Learn how to care for your 2c hair type. It also elaborates on the best products for 2c hair and how to check if you have 2b, 2c or 3a hair.
For the longest time I had wondered if my hair was wavy or if it was curly, and only a few months ago did I discover that I have a 2c hair type.
Now, hair textures are mostly classified on the basis of the Andre Walker Typing System which classifies hair as either type 1, 2, 3, or 4 based on if the strands are straight, wavy, curly, or coily respectively.
This system of classification is further divided into a, b, or c depending on the degree of curliness or waviness of hair.
So while type 2 hair would be wavy hair, type 2a would have the least wavy hair textures while type 2c would be the most wavy texture.
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The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
2c Hair Type
Type 2c hair is the most wavy type of hair. Unlike 2a hair and 2b that starts taking shape somewhere towards the middle of the strands, 2c hair is wavy right from the root.
And the major difference between type 2c hair and the other wavy hair types is that the “S” shaped waves here are more pronounced to the extent that hair might look curly.
2c hair is also coarser and thicker than 2a or 2b hair which makes it more prone to frizz.
While it doesn’t get as dry as type 3 curly hair, 2c hair still requires a lot of nourishment.
However, excess product and moisturization can actually make 2c hair lose its volume, so you need to be careful about the products you use and routine you follow.
The texture of hair is determined by the shape of your hair follicle. The rounder the follicle, the straighter your hair. So wavy, 2c hair has an oval hair follicle.
How To Show Take Care of 2c Hair Type
Wash It Gently And Not As Often
Unlike type 3 or type 4 curls, 2c hair will not benefit much from co-washing. So you can continue washing your hair with a regular shampoo.
You just need to make sure it’s sulfate-free as these harsh surfactants can really dry out hair. And dryness in wavy hair equals frizz!
Also, a sulfate-free shampoo is just generally good for your hair health as it keeps strands moisturized and doesn’t strip your hair dye either.
Scrunch And Diffuse
As type 2c wavy hair is very prone to frizz, all care must be taken to prevent hair cuticles from getting raised or chipped.
So I’d suggest rinsing the conditioner off your hair with cold water as this helps the hair cuticle lie flat and smooth.
Another important thing to remember with wavy hair is that you shouldn’t ever dry it roughly using a towel. This will without a doubt raise your cuticles, increasing frizz.
I always use a microfiber cloth to absorb any extra water from wet hair and then use a diffuser to dry my waves.
A diffuser attachment on your hair dryer ensures your strands do not get blasted at one go with hot air, protecting them from damage.
Drying hair with a diffuser also helps increase curl (or in this case wave definition) and adds volume to your hair.
Pro Tip: I always diffuse my hair section wise. I also scrunch hair in my fists while diffusing it. This will help your strands form the wavy “S” shape easily and increase the “curliness” of wavy hair so to speak.
Leave-In Conditioner Is A Must
Wavy 2c hair really needs that extra moisturization. So be prepared to use a leave-in conditioner after you shower.
I simply prefer to use a lightweight cream before I scrunch and diffuse my hair. But you can add a moisturizer or leave-in conditioner afterwards if you feel like your waves need extra nourishment.
However, I really suggest going for products that are not too rich. So use oil-based conditioners instead of heavy butters.
This means you should prefer ingredients like argan oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, etc. over shea butter and cocoa butter.
Also, you can use heavier oils like coconut oil, but I suggest keeping it for a deep conditioning treatment and not using it as a leave-in conditioner as it can weigh hair down.
- Related: 2C Vs 3A Hair
- Related: Here’s How I Care For My 2a Hair Type
- Related: What Is 2b-Hair
Is Your 2c Hair Curly: 2c Vs 3a Hair
It’s very easy to confuse 2c hair with 3a hair, especially if you have very well-defined wavy hair.
But here is the biggest difference between the two hair types: 2c hair takes on a “S” shape and has this spirally shape, but 3a hair on the other hand has proper ringlets which have a wide diameter.
