2B Hair Guide: Caring for and Styling This Hair Type (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.

Curious to find out which hair type you have?

If you have moderately wavy hair, then you may have the 2b hair type!

You’re lucky if you have 2b hair. Why, you ask?

First of all, you can effortlessly flaunt your natural beach waves. Secondly, this hair type is easy to maintain and style.

It’s also versatile, so it can be easily manipulated into different hairdos.

But for best results, you will still need to keep your hair healthy with proper hair care.

Ready to discover more about 2b hair? Read on to learn more!

What Is the Hair Typing System?

There are several hair types out there. And to gain a deeper understanding of 2b hair, it’s important to know how these hair types are categorized.

Back in the ’90s, Andre Walker, a famous hairstylist, established a hair typing system that grouped people’s hair into four main types.

These types are the following:

• Type 1 is straight hair
• Type 2 is wavy hair
• Type 3 is curly hair
• Type 4 is coily hair

There’s more beyond these types, though, as each of them is divided into three other subcategories: A, B, and C.

What Is Type 2B Hair?

Type 2b is one of the three subtypes under type 2 hair or wavy hair, which are 2a, 2b, and 3c.

If you want to spot 2b hair easily, you should watch out for these defining characteristics:

• S-shaped waves — 2B hair typically has S-shaped waves. It usually looks straight and flat near the roots but shows S-shaped waves as it grows out.

• Thick volume — 2B hair tends to have more volume and thickness than straight hair. The waves create a natural lift and bounce to the hair.

• Frizz and flyaways — This hair type can be prone to frizz and flyaways, especially in humid or damp conditions.

• Minimal curl definition — The waves of 2b hair usually have a looser curl pattern that forms waves rather than tight curls.

Additionally, because of the hair is straight and fine near the roots, this hair type can also become flat. If you know how to handle it properly though, this is an easy issue to avoid.

What Makes 2B Hair Different From Other Hair Types?

In a nutshell, the 2b hair type is different from the two other subtypes of type 2 hair in that it has a moderate S shape.

Meanwhile, 2a has loose, elongated S-shaped waves, while 2c has tighter, more defined waves.

Compared to 2a, the S-shaped waves of 2b hair are more defined, albeit not as tightly coiled as those with 2c hair.

However, like 2a hair, 2b also has flat hair nearer the scalp; the waves get more defined as the hair falls downward.

How To Take Care of 2B Hair

If you want to keep your hair healthy, proper 2b hair care is essential. By knowing the necessary steps, this becomes easy to do.

Here are some steps that you can take:

1. Hair Cleansing

If you have 2b hair, you’re prone to having too much sebum on your hair and scalp.

While it won’t be as much as those with straight hair, it can still weigh your hair down and make it look flat and greasy.

Additionally, dirt and flakes may get stuck in your hair for a long time, so cleansing or washing it regularly is a must.

However, you also need to keep in mind that you shouldn’t wash your hair too often.

This can strip your hair of its natural oils, causing it to become too dehydrated and suffer from frizziness as a result.

For best results, make sure to choose a shampoo that free of sulfates, which are ingredients that clean your hair but overstrip it.

Your chosen shampoo should be gentle enough not to strip too much moisture from your hair but still leave it fresh, clean, and volumized.

Additionally, wash your hair around two to three times a week.

You can also opt to get a deep conditioning treatment twice a month for healthier, softer hair.

2. “Plopping”

Looking for a way to help fully define your waves without using too much product?

Add the technique called “plopping” into your routine.

For this method, you need to wrap your hair with a cotton shirt or microfiber towel after washing it to let it dry.

This technique helps scrunch your waves naturally, helping define their natural S shape. It also minimizes frizz as you’re not exposing your hair to the heat of a blow-dryer.

3. Diffusing

If you have 2b hair, you would need a diffuser for your blow-dryer.

This attachment helps define your hair’s waves and gives your hair more volume while reducing frizz.

It does so by softening the airflow of your blow-dryer and ensuring even airflow distribution.

Dos and Don’ts of 2B Hair Care

To start creating your 2b hair routine, you must know what hair care steps and considerations you must remember. Create a routine to enhance your hair based on its strengths and weaknesses.

Luckily, 2b hair is a breeze to take care of. Nonetheless, you can help it reach its full styling potential and maintain its health properly.

Don’t worry; we’re glad to help.

Here are the dos and don’ts of maintaining 2b hair:

Dos of Caring for 2B Hair

• Use a shampoo and conditioner that are lightweight and hydrating. These hair care products help nourish your waves and properly moisturize them without being weighing them down.

• Detangle in sections. Wavy 2b hair can get tangled easily. However, detangling it too harshly or haphazardly with a regular brush can cause breakage.

  The right way to fix this is by using a detangling brush and dividing your hair into sections before detangling to make things more manageable.

  Then start brushing your hair from the bottom up, so you can work through the toughest tangles gently first without tugging on your hair.

  If your hair tangles are loose and easy to fix, a wide-tooth comb will suffice.

• Trim your hair regularly. Avoid neglecting the ends of your hair. By trimming regularly, you also reduce your likelihood of getting split ends.

  Usually, it’s best to trim your ends every two to three months.

