12 Best Hair Products for Type 2 Hair (2A, 2B, 2C)

If you have Type 2 hair, your locks are characterized as being, well, wavy—but there are actually multiple classifications and wave types, including 2A, 2B, and 2C. You could have loose bends, beachy waves, or S-shaped curls—all of which fall under the Type 2 umbrella. If you’re not quite sure how to classify your waves, keep reading. Ahead, we’re explaining how to determine your wave type and sharing a look at some of the best Type 2 hair products to add to your wavy hair routine. Think about it like learning the A, B, Cs of Type 2 hair.

The Best Hair Products for 2A Hair

People with 2A hair will notice that it’s a bit flatter and looser than other wave and curl types. 2A hair is known for its fine, loose, and delicate waves. The roots are flatter, and then have a bend that starts around eye level. 2A hair is finer and less voluminous than other wavy hair types, and it can become frizzy pretty fast since it doesn’t contain as much natural moisture. It also may not hold a wave well without the use of Type 2 hair products that help with styling. Luckily, that’s where these four 2A hair products come in handy.

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo and Conditioner Duo

Hydration is essential for every hair type, but if you have 2A hair, you’ll want to look for products that feel lightweight—anything too heavy could make your waves fall flat. We love the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo and Conditioner, which are formulated with strengthening wheat proteins and soothing eucalyptus leaf extract. The lightweight duo provides touchable softness without weighing down your hair.

Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Clarifying Shampoo

Since 2A hair can become oilier than other wave and curl types, it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo to help remove that excess oil and increase shine and volume. This one from Biolage Professional is among our favorites. The lightweight formula is infused with fermented tea and filtered glycolic acid and helps remove buildup while balancing the scalp’s moisture levels for a clean (but not stripped) feel.

Matrix A Curl Can Dream Scrunch ’n Go Defining Spray for Waves and Curls

Here’s the good news: 2A hair is best when you wash and go. (Consider yourself lucky!) Look for 2A hair products that help bring out your natural texture, like the Matrix A Curl Can Dream Scrunch ’n Go Defining Spray for Waves. It’s made with manuka honey extract and rose water and helps define and hydrate waves without weighing them down. Plus, the curl enhancer provides frizz-free protection for up to 48 hours.

Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost

If you want to keep your beachy waves from looking flat, you need 2A hair products that amp up the volume. Try Matrix High Amplify Wonder Boost, which can be applied just to the roots or all over your tresses with the targeted applicator. It’s great for fine hair, too, so your 2A waves will certainly appreciate the added volume without the weighed-down feel.

The Best Hair Products for 2B Hair

If you have 2B hair, you’ll notice that it’s a little bit wavy, a little bit curly. This wave type is defined (pun intended) by denser hair with more defined waves—think elongated, defined, S-shape waves instead of beachy bends. 2B hair is also more prone to frizz than other Type 2 hair types, since the waves’ twists and turns prevent moisture and the scalp’s natural oils from getting into the strands. Here are some 2B hair products to help hydrate and define those gorgeous S-waves.

Redken Volume Inject Shampoo and Conditioner

When choosing a shampoo and conditioner for 2B hair, it’s important to look for Type 2 hair products that help add hydration and volume back into your strands. Try the Redken Volume Inject Shampoo and Conditioner, which are formulated with the brand’s Bodifying Complex and Filoxane to gently cleanse without stripping, leaving your hair feeling soft and shiny.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Urban Moisture Hair Mask

Moisture, moisture, moisture. The best 2B hair products are going to flood your hair with hydration to help prevent frizz. This indulgent hair mask fits the bill. It’s made with moringa oil and red algae and works to purify, intensely moisturize, and protect the hair from environmental pollutants.

Pureology Style + Protect Weightless Volume Mousse

Give your 2B waves a little extra oomph by scrunching in a volumizing mousse before drying your hair. The Pureology Style + Protect Weightless Volume Mousse is a sulfate-free, conditioning mousse that provides weightless volume and protects hair during heat styling (a must for preventing unnecessary damage)/

Kérastase Glaze Drops High-Gloss Lightweight Hair Oil

Since 2B hair is prone to frizz, it’s important to use 2B hair products that keep those flyaways to a minimum. Hair oils are a great choice, though you’ll want to select one that won’t leave your hair looking or feeling greasy/ We love the Kérastase Glaze Drops High-Gloss Lightweight Hair Oil, as it nourishes, hydrates, and adds shine—all while helping to fight frizz for up to four days.

