Wavy (Type 2A–2C)
Your hair forms S-shaped waves that lie fairly close to the head rather than springing into full ringlets. Waves are easily weighed down, so your routine is about volume and definition without weight: lighter products, smaller amounts and a little more cleansing than curls need.
- Product weight
- Light: mousse, foam, spray gel or a light gel
- Wash
- 2–3 times a week, sulfate-free shampoo on the scalp
- Deep condition
- Every other week, a light 10–15 minute mask
- Styling
- On soaking-wet hair: scrunch, then clip the roots
Where you fall: 2A, 2B or 2C
- 2A: loose, stretched S-waves from mid-length with flat roots. Usually fine and easily weighed down, so stick to very light mousse, foam or spray gel.
- 2B: clear S-waves from the mid-shaft with some frizz at the crown. Mousse or a light gel, plus a drop of oil on the ends.
- 2C: thick, defined waves with a few loose spirals that frizz easily. A light cream and a medium gel work, and dense hair can layer gel over mousse.
Care tips
- Style on soaking-wet hair: glide mousse or a light gel over the lengths with flat palms, then scrunch the ends up toward the scalp.
- Condition from the ears down only, with a nickel- to quarter-size amount. If waves look limp an hour after styling, halve it.
- Clip the roots at the crown while your hair dries, and diffuse on low heat and low speed if air-drying leaves them flat.
- Skip heavy creams, butters and coconut oil as a leave-in. One or two drops of argan or jojoba oil on dry ends is plenty.
- Clarify every two to three weeks if you use gel or have hard water, and sleep on satin with a loose braid or low pineapple.
