Type 2a hair tends to lie flat at the roots and starts to form waves at eye-level. This gradual change in texture can make hair look inconsistent. The shape of these strands don't take on the slight curl pattern of 2c hair types nor do they have the definite wave texture of a 2b hair type.
Type 2 hair refers to wavy tresses. If you have hair that is straight from the roots to near the eyes and then falls into gently tousled waves, you have 2A type hair. It is best described as not quite straight and slightly curly hair. The slight S-shaped bends in the hair provide a natural bounce and body.
2a – the most subtle curly hair pattern/type, a slight wave or kink to the hair. 2b is loose and bendy S-shaped strands but still more of a wave than a curl. 2c are more defined S-shaped curls which start from the root.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 2A hair is fine and thin with individual strands forming an “S” shape when dry. It is easy to use styling products to curl or straighten Type 2A hair. Type 2B hair is wavy and slightly frizzier than Type 2A hair. When dry, individual strands create an “S” shape with some frizz.
The main difference is that 1C tends to be more coarse and thick, whereas 2A is a bit more fine and flat. 1C has some volume and body, but 2A doesn't. If you have more waves in your hair, you likely fall into the 2A category. If the waves are barely there and mainly underneath, you probably have 1C hair.
Type 2A hair can also be more likely to frizz than other hair types, simply because there's naturally less moisture stored in the hair, Rilington explains.
2A hair tends to have a tousled texture. 2B hair consists of 'S' shaped waves in the lengths, but sits relatively straight at the roots. 2C hair has even more defined 'S' shaped curls that start from the root and continue down the lengths of the hair.
Type 2A. Those with hair type 2A have a fine, barely-there tousled texture that's very easy to straighten. People with this texture have to be wary of using heavy styling products that can easily weigh their strands down, rendering them limp and lifeless.
Then we get deeper into texture; 2a wavy hair, specifically, is really loose waves. Your waves are wide S-curves that can be straightened in a flash. Your texture may be described as “tousled.” You have very little volume at your roots and you've probably found that some products weigh down your hair.
If you have type 2A hair, plan on washing your hair twice per week, advises Johnson. You'll want to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and rinse your hair with cold water to smooth strands' cuticles and seal in moisture, she says. Be sure to towel dry your hair thoroughly as soon as you're out of the shower.
Skip heavy styling products
They tend to weigh wavy hair down and make it appear limp and, well, greasy. Instead, the best 2A hair products are lightweight products that are water-based like leave-in conditioners, foams and ultra-light styling creams.
Type 2C waves are usually identified as small to medium size waves that form into a letter S shape as they grow. This shape borders between wavy and curly hair. Though for some this may already look like a typical curly hair, the 2C type does not form springs, a distinguishing feature between waves and curls.
"A great way to help natural texture and shape thrive for 2a hair types is to keep ends healthy and trimmed. If this hair type gets too long, it will look stringy and straggly. A good length for this hair type is shoulder or a little longer. This will help waves stay shapely with nice bounce and movement," she says.
In fact, many people with 2a waves see their hair as mostly straight with a slightly curly texture. It's kind of like your hair is neither here nor there, requiring products like mousse or gel stylers to give it a more defined wavy texture.
Curly hair and wavy hair tend to get a lot more frizzier when compared to straight hair. Your hair type is determined by the shape of your hair follicle. If you have a rounded follicle, your hair grows straight. If you have flat hair follicles, your hair type becomes wavy or curly, making it more prone to frizz.
1C hair is straight but thick and coarse. It has a natural tousled look and tends to frizz. Type 2 is wavy hair.
They tend to be straight at the crown and start forming a defined wavy texture at the midpoint of the locks that continues down to the ends. It has a moderate amount of volume and thickness and doesn't lose its shape easily. Even wet hair still maintains a noticeable wavy pattern.
Type 3a hair is characterized by well-defined spiral curls that are typically the size of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Although the circumference of 3a curls is wider than that of 3b and 3c hair, it can be difficult to tell the three curl types apart.
4. Use a silk or satin bonnet or headscarf. A bonnet or headscarf can do double duty protecting your hair. Not only do these hair accessories keep your hair from rubbing against your bedding and getting frizzy, they also keep your hair secure while you sleep, protecting your curls' shape.
Use a short sleeve t-shirt or microfiber towel to squeeze out the extra water. “Then, pull the shirt or towel over the nape of your neck, criss cross it towards the front of your head and flip it up gently,” Emilio says, and violà! You've plopped your hair. Leave hair plopped between 15 and 45 minutes, Emilio says.
Yes, but people with waves and looser curls (2A to 3B) will benefit the most from plopping. For those with tighter curls and coils (3C to 4C), it will dry your hair effectively, but can also lead to shrinkage, a loss of definition and tangles.
As you get older, your curls may drop, loosen, or even form new curl patterns due to hormonal changes, like menopause. Environmental factors such as gravity, climate, and pollution also play a part. The thinner and weaker your aging curly hair is, the less likely it is to actually curl.
3C hair is made up of well-defined, tight corkscrews or coils with lots of strands densely packed together. Their circumference is the size of a pencil or straw. 3C curls have a fine to medium texture. This curl type is prone to dryness, tangles, and lack of curl definition.