If you’ve got type 2c waves, you already know hair care is never a one size fits all. You might find yourself jumping back and forth between curly hair products and those designed for wavier locks—as finding your place in the vast world of hair care as a 2c can be quite daunting. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place—here’s everything you need to know about 2c hair, from experts. Within those categories, you have micro types known as A, B, and C. These letters dictate how much shape your hair has, within your designated base type. Type 2a hair, for example, will have more waves than straight hair types, but less shape than type 2b hair. As the last stop in the wavy hair category, we have type 2c. “Type 2c hair is that beautiful balance between wavy and curly hair,” stylist and colorist Cassandra Olivia tells mbg. Think of it like the cusp of wavy hair, almost entering the curly category, but not quite. “Type 2c hair has a strong wave pattern, and depending on the density of the hair, can look anywhere from light waves to beachy waves, to near-true curls,” Olivia says. If you have fine and thin 2c hair, then you may see waves starting one to two inches from the root, while the hair right at the follicle will appear straight. Thick 2c hair, on the other hand, may have more lift at the root given that there’s more hair on your head, Olivia explains. When categorizing your hair type as 2c, you might find it difficult as sporadic S-shaped curls can certainly appear in your mane. You’ll want to gauge your head as a whole, taking into account the general wave shape. In fact, those random curls may be a dead giveaway of 2c hair—as it’s playing the field between wavy and curly. “Overwashing strips hair of the much-needed natural moisture that forms the 2c waves and gives hair its beautiful look,” she explains. When the hair is too dry, it’s more difficult to hold a consistent wave pattern. So if your hair feels greasy but you just washed it, try going for a water rinse and following up with a bit of conditioner on the ends. This will help refresh your strands without stealing the natural oils. If you brush your hair after the shower, you’ll deflate the waves and might even trigger some frizz. As mentioned before, sporadic gentle S-strands can certainly be found in type 2c hair. If you prefer the look of the wavier parts of your hair, then diffusing will help you regulate the wave pattern and hold onto bounce. This could mean switching your conditioner for a nourishing hair mask, adding another leave-in conditioner to your routine, or slathering on hair oil every evening. When you go in to see the stylist, come with your hair in its natural state and request they cut it to compliment that shape and texture. If you can find a stylist that specializes in wavy or curly strands, that’s even better.
Monsoon Moisture Milk Hydrating Shampoo
Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner
Cold Processed Leave-In Conditioner
CBD Instant Curl Defining Cream
Love Curl Mask
