2C type hair is extremely wavy but not coily. The S-shape bends in the hair start off at the roots. These waves are defined and thick. The bends are looser and wider than the tighter structure of curly hair.
Like all type 2 hair, 2c hair is wavy, but that often feels like a technicality. Your S-bend hair is thick and the waves start at the roots. If you've ever been confused about whether your hair is wavy or curly, it's likely you have the 2c hair type.
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.
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 2c hair is the apex of waviness. Its ultra-defined natural waves are not easily ignored or erased. Through wind, rain, or shine, it's wavy texture will not lose its shape— though it may experience a little frizz or excess volume.
4. 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.
Since 2C hair has more open waves, you can use rollers paired with a curl-defining product to enhance its texture. Instead of rubbing your hair dry with a terrycloth towel, pat it dry or scrunch it with a soft cotton or microfiber towel. This prevents breakage, frizz, and tangles.
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.
Coily Curls
The last, but most rare type of curl is the coily curl. This curl type is similar to that of an afro and when observed carefully, looks like the angular letter 'Z'. These curls require the most amount of moisture, as the hair type is much thicker than the other curl types.
Medium or Normal hair texture is the most common hair type and it is not as fragile as fine hair. It can feel silky to the touch when it is straight and in healthy condition. Medium textured hair tends to hold style well, but can be prone to damage from high heat styling tools.
On a more technical level, round or triangular shaped cuts look great on 2c curls. If you prefer waves, you're better off keeping length and weight to pull it lower. My personal favourite look is the shag cut right now on 2c curls. We can even get away with a fringe – YAY.
If you have type 1, 2a, 2b, or 2c hair, you may not be able to get the waves to work. You can try, but you'll have much better luck if your hair is at least a 3a.
Should Hair Be Wet or Dry While It's Being Cut? This can depend on individual preference but generally, curly hair should be cut while it's dry. Each curl has its own individual pattern and one head of hair can even have multiple different curl patterns.
The Best Type 2C Curly Hair Products
A great moisturizing conditioner keeps frizz under control while locking moisture into the strands. This helps to keep your hair healthy. You can add a leave-in conditioner to your hair routine, or you can opt for a deep-conditioning treatment once every few weeks.
Out of all the hair types, types 4A, 4B and 4C are the curliest. They tend to form a compacted Z pattern, plus they have a high density that requires creams, gels and custards to hold their shape and reduce volume. Plus, due to the lack of cuticle layers, coily hair also requires extra moisture.
The story of human migration and evolution is written in hair DNA. In sub-Saharan Africa, genes favour tight, curly hair. But in east Asia, mutations have led to straighter, thicker hair. In Europe, other mutations brought wavy and straw-coloured hair.
Curly hair is not certain to a race or ethnicity, it appears all over the world in many forms. White, brown, black and everything inbetween! There is also a scale on which curly hair is classified (2a-4c).
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.
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.
For wavy 2A to 2C hair, aim for lighter products like the Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse, as recommended by Bergamy. "It adds moisture and is excellent at keeping curls and waves in place," she says. Expect supple, shiny hair that's frizz-free and far from stiff. Start by working the product from ends to roots.
The letter C– The letter, the latter part of the hair type, refers to the hair texture and compactness, putting 2C hair closer to curls than loose waves. 2C hair is more coarse than its A or B counterparts. The hair texture also takes on an S-shaped pattern of curls.
In my opinion, olive oil is the best all around--it nourishes the hair while adding softness and shine. Coconut oil is very popular because it strengthens the hair and can help add curl definition while fighting breakage.