2C Hair Type: What is it? How To Maintain It? (2024)

FAQs

What is 2C type hair? ›

Type 2C. Type 2C hair has defined waves that start at the roots, and is thicker than the other subcategories. This hair type starts to form loose spiral curls and has that “S” shape. Type 2C tends to be the most prone to frizz of the Type 2 category.

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.

Type 2C hair doesn't need to be washed often – As your scalp oils travel down your strands, they get stuck on your “S” shaped waves. As a result, type 2C hair doesn't get as oily as straighter hair. So, you can get away with washing your hair just once or twice a week.

Curl creams, gels, and serums are all great choices for 2C waves. These products will do a lot of the work for you so all you have to do is cleanse your hair, scrunch the products in, and air dry or diffuse dry.

That's why it's so important to incorporate hydrating hair products into your routine. Hydrating shampoo and conditioner sets and hair oils, in particular, are a great way to care for 2C hair, a.k.a. wavy hair or strands that fall somewhere on the spectrum between straight and 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.

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.

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.

Cantu Curl Activator is Perfect For:

Like I also mentioned above, it can get heavier for 2C & 3A hair type so test the amount of cream you need to take over a few weeks. I'm not saying wavy hair textures won't get fantastic results, because I have many readers with wavy or loose curls that LOVE cantu.

Washing your curls everyday can remove the natural oils of your curls and makes it difficult to retain moisture. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't wet your hair. "Rinse and condition more often; shampoo less," Hallman advises.

Is shea butter good for 2c hair? ›

Keep wavy hair looking and feeling its best with SheaMoisture Type 2 hair products, suitable for hair types 2a, 2b and 2c. Made with naturally-derived ingredients and certified organic shea butter, our products keep your waves frizz-free, radiant and moisturized.

Layers are a great way to define your curls, coils, waves, and ringlets. Layered hair allows curls to gain movement and retain bounce. Adding layers to naturally curl hair will promote definition, add texture, and help to shape your hair.

Type 2B hair is wavy and slightly frizzier than Type 2A hair. When dry, individual strands create an “S” shape with some frizz. Type 2C hair waves start from the scalp and are thicker than other Type 2 subcategories. This coarse hair type is the most prone to frizz and forms an “S” shape when dry.

On average, curls should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks. You know it's time for a trim, when curls begin to knot easily.

Ok, what if you're crunched for time and need a quick morning fix? DP: If you wake up with bedhead and have no time for a quick shower, try soaking your hair with water and brushing it down. You can do this by using a spray bottle of water, or by pouring water over your hands and applying it to your hair.

Air-drying your hair whenever possible is typically the best choice for curly-haired girls. To speed up the drying process, gently scrunch your curls and towel off the excess water with a microfiber towel before you air-dry your locks. A soft, cotton T-shirt also works well on wet hair.

What's the best curl activator? ›

Yes. The Cantu lines are safe for daily use. Even the leave-in conditioners and oil treatments will not damage your hair if used every day.

Unlike shampoo, conditioner can be used everyday, as it re-hydrates hair and replenishes nutrients. You might also want to consider conditioning on the days you don't shampoo (remember, keep that to two or three days a week). It'll help rinse away grime on the non-shampoo days, and re-hydrate following a shampoo.

Brushes For 2C Hair Types

For removing tangles or knots, you will need a detangling brush. A detangling brush can also help air-dry your hair faster. Opt for a vented ceramic brush or a round brush to increase hair volume and define your waves.

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 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. Even when your 2c hair is being unruly, don't take this hair type for granted.

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.