WRITTEN BY: Zenani Sizane
When working with curl patterns, understanding your curl type can be the first step to successfully caring for your hair, as well as curate the right routine for your specific hair type. It is not easy finding your curl type, because for most people they find that may have more than one curl type in different sections of their head but narrowing it down can make all the difference. If you find yourself somewhere between waves and curls, chances are you have type 2c hair. Type 2c hair is considered a wave with attitude, because it is a full formed curl, we will dig deeper into defining the 2c curl pattern, its characteristics and to properly care for it.
What is Type 2C Hair
Type 2c hair is the apex of waviness, it is ultra-defined natural waves are not easily ignored or erased. No matter the weather, type 2c’s wavy texture will not lose its shape though you may often experience a little frizz or excess volume.
Type 2c is the waviest of the type 2 category, each wavy lock has an almost ringlet-like shape to it, which is why it is often miscategorized as a curl type. However, when you compare it to naturally curly hair type, you will notice that type 2c strands have a definite s-shape.
The dense natural hair texture makes 2c hair very thick and voluminous. Its shape can be tugged, dampened or blow-dried without losing its form. Although it is not easily changed it doesn’t mean it always behaves the way you want it to.
How To Identify Type 2C Hair?
Type 2c hair is a beautiful balance between wavy and curly hair, it is like the cusp of wavy hair, almost entering the curly hair category but not quite. Even though type 2c hair doesn’t fall into the curly category on the hair type chart, it can be treated similarly to 3a, which has a loose true curl.
Type 2c hair is mostly voluminous with thick and well-defined “S” waves, giving it a curlier look within the type 2 hair category. This hair has a spring factor of approximately 2 to 4 inches when stretched and has a wave-curl pattern that falls vertically and ranges from fine to thick. Type 2c hair is also very prone to frizz and the ends may be dry.
Here’s How to Pinpoint Type 2C Hair:
You have an s-shape that starts at the root of your hair.
The s-shape continues throughout the lock and may even spiral some on the ends.
You may experience frizz due to the bends throughout that prevent each strand from layering smooth and flat.
Your hair may get oily in between washes.
If you have low to medium-density waves, you likely experience flat roots and struggle to get volume.
Differentiating Type 2C From Other Types
It can be tough to tell the difference within the wavy hair category, but there are some slight differences. Type 2a hair is the loosest wave pattern and is close to straight hair but has a slight bend that prevents it from laying as smooth as straight hair. Those with 2a hair can often wear a straighter look if they don’t “style” their waves or they can enhance their texture with styling techniques.
Type 2b hair is similar in that it can also be worn in a straighter look if not “styled curly. This provides versatility for people with loose waves, and they can usually do heatless styles and not experience a ton of frizz. 2c hair may be unable to prevent frizz without products and be unable to achieve a smoothed-out look when doing heatless styles because it has more bends and turns throughout.
Experts agree that 3a curl is the closest curl pattern to 2c, 3a curls typically show more of a “s” pattern, consistently looping down from the root to the end. This curl is generally well-defined and bouncy with a width of around one inch. To test between 2b and 2c hair, check if the wave starts at the root, if it does it is likely 2c. To differentiate between 2c and 3a, check if your hair is wavier or actually curled, if it's more of a wave then it is 2c, whereas if it's more of a curl it is type 3.
The Challenges Faced with Type 2C Hair
Having 2c hair can be quite challenging at times, along with the many benefits of having 2c hair, you may experience some downsides that can make it quite challenging when it comes to caring and styling your hair. These complications can overtake your entire head of hair if they aren’t kept under control.
Wild Volume
Type 2c hair is abundant when it comes to how voluminous it is, this is because unlike other wavy hair types, 2c waves begin forming at the roots, providing extra volume at the crown of the head. Most people may see this abundance of volume as a benefit, however too much of it can actually make the hair look too puffy. It also doesn’t help that 2c gets frizzy and you are tempted to brush the frizz out. This can cause a disastrous outcome to your ultra wavy locks.
Abundant Frizz
For those with 2c hair, fighting frizz is a constant battle, why is 2c hair so prone to frizz? Because sideways hair growth and tight coiling can be one of the defining characteristics of frizziness. In essence, the curlier, kinkier or dense your texture, the more vulnerable it is to frizz. Type 2c's likeness to curly hair is what causes it to get frizzy.
