You have 2B wavy hair! That means your strands are straighter at the roots but become wavier and “S”-shaped as they reach the ends. While this style naturally looks incredible, it requires special attention and care toto maintain beautiful waves.
All three wavy hair types are distinct. While they all possess similar textures, each has a slightly different look and behaves distinctively.
Natural Volume and Fullness
If your hair features an S-shape that gradually loosens at the ends, giving it a full beachy texture, you are likely a 2b wavy. As opposed to curlier types like 2a or 2c that tend to have tighter coils and spirals, mid-range wavy styles like this typically feature smooth waves without kinks for maximum control and minimal volume.
Your natural bounce gives your strands a full and healthy appearance without additional product or styling, making your locks one of the most versatile textures to style – effortlessly transitioning between bouncy ringlets or sleek straight coils for different looks.
Caring for wavy hair requires using products with lightweight formulas that keep it hydrated and healthy without weighing it down, such as sulfate-free shampoos, rich-moisture conditioners, and light heat-protecting hair spray. Avoid anything containing drying alcohols such as isopropyl or ethyl, as these will dry out the strands, leaving them behind dull, brittle, and frizzy strands.
Versatile Styling
2b hair offers the perfect in-between texture to experiment with various styling options for any occasion or preference, from straight blowouts and hot rollers for volume to using less heat for smoothing styles that look sleek. However, be wary that too much heat may cause your strands to lose their natural bounce!
A wavy bob is another fantastic choice for 2b hair types as it can be easily maintained using appropriate products and techniques. Utilize volumizing spray or mousse to define waves, then air dry or diffuse to eliminate frizziness.
Make the most of your wavy locks with highlights or balayage – lightweight products with water listed as their first ingredient will ensure that you won’t overload your strands with the product.
Less Oily Than Straight Hair
Though 2b hair doesn’t entirely fall between curly and straight categories, it still requires extra maintenance to remain looking sleek and healthy. Due to its medium texture and tendency for frizziness, 2b hair may become susceptible to frizzing when dehydrated. This process becomes especially noticeable once in the summertime when its moisture is depleted further.
To maintain beautiful wavy locks, aim for two or three wash days each week with sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping away natural sebum from your strands, leading to dry and brittleness.
Clarifying shampoo should also be used once every month to remove product buildup that weighs down waves and deprives them of their bounce, maintaining moisture levels in your locks while defining natural wave patterns. When styling, try creating a loose half-up ponytail as a face-framing look to add fullness. Finish it off with hairspray for extra hold and shine.
Chronic Dryness
Wavy locks tend to be more susceptible to dryness than their straight counterparts, necessitating regular maintenance to maintain health and look. A proper routine must be implemented to keep this hair type looking its best and maintain optimal appearance and health.
As 2b strands tend toward curlier textures, a leave-in conditioner or lightweight styling cream can help define and control their beachy waves. Furthermore, frequent washing strips away natural oils that nourish strands, leading to product buildup that weighs down the locks.
Based on your 2b strand’s density and porosity, clarifying shampoo can be helpful in clearing away residue and restoring shine. Opting for sulfate-free products will keep strands hydrated without feeling heavy.
