The world of curly hair is a pretty fascinating one. There is tons of information, with too many misconceptions about what and how it works.
This is especially true for type 2 curly hair.
But don’t fret. This article will help you get to the bottom of it.
In this article, we’ll talk about curly hair types 2 and the various things that you can do to help you get the healthy, frizz-free curls you’ve been dreaming of.
We understand. It can be challenging to decode your curl type when some different textures can coexist on a single head of curls, but they must all look cohesive when styled.
image source: brightside.me
When strands of hair begin to form on your head, they’re usually thinner and more flexible than the strands further down the crown.
So if you feel like you’ve been a little overzealous with your hairdresser’s shears, it might be time to consider a haircut.. and we’re all here for you!
But if that’s not your thing, let’s stick to what we know. Shall we?
Moving forward, understanding your type 2 curly hair and how to handle and fix your curl pattern can proof to be a twisty road (because, curls!).
But let’s not get our little heart scared for now and let us help you find just the right type of curls, the products and care treatment that will work with your curls type perfectly this time.
Let’s begin with the fact that most people still reference Walker’s curl system at some point in their search for perfect-looking curls.
We won’t lie: there has been some discussion about whether the typing system is divisive or even too narrow.
It’s even undergone some changes over the years, thanks to curly community members, but is still a big part of the conversation today.
And though we don’t want to go down that rabbit hole, we were able to enlist the help of two industry experts working with texture to break down some of the finer points of the typing categories.
Whether you have soft bends cascading down your back or tight coils blooming towards the heavens, There’s a simple way to figure out what’s going on up there.
Follow our simple guide, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a curl-typing pro in no time.
Let’s Begin By Knowing Exactly What’s Type 2 Curly Hair Is!
Table of Contents
Now The most common type of curl is the “peach,” or as I like to call it, the “cute but not cute enough” curl.
I mean.. that’s just me, and my over-simplifying mind.
But let’s hear what the experts got to say, and get it right this time.
“The follicle, from which your strands grow on your scalp, determined your curl type” says hairstylist Vernon François.
“The curlier you are, the flatter or more oval-shaped the follicle; the straighter your curls, the more circular the cross-section. The shape of your strands, whether they kink, curve, or wind themselves into spirals, also identifies your curl pattern.”
According to François, most people with textured curl patterns have more than one pattern on their heads.
So you may have a combination of, say, kinky, coily, wavy, and curly.
Unquestionably, there are more styles to choose from than we have time to cover here.
That said, identifying your curl shape and pattern(s) is easiest when your curls are wet.
So here is a quick rundown to get an instant judgment of your types of curl; type 1 is straight, type 2 wavy hair is wavy, Type 3 is curly, and Type 4 hair is coily.
Now, it’s way more straightforward that way, isn’t it?
2A hair has a fine, barely-there tousled texture that is very easy to straighten.
If you have this type of curls, or any of type 2 curly hair in that case, you should avoid using heavy styling products, which can easily weigh down your strands, rendering them limp and lifeless.
Make sure the products you’re looking for have a lightweight consistency.
Type 2As, like those of Laura Dern’s, are characterized by a lack of volume at the root and require a certain amount of care and attention when styling and will benefit from a professional’s assistance.
The secret to achieving the perfect look of this style lies in choosing a product with a light texture and not too heavy a consistency. You want the styling product to hold onto your hair and allow you to manipulate it easily.
Dickey suggests using an airy, water-based mousse, such as the Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam, to add oomph at the base of the hair, making it look fluffier and fuller.
To achieve a soft, defined topknot, we recommend using a mousse that can be easily applied and brushed through your hair.
Make sure the product you choose has a lightweight consistency, so don’t weigh down your strands. To add definition to the topknot, try using a curling iron.
The curl type we’ll be dissecting next is the fabulous 2b hair, and Ms. Salma Hayek is the perfect example for this hair type, don’t you think?
Flatter at the crown with defined S-shaped waves beginning at the midle-length. Salma Hayek’s 2B hair has thicker strands than 2A, which means it will take a little more elbow grease to get it straight.
For this type of curls, use a texturizing mist like the Ouai Wave Spray, which is enriched with rice protein for hair that is never crunchy or stiff to enhance your natural surfer-babe waves.
While I told you the 2B hair is somewhat thicker than those of 2A hair, the 2C waves are even denser and that, unfortunately, makes this type of curly hair more prone to frizz.
It’s not that hard to recognize 2C hair.
Shakira is a prime example of2C curly hair, with her S-bends clearly defined and starting at the roots.
Suppose this is your curls type, too. In that case, we suggest using a non-lathering, sulfate-free co-wash between shampoos, such as the Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Hydrating Co-Wash, to avoid stripping essential moisture from strands.
