 2: Balance Moisture and Protein
Too much hydration can make waves limp, while excess protein can make them stiff. Pay attention to how your hair reacts: if it feels soft but flat, add protein; if it feels brittle, lean into moisture.
Rule 3: Scrunch for Definition
Scrunching encourages the natural “S” shape to form. Whether applying leave-in conditioner or gel, always finish with a scrunching motion.
Rule 4: Diffuse for Volume
Air drying can stretch waves, especially if your strands are fine. Pixie-diffusing (flipping your hair into the diffuser bowl and holding) adds lift, enhances definition, and helps fight frizz.
Building Your Type 2 Hair Product Arsenal
Shampoo and Conditioner
Look for lightweight, hydrating formulas. Avoid heavy oils and butters like shea butter or castor oil that can flatten your waves. Ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or rice water extracts are great for hydration without the weight.
Styling Products
For 2A Hair: Lightweight mousses, sea salt sprays, and texturizing sprays add volume without heaviness.
For 2B Hair: A lightweight leave-in conditioner paired with a curling cream or gel with light hold keeps definition in check without frizz.
For 2C Hair: Stronger hold gels, creamy stylers, and light leave-ins work best. This type can handle heavier products than 2A or 2B.
Treatments
Wavy hair thrives when nourished. Use a deep conditioning mask once a month to restore hydration. Add a protein treatment every 4–6 weeks if your hair feels overly soft and lacks structure.
A Step-by-Step Routine for Defined Type 2 Waves
Step 1: Wash and Condition
Wash with a lightweight shampoo and condition upside down to lift roots and add volume.
Step 2: Apply Products on Soaking Wet Hair
Use the praying hands method to distribute product evenly, then scrunch to encourage waves.
Step 3: Micro-Plop
Use a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to gently scrunch out excess water. Avoid rough towel-drying.
Step 4: Scrunch in Gel
Apply a hard-hold gel to lock in the wave pattern and minimize frizz. Don’t worry if your hair feels crunchy—it’s just the gel cast forming.
Step 5: Diffuse or Air Dry
Diffuse for more volume or air dry for a softer finish. Avoid touching your hair while it’s drying.
Step 6: Scrunch Out the Crunch (SOTC)
Once your hair is fully dry, scrunch to break the gel cast and reveal soft, defined waves.
Common Type 2 Hair Mistakes to Avoid
- Using products that are too heavy for your wave type. Shea butter may work for curly hair, but it can weigh down 2A waves.
- Brushing hair when dry. This breaks apart the wave pattern and causes frizz. Instead, detangle in the shower with conditioner.
- Rubbing hair with a regular towel. The friction creates frizz and breaks definition.
- Over-washing. Shampooing daily strips natural oils, leaving waves dull and lifeless.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your hair is 2A, 2B, or 2C is the first step toward embracing your natural texture. With the right products, techniques, and routines, waves that once felt like a styling challenge can become your signature feature.
Your waves are unique and beautiful. By caring for them properly, you can transform that “in-between” texture into a look that’s full of volume, shine, and definition. Embrace the S-shape—it’s what makes your hair one of a kind.