Dryness and Damage
Type 2c hair tends to be dry and prone to frizz, both which can result in “poofy” hair with flyaway strands. It is important to recognize that washing your hair too often can also cause both dry hair and a dry scalp, which can lead to all sorts of problems like scalp irritations and flakiness.
Can lose moisture quickly
2c hair needs a lot of hydration than most other hair types to maintain shape and bounce.
How To Care for Type 2C Hair
Extra wavy hair like that of 2c hair needs enough moisture to hold its shape, without weighing it down, it also needs a proper routine for it to thrive, and below, we have shared a few hair care tips for you to follow in order to take care of your hair and create the best hair regime for your type 2c hair.
Focus On Maintaining Your Frizz
Your wavy strands tend to get fairly frizzy. It's best you use products that are lightweight and offer a way for you to control your frizz. There are a number of frizz products out there that will keep flyaways at bay and add some moisture back into the hair.
Keep Wash Days to a Minimum
For your hair type, you can get away with washing your hair two to three times a week. Doing it more will dry out your strands and leave them frizzy and unruly. The more you wash it, the more weighed down your strands will be.
Get a Cut
Haircuts might feel like a bad idea if you prefer long hair, but your waves will look best when cut or trimmed and styled with your wave pattern and bends in mind. An optimized cut for your wavy pattern, texture, and shape will give it from structure, volume and fullness.
opt For a Microfiber Towel
Consider using a microfiber towel instead of a traditional cotton towel. Microfiber towels are gentler on curls, reducing frizz and breakage. They absorb excess water quickly, ultimately helping with you spending less time being manipulated resulting in less frizz and better-defined waves.
Use Oils and Leave-In Conditioners
Oils and leave-in conditioners are normally recommended for people with type 2c hair because they help combat frizz, which type 2c hair types are prone to. Weekly oil treatments prior to shampooing, conditioning, or using a leave-in conditioner are suggested. The oil assists with filling the spaces inside the hair shaft to help keep shampoo and too much water from entering the hair shaft. Shampoo can be corrosive to the inside of the hair, as they can sometimes be harsh and strip the hair of its natural oils.
Try Deep Conditioning Masks or Pre-Shampoo Treatments
Products with hydrating properties tend to be good for type 2c hair. Consider using a deep conditioning mask once a week or every other week, depending on your hair’s needs to enhance manageability and moisture.
Find a Haircut and Style That Suits Your Waves
A great haircut helps you highlight your natural waves as well as avoid typical 2c challenges like frizz and poofy hair. For loose curls and open waves, the best shape is medium to long layers or stacking. Styles that add more volume to the crown and around the face are also the best hairstyles for type 2c hair as they help not to weigh the hair and make it look heavy.
What Are the Best Hairstyles and Cuts for Type 2C Hair
The Deep Side Part
A deep side part can really add some volume and dimension to your wavy hair. It is super fun for waves especially when you feel like whipping your hair back and forth.
Layered Bob
The right hairstyle can give you a head start on preventing typical 2C challenges, such as excessive frizz, fluffiness, and flatness at the crown. To maintain volume and bounce, curly hairstyles look best with layers. A shaggy bob is one of the best hairstyles for 2C hair, especially with layers.
Face Framing Cut
If you are not one for shaggy bobs or any short hairstyles, you can go with a face framing hairstyle that helps you to keep volume. Adding layers around the face accentuates your features and can keep even long hairstyles feeling light and bouncy.
Curly Bangs
Curly bangs are back, and your 2c hair is the hair for this hairstyle. You will look absolutely adorning with those phenomenal bangs.
Golden Highlights
If you want to make your 2C hair pop, consider adding some golden highlights to your hair. Your newly lightened curls will add some much-needed contrast to your hair.
Voluminous Curtain Bangs
If you are looking for a dramatic hairstyle, this is the one for you. Voluminous curtain bangs are absolutely gorgeous; however, it is going to take a lot of brushing and style heating to achieve this look, so don’t forget to use heat protectant to keep your tresses safe.