This particular product was designed to work well with all curl textures, especially with 2C waves of yours.
Dickey also suggests layering a leave-in conditioner under a mousse to lock in your natural wave pattern while adding hydration.
The Verb Curl Leave-In Conditioner and the Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse are two of our favorites.
The key here is to not over-mousse, as it can weigh down your curls and create a frizz-prone texture.
You want it to be smooth and light, but not heavy.
Apply the mousse starting at the roots of your hair and moving toward the tips. When applying mousse, don’t use a brush because you don’t want to drag any of your natural waves out of your strands.
Instead, use your hands to gently roll the mousse through your hair from root to tip. Leave your hair damp or slightly wet before styling your curls. It’s crucial not to over-mousse your hair because this will weigh down your curls and create frizz.
Now let’s talk about the curly hair of type 3, which can range from loose, buoyant loops to tight, springy corkscrews with some sheen but prone to frizz.
Those with 3 strands, as Julia Garner has, are shiny with large, loose curls about the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk.
Scrunch the SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream into your dry hair to highlight the curl texture. Then, take your hands down fast from your curls to avoid the rings of frizz we all hate a little bit too much.
Coily hair, also known as Afro-textured or kinky hair, is dense, springy, and S-patterned, has a naturally dry and spongy texture that can be soft and fine or coarse and wiry.
Strands form very tight, small zig-zag curls right from the scalp and are prone to significant shrinkage.
If you prefer wash-and-go looks, styling should be done more frequently to keep this coily texture looking fresh with soft, pliable strands. A curling cream that contains a leave-in moisturizer is essential for adding moisture to daily wash-and-go styling.
So far, we’ve waxed poetic on the pros and cons of each type 2 hair. Now, let’s get down to business, choose what works, and find out the different categories of products best suited for your hair type.
Our rule is to look for products that are:
Lightweight to neutralize flatness.
An excellent lightweight type 2 hair product is a must. It’s what will give your hair volume and prevent it from looking flat.
There are so many lightweight type 2 hair products on the market, and it’s easy to get confused.
Lighter is better
If a product that prioritize on giving your hair volume is what you’re searching for, find the ones that’s lighter in texture.
The lighter the product, the more volume it’s going to give you. So, for example, a product that’s made with egg whites, or a whipped mousse, is going to provide you with the best volume.
Offers a Load of Hydration to Get Rid of Frizz
Finding a way to tame your curls is a ritual many of us do daily. But what if you’re on the go and have limited time?
Enter the Hydro Silk Infusion Mist. This lightweight mist has been specially formulated to deliver a moisturizing hydration boost that will help to combat frizz and tame your curls.
Apply the mist to damp hair before bed for excellent nighttime treatment and leave it in for 30 minutes. It will also work great on dry hair before blow-drying or flat ironing.
For those with curly hair, this is the perfect mist for you. It is the first spray-on mist formulated with silicone to help tame frizz.
Or, if you’re looking for a high-quality natural alternative to chemical hair dyes, look no further than this natural green tea rinse from the Spa Collection by Aveda.
It’s easy to use, and has a gentle and soothing scent as an added bonus.
A Defined & Luminous Curls is What We Aim for
A heavy-weight type 2 hair product is going to make your hair look like it’s weighed down with a lot of weight.
So, find a haircare line that will give your curls definition and add a lot of bounce. Look for a product made with protein, like the SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream, and some others on this category.
A product made with a protein blend gives you volume and definition while still looking like it’s lightweight.
Not to mention, tt has an added benefit, too, because it can actually be used as a leave-in conditioner, which makes it easier to use than some heavy-weight products.
As with all good conditioners, it leaves the hair soft and smooth. It can even be used as part of your deep conditioning treatment.
The SGX NYC Curl Power Nourishing Curl Cream has a light scent that isn’t too strong, so it won’t be overwhelming when you’re using it.
It works wonderfully well on all hair types, even if you have thinning hair.
The Takeaways
The curl pattern of your hair determines your hair type. Straight hair is characteristic of people with type 1 hair. Wavy is the best way to describe Type 2. Type 3 hair is curly, while type 4 hair is coily.
Not to mention, different parts of your head may have different curl patterns.
If you have bangs, curls growing down your forehead will differ from those at the top of your head.
That said, keeping your curls healthy, bouncy, and defined means you’ll have to experiment with different kinds products to finally find those perfectly match your waves.
The curlier and more porous your hair, the more likely it will require intense, regular moisturizing to stay healthy.
If you’re unsure where to begin, an excellent place to start is with a local salon or stylist who has the specific expertise you need. You can also learn about your hair by watching other people with the same hair type on social media or other media outlets.
