Type 2 Hair: Wavy
Type 2 hair is wavy: it forms soft S-shaped bends that sit between straight and curly. It splits into 2A (loose waves), 2B (defined waves) and 2C (strong waves with some curl). Here is how the three compare and how to care for wavy hair.
Type 2 hair is wavy, forming a loose S-shape rather than straight lines or spirals. It sits between straight and curly, with the wave usually starting somewhere between the root and the mid-length. It ranges from the fine, gentle 2a to the thick, near-curly 2c.
How to Recognize Type 2 Hair
Air-dry clean hair with no product and look at the pattern. A soft S-shape along the length, without tight spirals or corkscrews, means type 2. If it dries straight you are type 1, and if it forms defined loops or spirals you are type 3.
The three Type 2 subtypes
- 2A hair typeFine, with loose, gentle waves that start around the mid-length. It is easily weighed down and often looks almost straight at the root.
- 2B hair typeMedium texture with more defined S-waves that begin closer to the root. It is more prone to frizz than 2a.
- 2C hair typeThick and coarse with strong, well-defined waves that can start at the root. It frizzes easily and sits right on the border of curly.
How to Care for Type 2 Hair
Type 2 hair does best with light definition and minimal weight. Use a light mousse or gel to shape the wave, scrunch rather than brush, and air-dry or diffuse. Avoid heavy creams on 2a and 2b since they flatten the wave, and reach for anti-frizz products on 2c.
2a vs 2b vs 2c: how to tell them apart
The wavy sub-types differ by how strong the wave is, how high it starts, and strand thickness. 2a has soft waves from the mid-length on fine hair. 2b has more defined S-waves starting closer to the root on medium hair. 2c has strong, thick waves from the root that almost read as curls. If your waves are subtle and easily flattened, you are likely 2a. If they are defined, thick and frizz-prone, you are closer to 2c.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is type 2 hair?
- Type 2 hair is wavy hair that forms S-shaped bends between straight and curly. The subtypes (2A, 2B, 2C) go from loose waves to strong waves with some curl.
- How do I know my type 2 subtype?
- Judge wave strength and where it starts: 2A is loose and starts near the ends, 2B forms defined S-waves from mid-length, 2C waves strongly from the root with some curl. The free quiz confirms it.
- Is type 2 hair curly or straight?
- Neither: it is wavy, the family between the two. Type 2 forms open S-bends rather than the flat lengths of type 1 or the full loops of type 3.
2a vs 2b vs 2c: how to tell them apart FAQ
- What is the difference between 2a and 2b hair?
- 2a has loose, fine waves that start around the mid-length and are easily weighed down, while 2b has more defined S-waves that start closer to the root and frizz more easily.
- Is my hair 2b or 2c?
- 2b waves are medium and defined but still clearly wavy, while 2c waves are thick, strong and start at the root, sitting right on the edge of curly. If your hair frizzes heavily and almost forms loops, it is likely 2c.
- How do I know if I'm 2a, 2b or 2c?
- Air-dry your hair with no product and check the wave. Soft waves from the mid-length are 2a, defined S-waves from higher up are 2b, and strong thick waves from the root are 2c.