2A vs 2B vs 2C Hair: What’s the Difference?
There are four primary hair types: type 1, type 2, type 3, and of course type 4.
Each type is determined by the shape of the follicle. Knowing your hair type is important because it helps you determine what kind of hair care routine you need in order to maintain healthy hair.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between type 2a, 2b, and 2c hair and everything that you need to know about this hair type.
What Is Type 2 Hair?
Type 2 hair is a specific type of hair that is characterized by its thickness and coarseness. Type 2 hair is the second type of hair on the Hair Typing Chart. It is characterized by being wavy, with a “S” shape.
The individual strands are of medium thickness and can be either fine or coarse. Type 2 hair is generally easy to manage and style. There are a few different subtypes of type 2 hair, which include type 2a, type 2b, and type 2c.
Each subtype has its own unique characteristics that can impact the way it looks and feels. For example, type 2a hair is typically thinner and more fine-textured than the other types.
Type 2b hair is often referred to as “wavy” because of its wavy or curly texture. And type 2c hair is the thickest and most coarse of this types, making it the most difficult to manage.
Common styling methods for type 2 hair include: air drying, diffusing, curling with a wand or iron, and braiding. This hair type tends to hold styles well, but can also be prone to frizziness.
To combat frizz, it is important to use products that are specifically designed for wavy hair. These products will help to add moisture and definition to the waves. Next, we’ll take a closer look at each hair type!
What Is 2A Hair Type?
2a hair type is a slightly wavy hair type that can be easily straightened and has medium volume at the roots. It can also be enhanced with a range of hair products for curling.
2a hair type is commonly found in people of European descent. It is characterized by its fine, thin texture. They may require more conditioner to keep their hair looking healthy and shiny.
2a hair types typically have a hard time holding onto styles, but they can be easily straightened or curled with the right products.
Their natural wave pattern should be respected when styling 2a hair, as over-processing can lead to damage and breakage.
2a hair tends to be on the thinner side and can be prone to frizz. However, with the right products and styling techniques, this hair type can look fabulous.
If you have 2a hair, then you know that your waves can sometimes be difficult to manage. Here are some tips on how to style your 2a waves:
- Start by washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. This will help add volume and body to your waves.
- Once your hair is towel-dried, apply a wave-enhancing product to your damp hair. You can use a mousse, gel, or cream.
- Scrunch your hair with your hands to help enhance the wave pattern.
- Allow your hair to air dry or diffuse it on low heat.
- Once your waves are completely dry, you can style them as you like.
2a hair is a beautiful hair type that can be styled in many different ways. With the right products and styling techniques, your 2a waves will look fabulous.
What Is 2B Hair?
2B hair is wavy hair that is beginning to form S-shaped waves. The main difference between 2A and 2B hair is that 2B hair tends to be a bit more resistant to styling and can be prone to frizz.
2b hair is typically characterized by its S-shaped waves, which can range from loose and defined to tight and curls.
This type of hair is generally fine to medium in texture and density, and is often described as being “in-between” wavy and curly.
In terms of curl pattern, 2b hair typically falls somewhere between a 2a and a 3a on the curl spectrum. There are a variety of ways to style 2b hair, depending on your desired look.
For a natural and easy-to-achieve style, simply allow your hair to air dry after washing and applying the product.
If you want to enhance your waves or add definition, you can use a diffuser when blow drying, or try scrunching your hair with a towel after washing.
To achieve defined curls, you can use a curling iron or hot rollers. No matter what style you’re going for, be sure to use products that are specifically designed for wavy hair in order to minimize frizz and maximize definition.
When it comes to products, less is more with wavy hair. Start with a light-weight conditioner or on days when you don’t wash your hair, try a leave-in conditioner.
Apply a small amount of product to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Once your hair is about 80% dry, you can apply a curl cream or gel to help enhance your waves and add definition.
Be sure to avoid using too much product, as this can weigh down your waves and cause them to appear flat. If your hair is particularly frizzy, you can also try using a serum or oil before styling to help tame flyaways.
2b hair is a great option for those who want the best of both worlds – the natural look of wavy hair with the ability to style it into defined curls.
With the right products and styling techniques, you can achieve any look you desire with this versatile hair type.
What Is 2C Hair?
2c hair is a type of curly hair that is characterized by loose, spiral-shaped curls. This type of hair is often prone to frizz and can be difficult to manage.
However, with the right products and curl care routine, 2c hair can be beautiful and healthy. Once mastered, you will need to put a lot less work in throughout the week. You could get up to five or more days between washes if you treat your curls right.
2C wavy hair can be described as:
- S-shaped pattern when dry
- More wave than curl, but with more definition than 2A
- Can range from fine to coarse, and thin to thick
- Typically, frizz prone
The best way to style 2C waves is by using a leave-in conditioner and/or curl cream to add hydration, definition, and hold. Gels are typically not necessary but may be used for extra hold on particularly unruly days.
Remember, less is more with this hair type – too much product will weigh down your waves and cause them to fall flat. With the correct products and proper curl care, 2c hair can not only be beautiful but also healthy.
Once you have mastered your routine, you won’t need to put in nearly as much effort week-to-week. If treated properly, your curls could last up to five or more days between washes.
2A vs 2B Hair
2a hair is classified as having a fine, thin texture with some wave pattern to it. 2b hair is also fine, but has a more distinct “S” shape to the waves. Both types of hair can be prone to frizz and may benefit from products that help to control flyaways.
So, 2a and 2b hair types are both considered to be wavy, but there are some subtle differences. 2a hair is typically finer and more delicate, while 2b hair is a bit thicker and has a bit more body.
Both types of hair can be styled in a variety of ways, but those with 2a hair may need to take special care to avoid damaging their delicate strands.
2B vs 2C Hair
2b hair is fine and has a medium to low curl pattern. 2c hair is a type of curly hair that is characterized by tight, spiral-shaped curls. Both types of hair can be difficult to manage, but 2c hair may be more prone to frizz and tangles.
Both types of hair can be styled in different ways. 2b hair may be easier to style because it does not have as much of a natural curl. 2c hair may require more styling products to help control the curl.
FAQ
Is my hair 2A 2B or 2C?
2A hair is characterized by its 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. All of these types can be found on the curl spectrum.
Can you have 2 hair types?
It’s not uncommon for naturals to have multiple hair types or curl patterns. Oftentimes, you might have a tighter curl pattern in one area and looser curls throughout the rest of your hair (or vice versa).
Summary
There are a few different types of wavy hair- 2a, 2b, and 2c. Each type has its own unique characteristics and can be styled in different ways. All three types can be prone to frizz, but the best way to control flyaways is by using the right products.
Be sure to avoid using too much product, as this can weigh down your waves and cause them to appear flat. With the correct products and proper curl care, you can have beautiful, healthy waves!
Also read:
- Best Hair Straightener & Curler Combo
- Best Flat Irons for Beach Waves
- Best Shampoo for 4c Hair
- Black People With Red Hair
- Black People With Blonde Hair
- Can Black People Have Straight Hair
- How Long Do Faux Locs Last
- How Often Should You Wash 4C Hair
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ToggleAllyson Carter
Ally is a professional hairstylist with more than 6 years of experience, but hair has been her passion since early childhood. Here, at Hair Spies, she blogs about all things hairdressing, hair tools, and everyday hair care. Read more about Allyson here.