2C Hair Type: What Is It & How to Care For It
Is your hair curly, or is it wavy? If you’re in that gray area between coils and waves, you probably have type 2C hair. Why does it matter? Knowing your hair type can help you choose the best products and hair care routine so you can be the most beautiful you.
So, how do you distinguish 2C hair from curlier types? Here’s everything you need to know about how to take care of 2C hair.
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What Is the 2C Hair Type?
The 2C hair type is characterized by loose, “S”-shaped spirals that start at the root and continue all the way down the hair strand. The “S” shape is more pronounced than other type 2 subcategories, but the curls are not as defined as type 3 or 4 hair.
The 2C hair type is characterized by loose, “S”-shaped spirals that start at the root and continue all the way down the hair strand. The “S” shape is more pronounced than other type 2 subcategories, but the curls are not as defined as type 3 or 4 hair.
The 2C hair type is usually thicker and coarser than other wavy hair types and much more prone to frizz. Balancing moisture with lightweight styling products, like a blow out spray, is a must for getting perfect, frizz-free 2C waves.
How to Care for 2C Hair?
Because 2C hair is prone to frizziness and easily weighed down, it’s important to use the right balance of lightweight, moisturizing products. Here’s how to get perfect 2C waves every time.
- Use a frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner. Cleanse and moisturize your waves without weighing them down with a shampoo and conditioner formulated especially for fighting frizz.
- Deep condition. Give your in-between spirals an extra dose of frizz-fighting moisture once a week with a deep-conditioning hair mask.
- Air dry to minimize frizz-causing friction. Your 2C hair is delicate. After washing, gently squeeze out excess moisture, use a soft cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel, then air dry to prevent frizz. If you must blow dry, spray your waves with a smoothing, heat-protecting styling spray and use a diffuser.
- Don’t brush. Brushing 2C hair is a recipe for frizz. Detangle and separate your curls and waves with a wide tooth comb and a smoothing curl cream or oil.
- Scrunch to style. Use light styling foam to enhance your curl pattern and add definition. Work a little into damp hair and scrunch upward for flawless waves.
- Try sea salt. Give your waves a tousled, beachy texture with a volumizing sea salt spray.
- Infuse your waves with oil. Fight flyaways, tame frizz, and add gorgeous shine by smoothing on nourishing hair oil.
5 Hairstyles to Try With 2C Hair
Embrace the unique texture of your 2C hair with some of our favorite hairstyles.
- Space Buns: Princess Leia may have worn it first, but your 2C spirals add volume and dimension to this fun ‘do.
- Half-Up, Half-Down: There are so many ways to pull off this classic style, and all of them look amazing with the volume and texture of 2C hair.
- Go Short: Looking for a drastic change? Try a pixie cut for a fresh new look.
- Fishtail: Braids are a classic, but the fishtail braid adds a creative twist to this look.
- Accessorize: Scarves, bandanas, headbands...fun accessories give your 2C waves a casual vibe.
Key Takeaways
- The loose, “S”-shaped waves formed by 2C hair start at the root and continue all the way down the hair strand. 2C hair is usually thicker, coarser, and more frizz-prone than other types in this category.
- Caring for 2C hair involves hydrating and defining waves with lightweight products that seal in moisture and lock out frizz.
- Style your 2C waves any way you’d like! Try braids, buns, a short pixie cut, or fun accessories like a bandana.
Wavy curls or curly waves, we love 2C hair! Check out even more John Frieda hair care tips for curly hair.
