2b Hair Type
While people with curly hair may have a variety of textures at once, the predominant hair type is typically what will drive their style. If you have 2b hair, your hair is likely not quite straight, but not considered curly such as with ringlets or corkscrew curls. Your hair likely falls somewhere in between which can be great for creating a versatile style but also comes with its own set of issues.
It's important to note that this article focuses on 2b hair type rather than 2b 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 2b hair color.
What Does 2b Hair Look Like?
If your hair is medium texture with some frizz around your crown, straighter roots, and defined S-shape waves, then it's more likely considered 2b hair, often called wavy hair.
Having wavy hair can be great. For one thing, you have more versatility in the type of style you want to achieve. Your strands are typically thick, rather than fine, and your default beach waves are ready to go with minimal need to style.
With the benefits, however, can come drawbacks. For one thing, frizz is a common concern, and hair can get tangled easily. Dryness is also a factor when your strands are semi-curly, as the hair shaft is usually receptive to moisture but can just as easily lose it.
Caring for 2b Hair Type
Some important things to do when taking care of 2b hair include:
-
Shampoo less
Only 3-4 times a week is needed for 2b hair. Use dry shampoo in between if you feel the need.
-
Scrunch to add definition
After you've showered, scrunch sections of hair to activate your ways while it's still damp.
-
Use leave-in conditioner
Since 2b hair is prone to frizz and dryness, using leave-in conditioner will help moisturize it long after the shower ends.
-
Finish with curling tools
After you've finished scrunching hair and adding leave-in conditioner, use a curling iron to curl some pieces to make your style really shine
Caring for Frizz with 2b Hair
Frizz is common for those with 2b hair, but don't fret! It's easy to fight frizz with these tips:
-
Use the right shampoo and conditioner
Natural oils like coconut oil and shea butter can be a great way to keep hair looking its best. Check out the ingredients in all of your hair products to make sure they will work for 2b hair.
-
Keep away from products that cause buildup
Although products using silicone can help style hair, they can also lead to product buildup which can leave hair looking limp and lifeless.
-
Avoid touching hair
Sometimes touching your hair can become a bad habit that leads to frizz. After you've styled your hair, it's hands off to keep hair frizz-free!
Caring for Tangles with 2b Hair
Avoiding tangles is hard when you have 2b hair. If you don't take care of your hair and detangle it often, you might experience breakage. This is even harder to avoid if you're hair is longer.
When detangling 2b hair, it's important to work in sections, deep condition often, and use a wide-tooth comb from the bottom of your hair to the top. Don't have a comb on hand? Using your fingers is fine as well.
Caring for Dryness with 2b Hair
2b hair can become dry for a variety of reasons such as:
-
Chemicals
Using color, relaxing products, and anything else that might open up the hair cuticle and lead to breakage might also lead to hair becoming drier. Moisture is key when you have treated hair in this way, so be sure hair masks and leave-in conditioners are on hand if you intend to use chemicals in your hair.
-
Sunlight
Sun can be rejuvenating in warmer months, but unfortunately, it's also possible for the harsh rays to dry out your hair. Products like sunscreen made for hair can help, as well as covering up using a hat when the sun is at its highest point in the sky around midday.
-
Some Haircare Products
If the products you use regularly on 2b hair have sulfates or drying alcohols, chances are your hair will become dry over time. Ditch the damaging ingredients for safer substances that don't damage hair.
-
Heat Tools
Straighteners, blow dryers, and curling irons used too often can dry out hair. If you have 2b hair, air drying is the best way to keep hair moisturized longer.However, if you do need to use heat products, apply heat protectants and, in the case of using a blow dryer, add a diffuser to evenly distribute heat.
About HairCode, backed by decades of hair care research and industry-leading cosmetic scientists
We're obsessed with hair and the science behind what makes it look and feel amazing. Our dedicated team leverages years of extensive haircare research and product development led by pioneering cosmetic scientists, PhDs in Biology and Chemistry, along with esteemed professional hair stylists from around the globe. Our goal is to be the most accurate and easy-to-use platform for you to learn about your hair. Our HairCode Quiz is built to harness a wealth of haircare research to give you a straightforward and science-backed haircare regimen recommendation based on questions that matter. We know that hair can be complicated. That's why we break it down for you piece by piece with your unique HairCode. So, let's get to the root of it... Because we are here to support you on a journey of self-discovery and love for your hair.