Also 2c hair can be thicker or coarser than 3a despite the fact that they have a wavy texture.
What Are Some Best Products For 2c Hair
If you’re looking for the best hair care and styling products for 2c hair, then these are certain things you need to look out for:
- Make sure the products are moisturizing but not too heavy
- Look for ingredients like argan oil, rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, etc. that can nourish hair without weighing down your waves
- Always go for conditioners/creams that are silicone-free
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo or cleanser
- If you want to clarify hair, look for a gentle product with apple cider vinegar, citrus or similar ingredients
- Use water-based leave-in conditioners if you must as these will keep your waves hydrated and not weigh down the strands
One of my favorite products for my 2c hair is the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream as the argan oil-based formula moisturizes my hair while the cream also helps increase the definition of my waves making them curlier.
Curly Girl Method On 2c Hair: Is It Possible?
The Curly Girl Method or CGM is a routine for curly hair care developed by Lorraine Massey which involves the use of mild hair care products and gentle styling techniques to protect hair cuticles.
And yes, technically you can implement the Curly Girl Method on 2c hair. But I won’t suggest going the whole way as 2c hair is still wavy and not curly.
You can adopt some ideas from CGM such as using a sulfate-free shampoo, silicone-free conditioner and substituting towel drying or blow drying with diffusing hair to protect it.
However some other aspects of CGM like the use of co-washes (cleansing hair with only conditioner), layering hair with oil, cream and liquid conditioner, etc. doesn’t suit 2c hair.
Using a co-wash or too many styling products (even if they are silicone-free) can weigh down 2c hair as they form buildup. It can also lead to wavy hair losing their bounce and volume as hair becomes too greasy.
FAQs
Is my hair 2A 2B or 2C?
There is a simple way you can find out if your hair is the 2a, 2b or 2c hair type – check your roots! If you have 2c hair, your tresses will appear right from the very root of your strands.
However, 2a and 2b hair starts getting the wavy shape somewhere near the forehead area or even lower. Also, if you need to differentiate between 2a and 2b hair, check for the shape of your waves.
2b hair will have pronounced “S” shaped waves, while 2a wavy hair simply appears tousled.
Should I brush my 2c hair?
Yes, you can brush your 2c hair if needed. Most hair experts recommend not brushing curls out as they lose definition and can end up frizzy, but 2c hair can still be brushed if done correctly.
I suggest using a hair oil or serum before brushing to keep your hair frizz-free. Using cream or conditioner will help your waves retain their shape and also brushing can distribute it better through your tresses.
How often should 2c hair be washed?
This actually depends on a lot of factors such as the type of hair products you are using, what’s your scalp type and if you have dandruff or color-treated hair. But a safe window for washing 2c hair should be about every 3-5 days.
You can wash your hair every 3 days if you have an oily scalp or use a lot of conditioner/hairsprays. Or you can stretch it to 5 days if you have a dry scalp or color-treated hair and use dry shampoos in the middle.
How can I make my 2c hair curlier?
The easiest way to increase the definition of your 2c hair is to use a curl enhancing product for wavy hair. These creams and conditioners moisturize hair so that your strands look more wavy and less frizzy.
Plus, they contain ingredients that increase curl definition and add a medium hold to hair, making wavy tresses appear more curly.
But you need to be careful using these hair products as too much saturation with creams and products can weigh down your 2c hair as ultimately it’s NOT curly but wavy.
Summary On The 2c Hair Type
A lot of people adore the 2c hair types as it gives you the “beachy” waves look naturally. And unlike 2b hair you don’t have to worry about hair looking half straight-half wavy, as the texture starts at the roots.
But this hair type is more prone to frizz as it’s thicker and coarser and can absorb moisture faster than other type 2 hair.
If you maintain it well, 2c hair can give you gorgeous, well-defined waves that make you look like an ethereal being like a mermaid. Otherwise, it’s just a mass of frizz!
So make sure you use the right hair products.
These products should be moisturizing but not too heavy and should enhance your waves and not weigh them down.
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