Hair type 2 is wavy hair, characterized by an "S" shape that sits between straight (Type 1) and curly (Type 3) hair, further divided into subtypes 2A, 2B, and 2C for varying wave tightness and definition, often prone to frizz but versatile for styling.
What Is Type 2 Hair? Type 2 hair, also known as wavy hair, can be defined by its “S” shape curls and looser texture. It is often misclassified as 'frizzy' hair because it tends to lose its shape easily without the correct products. Type 2 hair can be broken down further into three different subtypes: 2A, 2B, and 2C.
Type 2: Wavy Hair – This hair type is common among people of mixed-race and some Europeans. Wavy hair has a slight S-shaped wave pattern and is thicker than straight hair. Type 3: Curly Hair – This hair type is common among people of African descent, but can also be found in other ethnic groups.
2B hair consists of 'S' shaped waves in the lengths, but sits relatively straight at the roots. 2C hair has even more defined 'S' shaped curls that start from the root and continue down the lengths of the hair. Once you've identified you have wavy hair, you should also explore your hair's porosity.
If you have voluminous S-shaped waves that extend from the top of your head to the ends of your hair, chances are good you have 2C hair. This wavy hair type can hold its definition longer than 2A and 2B hair and is just shy of being curly, but it lacks distinctive ringlets.
Type 1A is the rarest hair type and is stick-straight without even a hint of a wave.
Compared to straight hair, 2A wavy hair has more texture and volume and can better hold a curl. Therefore, it looks great in various hairstyles and cuts. Additionally, the 2A hair type doesn't shrink much when wet.
2C curls often experience more frizz compared to looser waves due to the shape which keeps the hair from laying smoothly. Frizz is completely normal, common, and can even provide volume.
Miracle waves shampoo helps minimize frizz to give your waves the definition they crave. If your wavy hair shows signs of damage from heat tool use, opt for shampoos like Aussie's Miracle repairer shampoo infused with hydrating aloe.
2A hair tends to be finer and smoother, meaning it will be easier to style straight. 2B hair is thicker with a slightly rougher texture and may need more moisture so it doesn't get stuck and, therefore, frizz.
Wavy hair (2A to 2C) is the most common, representing 40% of the US population! 🌊 Next up is straight hair (1A to 1C), making up 35% of people. 💁♀️ Curly hair (3A to 3C) is the second most rare, with 15% of the population rocking those beautiful curls!
Curly, wavy, or textured hair is typically more prone to frizz because of the increased cuticle lift that occurs from the curvature of the hair.
Red hair is widely considered the rarest natural hair color in the world. Estimates show that only about 1% to 2% of the global population sports natural red locks. This exclusivity is largely due to variations in the MC1R gene, which, when mutated, can lead to red hair and fair skin.
Type 2C hair is defined by loose, “S”-shaped spirals that begin at the roots and continue through to the ends. These waves are more pronounced than other type 2 subcategories, but not quite defined enough to be considered type 3 or 4 curls.
Layered Lob (Long Bob): A lob with soft layers can add movement and prevent your waves from being weighed down, giving your hair a bouncy, voluminous look. Beachy Shag: A modern shag haircut with its multiple layers creates volume and texture, perfect for showcasing the natural waves of 2B hair.
Type 2A hair falls into the "wavy hair" category. It's like a sweet compromise between straight and loose waves that are laid-back. It has loose and gentle S shaped waves that are more subtle than 2B or 2C.
Aussie is a PETA certified cruelty-free brand. If you are on the lookout for a shampoo that has been specifically designed to keep your curly hair looking beautiful, full of volume, and turning heads all day long, then you won't have to look any further than Aussie Miracle Curls Shampoo for Curly Hair!
There's no single "No. 1 Shampoo in the World" as it depends on hair type, concerns (like damage, dandruff, dryness), and budget, but top contenders often cited by experts and consumers include Olaplex No. 4 (for repair), Pureology Hydrate (for dryness/color-treated), L'Oréal Professionnel (for damage), and drugstore favorites like Dove for general care, with specialized brands like K18, Kerastase, and Philip Kingsley frequently praised in luxury categories.
Best Overall: Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream
This lightweight leave-in conditioner is designed for all curl types, from loose waves to coily textures, and hydrates without adding a smothering layer of buildup.
2C hair – The boldest of the wavy bunch, the 2C hair type is thick & coarse (in the best way), with well-defined S-shaped waves & the occasional spiral sneaking through. Its dense texture & incredible volume make it a show-stopper, delivering wave definition that doesn't quit.
Gen Z loves curly hair because it embodies their focus on natural beauty, individuality, and self-expression, heavily influenced by social media trends and celebrities embracing their authentic textures, moving away from heavily styled looks to showcase unique curls, sometimes enhanced with modern, softer perms. This shift celebrates unique textures, rejecting past pressures to conform to straight hair standards, with styles like the curly-top fade becoming popular for men too.
Your S-bend hair is thick and the waves start at the roots. If you've ever been confused about whether your hair is wavy or curly, it's likely you have the 2c hair type. The waves in your hair are super defined and look nothing like those “beach waves” you always read about.
Pineapple your waves overnight: A pineapple (or high ponytail) with a satin scrunchie will keep the waviest parts of your hair on top of your head, keeping them from being crushed overnight. This allows you to use fewer products when you refresh your hair, avoiding weighing down those 2A waves.
How to Choose the Right Hair Length for You
Texture: This hair type tends to be fine, with a thin hair strand that's easy to run your fingers through. It may lack volume at the roots due to the hair's weight pulling the waves down. Body: Type 2A hair has a light, tousled texture that can often look beachy.