The Best Hair Products for 2C Hair

If you’ve got voluminous, S-shaped waves all the way through your hair, that’s classified as 2C hair. You’ll notice that the waves go all the way from the top of your head to the ends, and they hold their definition longer than 2A or 2B hair, too. 2C hair isn’t exactly curly, because there aren’t distinctive ringlets, but it’s definitely more of a thicker, coarser, S-shaped wave than 2A or 2B. When you’re looking for 2C hair products, it’s important to focus on formulas that help with moisture and frizz control.

Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo and Conditioner

Since 2C hair lacks moisture and can become super frizzy, you’ll want to seek out 2C hair products that help to hydrate the hair and tame frizz. We suggest kicking off your routine with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, such as the Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo and Conditioner. They’re both formulated with the brand’s Smoothing Complex and work to moisturize, detangle, and protect hair from frizz.

Redken Hydrating Curl Cream

The best Type 2 hair products for 2C hair will not only add moisture and protect against frizz, but will simultaneously define your curls. Try the Redken Hydrating Curl Cream, which includes moisturizing squalane and shine-enhancing jojoba oil. The curl cream provides up to 72 hours of curl-defining moisture, definition, and frizz control, making it perfect for those with curl patterns 2B–4C.

Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Heat Protectant

We don’t want to sound like a broken record, but replenishing moisture in 2C hair is pretty important. If you’re heat styling, protect your tresses with this creamy heat protectant, which helps reduce hair breakage, smooths frizz and flyaways, protects against humidity, and shields hair against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it won’t weigh down your curls, so when it comes to 2C hair products, it’s a total win-win.

Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask

We have a feeling you know what we’re about to say: 2C hair needs moisture. (See, we told you you’d know.) Since hair tends to become drier the wavier or curlier it gets, those with 2C hair can benefit from incorporating a hydrating hair mask into their regular routine. We love this one for 2C curls, as it moisturizes and defines without weighing down the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Type 2 hair?

Type 2 hair is characterized by the presence of waves, which can range from ultra-loose (think: beach waves) to tight and defined. This hair type tends to be on the finer side, texture-wise, and is often prone to concerns such as poofiness and frizzing.

What does Type 2 hair look like?

Type 2 hair can look nearly straight or fairly curly, depending on the subcategory. 2A hair has the loosest wave pattern of the bunch, followed by 2B and 2C. If your hair has a bit of a bend but lacks distinct spirals or ringlets, you probably have Type 2 hair.

What is the difference between 2A, 2B, and 2C Hair?

2A hair sits just on the cusp of straight and wavy, with a slight bend that typically begins several inches down from the root. 2B hair, meanwhile, is more distinctly wavy. It also tends to have a slightly coarser texture than 2A hair. Type 2C hair is the most defined of the bunch, with tight waves and loose curls scattered throughout.

How do I identify my Type 2 subtype (2A, 2B, or 2C)?

To identify your hair’s subtype, wash and condition your hair as usual, then let it air-dry. If it dries mostly straight with a few bends scattered throughout, you likely have Type 2A hair. 2B hair will dry with more defined waves, oftentimes, with a bit of frizz. Those with Type C may have trouble determining whether their hair is wavy or curly, as it’s common to have different wave patterns on one head of hair. If you have both waves and curls, assess which is more dominant to determine whether you have Type 2C wavy hair or Type 3A curls.

How does Type 2 hair differ from Type 3 and Type 4 hair?

On the whole, Type 2 hair lacks distinct curls, instead boasting soft, elongated S-shaped waves that may fall flat without the use of styling aids. Type 3 hair, meanwhile, is distinctly curly and typically quite voluminous, with more ringlets and spirals than waves. Finally, Type 4 hair is the most textured of the bunch. This is often broadly referred to as “natural hair,” and features tight coils or zig-zag-shaped spirals about the diameter of a knitting needle.

How do I care for my Type 2 hair?

The best way to care for your Type 2 hair depends on your subtype. Those with fine Type 2A waves may need to wash their hair daily to minimize oily roots and enhance volume. 2B and 2C waves, meanwhile, can usually go a bit longer between washes, though the exact timeframe depends on your lifestyle. Overall, if you have wavy hair, you’ll want to reach for lightweight yet hydrating products that help to control frizz and define your natural texture.

Next Up: Is My Hair Curly or Wavy? Here’s How to Tell the Difference

Header image credit: @matrix

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