Best Products for Type 2C Hair
Sulfate and Paraben Free shampoo
Common hair care ingredients like parabens and sulfates can dry out the hair. This makes for a particularly bad combination with 2c hair, which is already prone to dryness. Always make sure you know what you are buying by reading the product label carefully so that you can avoid buying products that contain these harmful chemicals.
Hydrating Conditioner
Your 2C hair loves and craves moisture, so make sure you give your hair exactly what it needs by choosing ultra-hydrating and conditioning products. Your hair will thank you for retaining enough moisture, as it will not dry out too fast and will not leave it looking lifeless and brittle.
Defining Creams
The best styling products for type 2C hair are those that help you fight frizz, tame flyaway, and increase curl definition. Raking hydrating creams and balms through your damp hair with your fingers and then scrunching from the ends towards the roots can help you achieve a curlier look.
Gel and Mousse
While the choice of styling product depends on the look you want to achieve, gels and mousses can help define and hold 2C curls. Choose lightweight products with low amounts of alcohol to avoid weighing down or drying out your hair when choosing gel or mousse for styling.
Lightweight Oil
A nourishing, lightweight oil like argan, almond, and jojoba oil can make all the difference when it comes to treating your hair and sealing and retaining moisture. Hair oils are great options for softening and lubricating your hair and keeping your hair follicles healthy.
Hydrating Mask
Your 2c hair needs moisture, especially if you have been washing it frequently. It is advised to apply a hydrating and nourishing hair mask once a week, to treat your hair. Deep conditioning your hair softens and fights frizz, helping your hair look bouncy and luscious.
Ingredients to Look for And Ingredients to Avoid
Honey
If you want to amp up the volume on your hair’s hydration intake with a natural humectant, Honey should be your hair’s new best friend. Honey is ultra hydrating and conditioning and is used in various hair care products. Honey helps replenish moisture and promote softer, smoother, less frizzy-looking hair.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been used as a secret beauty ingredient because of its hydrating, soothing and healing properties. It is considered a vital ingredient for curls as it can provide natural conditioning to your hair, improving the appearance and texture of your curls. It boosts the circulation of blood to the scalp, improving your scalp health.
Due to the spiral structure of the curls, the natural oil from the scalp struggle to make its way through the hair and reach the tip of your strands. The porosity of your hair also plays a vital role in moisture retention in your curls. Using argan oil can aid in sealing moisture, decrease flyaways and reduce frizz, making your curls appear glossy.
Ginseng Root
Ginseng root is an ingredient that strengthens your hair and prevents split ends, it leads to less breaks in the hair. Ginseng is believed to increase the dermal cells on the scalp which, in turn strengthens the follicles and roots of the hair, it not only encourages the new growth of strands but also prevents hair thinning and breakage.
Ingredients to Avoid
Parabens
Parabens are used in many cosmetic products, as they provide preservative and fungicidal properties. While the function parabens provide is essential, there are studies that have proven their potential for irritation. Parabens are effective at preventing microbial contamination in cosmetics but can lead to allergic contact dermatitis.
Mineral Oil
Derived from petroleum, mineral oils are included in many haircare products for its moisturizing properties as it is cheap to manufacture. However, the use of any product with these clear and odorless chemicals can lead to product build up on your scalp leaving your hair lifeless and prone to scalp irritation.
Triclosan
This is a common antimicrobial chemical used in personal care products, but it is also known as an endocrine disruptor and skin irritant.
Retinyl Palmitate
This is considered a gentle version of retinol, but it is often added to personal care products in greater concentrations than retinol in order to be effective. It still has potential associations with developmental and reproductive toxicity and has been found to possibly enhance photo carcinogenicity, heightening the risk of cancer when exposed to UV rays.
Drying Alcohols
While not all alcohols are bad for your hair. Short chain acids found in alcohols like Benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol and propyl alcohol can have a quick drying effect on your hair and should be avoided in conditioners. They evaporate quickly and are used in hair products to help decrease the time it takes for a product to dry once applied or added to preserve the product. In turn the alcohols also evaporate the moisture from your hair and cause it to roughen, leaving it dry, brittle, and frizzy.
