How should I care for my type 2c hair?

Care for type 2c hair by washing once or twice a week with a shampoo that won't strip natural oils. Use nourishing and hydrating conditioners. Apply lightweight, frizz-fighting sprays or oils after conditioning. Choose products specifically designed for type 2c hair to style, and consider air drying or using a diffuser with low heat when blow drying.

What kind of products should I use for styling type 2c hair?

Use products specifically designed for type 2c hair that offer hold, definition, and frizz-fighting power without weighing down the waves. Finger-comb the products through your hair and consider using a heat protectant if using heat tools. For volume, consider air drying or using a blow dryer with a diffuser on low heat.

How can I enhance volume in my type 2c hair?

To enhance volume in type 2c hair, consider air drying or using a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment on low heat. Gently push your waves up toward the root while drying to create more volume.

Back

Not quite curly, but the furthest thing from flat, this hair type has big, beautiful waves full of life and volume. When cared for with products made specifically for type 2c hair, these waviest of waves look full, healthy, shiny, and defined. Ready on to learn how to care for your type 2c wavy hair, and what products to look for when designing your haircare routine.

What is Type 2c Hair? The Science Behind the Strand

2c Hair Type

Check out a lock of your hair. Is it wavy? Is it curly? If you’re not sure, you probably have type 2c hair, so wavy it’s almost a curl, but not quite. These strands fall in an s-shape pattern, and the wave starts from the root, not halfway down the strand. This hair tends to be thick and coarse, and the waves usually don’t fall in the same pattern, making for truly unique locks.

It's important to note that this article focuses on 2c hair type rather than 2c hair color. The hair type scale offers invaluable insights into the texture, curl pattern, and structure of your hair, but please note that this article does not specifically cover tips related to the nuances of the 2c hair color.

Caring for 2c Hair

One of the most wonderful aspects of type 2c hair is that it’s relatively hardy and resistant to damage, this hair type works best with a lighter touch, meaning washing only once or twice a week with a shampoo that won’t strip natural oils from strands, and putting down the heating tools to allow your natural texture to shine. Opt for nourishing and hydrating conditioners, and always follow with lightweight, frizz-fighting sprays or oils, as this hair is naturally prone to frizzing, especially in humidity.

Styling 2c hair

The secret to caring for type 2c hair is understanding your hair’s specific needs: heavy products designed for type 3 and type 4 hair (curls and coils) can make your strands fall flat, while the products designed for type 1 and type 2a and 2b hair don’t give you the hold, definition, and frizz-fighting power your hair needs.

The goldilocks products for 2c hair are lighter weight, but with enough power to tame frizz and keep those waves controlled and defined. Finger-comb products through hair, and always use a heat protectant if using a blow-dryer or heating tool to protect your stunning 2c hair, or air dry to give those waves a break from the heat. If using a blow dryer, use a diffuser with the heat on low. Gently push your waves up toward the root while you dry to give yourself even more volume – not that you need it.