7 Helpful Tips for Easy Type 2 Hair Care and Style

Selah Vaughn

April 7, 2025

Type 2 hair, called wavy hair, has a natural S-shape or gentle bends. It sits between straight hair (Type 1) and curly hair (Type 3). The waves are soft and loose, not as tight or defined as curls in Type 3 hair.

Some days your hair looks straight, and other days it looks curly. If this happens to you, you probably have type 2 wavy hair. Knowing your hair type helps you learn the best way to care for it. To support you on your type 2 hair journey, let’s explore this curly hair type in more detail.

Characteristics of type 2 hair type

Type 2 hair has a wavy texture with loose “S” shaped waves. It is simple to style and can be straightened or curled easily. This hair type usually has little frizz or curl, so it does not tangle much. But in humid weather or without good care, it can get frizzy. Type 2 hair is often thick and full, but sometimes it can be fine and flat. To keep it shiny and healthy, use regular conditioner. Avoid heavy products because they can make the hair look flat. There are three subtypes of this hair: 2A, 2B, and 2C, based on how strong the waves are.

Classification of type 2 hair

There are three types: 2A, 2B, and 2C. Type 2A hair has a gentle wave or a soft S shape. It is usually simple to style. Type 2B hair has a clearer wave with a stronger S shape. You can style it in many ways. Type 2C hair has a very clear wave pattern and is often prone to frizz.

Type 2A Hair

Type 2A hair has fine, thin strands with gentle waves. The waves are loose and mostly appear near the ends, so the hair does not form a strong S shape. Because of this, it often looks almost straight and can be confused with type 1 hair. Type 2A hair is usually simple to style and manage due to its mostly straight texture.

This hair type often looks flat and lacks volume, especially near the roots. It is great for people who like straight hair that is simple to style with little effort. Avoid heavy styling products because they can make the hair look even flatter. Instead, use light products like mousse or hair spray that add some hold. Regular trims and conditioning help keep type 2A hair looking healthy and fresh.

Type 2B Hair

Type 2B hair is wavy and falls between straight and curly hair. It has a clear S-shaped wave pattern. This hair looks like loose beach waves but without much volume. People with 2B hair often have thicker strands that can get frizzy, especially in humid weather or when wet. The waves are usually loose and look natural and relaxed. This hair type is a good balance—not too straight and not too curly. The strands are mostly flat near the roots and start to wave from the middle down.

Type 2B hair often gets frizzy and needs different hair products to keep its shape and avoid damage. This hair type is flexible. You can straighten or curl it with heat tools, or let it air dry to show off its natural waves. It is usually thicker and rougher, so it needs good care and moisture. Use a sulfate-free shampoo, condition your hair often, and try to use less heat styling. These steps will help keep your Type 2B hair healthy and looking great.

Type 2C Hair

Type 2C hair has loose waves mixed with some defined curls. It sits between Type 2B, which is wavier, and 3A, which is curlier. This hair type often gets frizzy and needs extra care to keep its shape and texture. Type 2C hair can be fine or thick and tends to be dry. So, it needs plenty of moisture to stay healthy and look vibrant.

People with Type 2C hair can style it easily and create many different looks. Using the right products and methods helps keep Type 2C hair looking beautiful and healthy throughout the year.

Type 2 hair care tips: Washing, Conditioning, Styling, and Colouring

Type 2 hair needs special care compared to other hair types. Use products that boost and define your natural waves without making your hair heavy. Stay away from thick oils or products with silicone, as they can leave your hair looking oily and limp.

Choose light styling products such as mousse, foam, or gel. These help bring out your natural waves without making your hair heavy. Also, avoid using hot tools like flat irons or curling irons. They can harm your hair and cause frizz.

To take care of type 2 hair, use products that boost your natural waves. Choose light mousses, gels, or leave-in conditioners. Avoid heavy products that can weigh hair down or cause buildup, as these make waves flat and dull. Trim your hair often to keep it healthy and stop split ends, which can lead to frizz and less defined waves. At night, loosely braid or twist your hair to protect the wave pattern while you sleep. The key is to highlight your natural texture and keep your hair clean and healthy. For more tips, check out this simple guide to help you care for your type 2 hair

Washing: For Type 2 hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. This keeps your hair healthy and well-hydrated. Try not to wash your hair too often because it can remove natural oils, making it dry and frizzy. Once a month, use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of product buildup. Aim to wash your hair every other day or every two days to avoid dryness and frizz.

Conditioning: Conditioner is very important for Type 2 hair care. It adds moisture and makes detangling easier. Each time you wash your hair, apply a moisturizing conditioner, especially on the ends since they are usually drier. You can also use a leave-in conditioner to give extra moisture and reduce frizz.

Styling: Type 2 hair is easy to style in many ways. You can straighten it or add waves and curls. Before using heat tools, apply a heat-protectant spray or serum to keep your hair safe from damage. You can also let your hair air dry. To boost your natural waves or curls, use a diffuser on low heat.

Coloring: If you want to color your Type 2 hair, do it carefully to protect your hair. A professional stylist can help you pick the best shade and reduce damage. If you color your hair at home, follow the instructions closely and use a gentle dye. After coloring, deep condition your hair to add moisture and keep it healthy.

To care for Type 2 hair, use light styling products. Avoid heavy oils and products with silicone. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. These easy steps will help your Type 2 hair look its best and stay healthy and shiny.

How to wash your hair?

For type 2 hair, choose a shampoo and conditioner that add moisture. Wash your hair upside down and gently use your fingers to detangle and separate the strands. Massage your scalp to boost blood flow. After rinsing, dry your hair with a microfiber towel. While your hair is still damp, scrunch it and apply hair mousse or a volumizing leave-in conditioner to add more volume.

How to protect the wavy curl type in between washes?

Washing your hair daily with shampoo and conditioner can remove the natural oils from your scalp and hair. This may cause your waves to look flat and lifeless. Instead, try using dry shampoo to freshen up your hair. You can also try the no-poo method to keep your scalp and hair clean without stripping away oils.

Products for type 2 hair

Type 2B hair