Mistakes To Avoid with Your Type 2C Hair
There’s no right or wrong way to do your type 2c hair, and everyone’s unique hair is different, which is why trial, and error is key. However, there are some tips that many people with 2c hair have found that haven’t benefited their hair, here are a couple of things people with 2c hair should stay away from doing to their hair.
Avoid Heavy Ingredients
Avoid products that contain heavy ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil if you want volume.
Taming Frizz with Oils
Hair oils are meant to seal in existing moisture and promote shiny hair, therefore, do not rely on oils to tame frizz or moisturize your hair.
Tight Hairstyles
Do not wear your hair up tightly on a regular basis, as this can lead to breakage.
Minimal Curling/Flat Iron usage
Avoid using heat tools like flat irons or curling irons if you want to maintain healthy hair and always remember your heat protector when using heat tools.
Recommended Hair Care Routine
Clarifying Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo plays a crucial role in your hair care routine. Your waves can be prone to product buildup, weighing them down and making them lose their natural bounce and definition. A clarifying shampoo helps to remove residue, excess oils and product buildup, allowing your waves to breathe freely and maintain their volume and shape. It is a step in keeping your hair fresh, vibrant and full of life.
Co-wash
Cleansing conditioners or co-washes are equally important in your hair care regime. Co-washes help maintain hair moisture, reduce frizz and enhance the natural 2C texture all while avoiding over-stripping of essential oils(sebum).
Hair Mask
Deep conditioners offer intense conditioning and repair when needed. They help restore moisture and strengthen wavy hair, particularly after exposure to harsh environmental conditions or when hair feels dry and brittle. Using deep conditioning as needed can revitalize and maintain the health of your 2C hair.
Moisturize
These specialized products are designed to enhance and define natural waves while minimizing frizz.
Hydrate the Hair
Keeping 2c hair happy means using hydrating and moisturizing products in every step of your washing, conditioning and styling regimen.
Regular Trimming
To prevent your 2c volume from flattening the top of your hair, consider trimming your ends regularly. Some may find this hard to believe, but trimming your hair gets rid of broken and split ends that could lead to more damaged hair. Nipping damage in the bud with a trim about once every season will keep the hair at its healthiest.
Stick to a Schedule
Your hair maintenance should be on a strict schedule. You will want to create a hair care routine that is maintainable for you so that your strands can reap all the benefits of your hard work. This will look different for everyone, so it is important to take your time. Once you find a schedule that works, stick to it.
Lifestyle Habits for Healthier Type 2C Hair
Get enough sleep
A good night’s sleep is important not only for your energy levels and concentration, but also for your hair. Sleep is a time when the body restores itself, and a lack of sleep can lead to elevated stress levels, which can ultimately cause thinning hair or hair loss. Remember your silk pillowcases to ensure you reduce friction and frizzy hair while sleeping.
Exercise regularly
Exercise regularly is the best way to maintain a healthy heart and blood circulation, which can help improve the scalp’s blood flow. This in turn aids in delivering essential nutrients to your hair follicles to keep your hair strong and healthy, while promoting new growth. So, make sure you find the right workout for you to get your heart pumping and your heart racing.
Eat a balanced diet
Hair needs vitamins and minerals in order to grow strong and healthy. Lack of essential minerals can cause conditions that lead to hair loss, such as iron-deficiency anemia. Restrictive diets, particularly those that eliminate entire food groups, could rob your hair of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, and you may notice thinning hair or patchy hair loss. Ensure you include plenty of natural sources of iron in your diet, such as red meat, eggs, and leafy greens, as well as plenty of protein.
Reduce Stress
Stressful life events happen all the time and to all of us. When you are under a lot of stress, it can affect your wellbeing, your skin, and your hair in more ways than you can imagine. Everyday stress is as much a factor as significant life events, and reducing your stress levels can help protect you against hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium. Explore ways to help you relax to help reduce the stress levels in your life.
Conclusion
Once the initial confusion of where you fall on the wavy hair spectrum you fall and figure out the nitty gritty of what makes up your 2c hair type, you will realize just how beautiful and manageable your hair is. You get to have beautiful locks without much effort, which is something most people desire to do with their hair. When you realize what a beautiful gift your hair is, it will become a joy to care for it and therefore allow your hair to grow effortlessly.
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