Don’ts of Caring for 2B Hair

• Don’t overuse heat-styling tools. This tip goes for any hair type, as too much heat easily damages your hair strands.

  If you use these tools too much, your hair may become too dry and frizzy.

• Don’t use products formulated with harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals like sulfates, alcohols, and artificial fragrances can be too drying for your hair.

  They can strip away the moisture it needs to stay healthy.

• Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet and unprotected. Doing this can make your 2b hair frizzy.

  Also, your wavy hair may become more tangled instead of being more manageable.

• Don’t wash your hair daily. Overwashing can dry out your hair and make it more susceptible to damage.

  So stick to washing your hair no more than twice or thrice a week.

How To Style 2B Hair

For those with 2b hair types, make it your styling goal to enhance the natural S-shaped waves your hair has.

To take this up a notch, you need some anti-frizz products, a diffuser, and a wide-tooth comb.

If your hair is still wet, make sure to use a diffuser to dry it. While doing so, you can slightly scrunch up your hair with the diffuser to make your waves look more defined.

In case you’re having a bad hair day with some frizz, don’t hesitate to use anti-frizz products before drying your hair.

You can straighten your hair, but why would you? Using straightening tools or chemicals can damage your hair.

Instead, enhance what you’re naturally given and flaunt those waves.

Best Hairstyles for 2B Hair

Those with 2b hair can play around with a lot of hairstyles. For one, you can choose from many haircuts for 2b hair.

Looking for a new hairdo? Here are some of the best 2b hairstyles you can try:

1. Messy Beach Waves

This is a go-to for most people with 2b hair. After all, you don’t really have to do much since your waves fit this style well.

The most you have to do is help define those waves a bit more. Grab a sea salt spray, and give your hair a good spritz for more wave definition.

2. Medium-Length Haircut

Your hair type is considered to be the mid-point between pin-straight hair and curly hair. So your cut should also be the mid-point between short and long.

Shorter haircuts for your hair type may make your hair prone to frizziness, and longer haircuts would look flat and limp.

By contrast, a medium-length cut will eliminate those tendencies while helping show off your waves perfectly.

3. Half-Up and Half-Down Hairdo

People with 2b hair tend to have thick hair that may be intimidating to style. But do not fret: half-up and half-down hairdos may do you good.

You just need to put half of your hair up while leaving the other half down for this.

Doing so helps reduce the volume you need to work with while retaining enough to frame your face.

4. Layered Haircut

Getting a layered haircut is a good way to work your hair’s natural waves to your advantage. This type of cut will help add extra volume and dimension to your overall look.

For best results, find a hairstylist that specializes in cutting waves and curls.

They will use their expertise to give you layers that would work best for you.

Best Products for 2B Hair

Looking for products that can help you maintain your hair’s health? Look no further.

Here are some of the best 2b hair products that you can get:

Arguably the best shampoo for 2b hair you can get is this one from Redken.

Apart from being an effective hair cleanser, it also features babassu oil to help reduce frizziness.

On top of this, it has a gentle formula that won’t negatively impact your hair.

It doesn’t have sulfates, so you can use it freely knowing that your hair will maintain its natural smoothness and shine.

Looking to get those gorgeous, soft waves? This 2b hair product may be the right one for you.

This leave-in conditioner adds hydration to maintain your hair’s health and keep your waves super smooth. It also has natural nourishing ingredients that may encourage healthy hair growth.

Additionally, it can help detangle any nasty knots in your hair, making it easier to style.

This curl cream is a multitasker: it reduces frizz and provides you with soft waves that are easy to manage.

Additionally, this curl cream contains natural ingredients that help hydrate and nourish your hair.

It contains rice amino acids to fight frizziness, fermented tomato fruit extract to add moisture, and avocado oil to improve your hair’s texture and give it more shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My 2B Hair Always Frizzy?

When 2b hair is exposed to humidity or if it becomes too dry, it’s prone to frizziness.

So make sure to use anti-frizz products before going out of the house and avoid exposing your hair to too much heat.

Can People With Type 2B Hair Also Have Thick Hair?

Yes, people with 2b hair usually also have moderately thick hair.

This is because the waves give the hair more natural volume.

How Do You Sleep With 2B Hair?

The right sleeping accessories can help you prevent frizziness in your 2b hair!

As much as possible, use silk and satin pillowcases. These fabrics help reduce friction and don’t suck out too much moisture from your hair.

By using silk and satin, you’re not only helping reduce frizziness, but you also help minimize any breakage or damage to your hair.

Get Gorgeous, Well-Defined Waves

Having wavy hair is sought after by many people. It’s the happy middle between straight and curly, making styling effortless.

Even if it’s low-maintenance, there are many tips and techniques to remember when it comes to taking care of your wavy 2b hair.

We hope our article has helped you develop a care routine that will keep your tresses strong, shiny, and healthy and discover new styles you can try for yourself.

Now you can show off your gorgeous waves and embrace your hair’s natural beauty!

Want To Know More About Hair Care?

Check out these articles:

• Rod Sets for Natural Hair: Everything You Need To Know
• 9 Best Blow-Dryers for Straightening Hair Without Damage
• Bleach Bath for Hair: What It Is and How To Do It