Type 2 hair is defined by waves of various shapes and sizes. The waviest of all is 2c hair, which appears in the form of S-shaped curls that are often the envy of your friends and family.
Like all curly and wavy hair types, you must know how to care for your 2c hair to prevent it from drying out and becoming damaged. As 2c hair is susceptible to frizz, you also need to choose the right styling products to ensure your waves flow naturally.
So, read on as we introduce you to type 2c hair and run through our guide to styling and caring for this wonderfully wavy hair type.
What is 2c hair?
Different from 1c straight hair and 3c curly hair, 2c curly hair is classified as “wavy” hair, with many people having S-shaped waves. That said, some people can have corkscrew waves or waves with slight curls.
Here are some characteristics of the 2c hair type that will help you to identify your wave pattern:
- Your hair takes the form of an S shape that begins at its roots.
- You may have spirals at the end of the S shape.
- Your hair might frizz at the ends after drying, particularly if you don’t use an ionic hair dryer.
Wavy hair can be short, medium, or long in length, while the pattern of your waves may change slightly depending on factors like the environment, the products you use, and how often you wash it.
2a vs 2b vs 2c hair: What’s different?
If you have wavy hair, it might be one of three types: type 2a, type 2b, or type 2c. Check out the table below to determine whether you have 2c hair or if you might have one of the other type 2 hair types:
Hair type | Main characteristics |
Type 2a |
The loosest wave pattern that resembles straight hair but with a slight bend that prevents it from sitting smoothly. |
Type 2b |
Similar to 2a hair but with a more defined bend. This allows versatility, as you can style your hair straight or curly. |
Type 2c |
The most defined waves among type 2 hair, often in S shapes with curls or coils at the end. |
How to style 2c hair
There are numerous ways to style 2c hair. The best approach is to highlight your natural wave pattern and do whatever you can to prevent frizz. Frizz is often caused by heat-based styling, so opting for an alternative is important.
When styling your hair, you can use an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special. The ionic technology eliminates frizz and helps to thoroughly dry your hair without overdrying it. You can then apply various styling products to showcase your waves in any way you choose.
How to take care of 2c hair
Establishing a 2c hair routine is essential if you want to maximize your styling options and maintain healthy and nutritious hair. One of the biggest issues facing people with 2c hair is that these waves and curls can look excessively oily.
Often, your waves can appear oily, which makes them fall flat and lose their natural shape. As such, any 2c wavy hair routine should deal with oil build-up before anything else. If you use lots of 2c hair products, you might find that you need to wash your hair more frequently to deal with the excess oil, perhaps every 3-4 days.
As for general maintenance, you might consider using the following 2c hair products to look after your waves:
Shampoo for 2c hair
Selecting an appropriate shampoo is important for people with 2c hair. You can buy products that are specifically marketed for wavy hair, as they will help with definition and style. As for ingredients, look to avoid shampoos with sulfate, as they can lead to frizz and may even cause your waves to dry out in the long run. You can find natural 2c shampoos with ingredients like tea tree oil and jojoba oil for the best results.
2c hair conditioner
Regularly conditioning your hair helps to moisturize and hydrate your waves and is an essential step in any hair care routine. Again, there are many 2c conditioners available, each with nourishing properties. In between shampoo washes, you can co-wash your hair from time to time, which is a great way to replenish your hair’s natural nutrients.
Best curl cream for 2c hair
Using a curl cream is a great way to define your waves. It helps define and enhance curls, and it can also serve as a leave-in conditioner, hydrating and nourishing your hair. You can apply it after washing your hair, and it’s a brilliant way to enhance those natural waves.
Ionic hair dryer for wavy hair
Investing in an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift is the perfect way to blow dry your wavy hair. The ionic technology prevents your hair from frizzing, while the adjustable heat setting means you can blow dry your hair on the low or medium setting to prevent it from drying out. Though you need to caution against over drying your hair, switching to an ionic dryer is the best way to heat-style your waves without causing damage.
The last words
People with 2c hair have beautiful waves that can be styled in numerous ways. Provided that you care for your waves and use the right products, you shouldn’t experience any issues with oil build-up or frizz.
So, buy the right shampoo and conditioner and invest in an ionic hair dryer to care for your 2c hair to perfection, and showcase your style with this stunning natural hair type.
