What Are Type 2 Curls? | Wavy Hair’s ABCs

Wavy hair sits in a category all its own between straight and curly. Type 2 curls are the official hair-typing name for waves, and they come in three distinct strengths: 2A, 2B, and 2C. Knowing which one you have changes everything about how you wash, style, and treat your hair — so here’s how to tell them apart and care for each.

The Three Subtypes: 2A, 2B, and 2C

The curl-typing framework used in most beauty coverage says the number names the curl family and the letter marks the pattern’s tightness, with A being the widest wave and C the tightest. Type 2 hair spans from fine and low-volume at the roots to coarse, frizz-prone waves as you move through the subtypes.

• 2A: Loose, subtle waves. The hair often sits flat at the roots and crown, with the wave showing mostly through the mid-lengths or ends.
• 2B: More defined S-waves. Roots stay relatively straight, but the wave pattern picks up around mid-length and holds its shape better than 2A.
• 2C: The tightest Type 2 wave. Waves can start right at the roots, the hair tends to be thicker and more voluminous, and it can blur the line into loose curls.

Type 2 hair is commonly described as ranging from fine to coarse and from low-volume to high-volume, frizz-prone waves as you move from 2A to 2C.

How To Tell If You Have Type 2 Curls

The easiest way to spot Type 2 hair is the S-shape. Hold a strand between your fingers — if it forms a gentle S rather than a tight spiral or a straight line, that’s a wave. The pattern typically starts lower on the head for 2A and 2B, while 2C can begin near the roots.

A common mistake is assuming all wavy hair is straight at the crown. That’s generally true for 2A and 2B, but 2C often shows a pronounced wave from the top of the head down. Another frequent mix-up is confusing 2C with loose Type 3 curls. The distinction: Type 3 hair forms defined spirals or ringlets, while 2C keeps that elongated S even at its tightest.

How To Care For Each Wave Pattern

Care for Type 2 hair comes down to matching product weight to your subtype. Too heavy a product flattens loose waves; too light a product leaves tighter waves frizzy and undefined.

For 2A, stick to lightweight products like mousses or sea-salt sprays that add texture without weighing down the wave. 2B benefits from definition-focused styling with frizz control, usually a light gel or cream applied to damp hair. 2C needs the most moisture: richer creams, leave-in conditioners, and stronger hold to manage frizz and keep the wave pattern intact.

If you’re ready to shop for a product matched to your specific wave pattern, our tested roundup of the best curl creams for type 2 hair breaks down which formulas work best for each subtype.

Two care rules apply across all three subtypes. First, avoid brushing dry waves — it breaks up the S-pattern and invites frizz; detangle with a wide-tooth comb while the hair is wet and conditioned instead. Second, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to cut friction that flattens waves overnight.

One caveat worth noting: curl typing is an informal styling guide, not a medical or safety classification. It describes how hair behaves so you can pick better products, but there’s no strict rulebook — plenty of people sit between subtypes.