2C, with its distinct s-shaped curls, represents the most defined pattern within the spectrum of wavy hair textures. This natural texture, lying at the intersection of straight hair and more pronounced curls, showcases a stunning shape and character when given proper care.
However, without the right products, even this wavy hair pattern can appear dull and weighed down, losing its essence. Recognizing the unique needs of this curl type compared to straight hair and other wave patterns, in this post, I share my top 10 best product picks for 2C hair. These selections are designed to support your journey towards embracing and enhancing your healthy, natural waves.
Shampoos
Shampoo is a fundamental cornerstone of any effective hair care routine, used by everyone seeking healthy hair. However, the key to avoiding issues like oil stripping and dry hair lies in selecting the right product tailored to your hair’s specific needs.
Recognizing this, I’ve curated a list of my favorite products below, each a perfect complement to a holistic hair care regimen, especially designed for those with 2C hair.
1. Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo
I first tried the leave-in conditioner from Davines and loved it, so when I saw they had a shampoo available, I had to try it and it was a fantastic decision. A little goes a long way, and it moisturizes well, leaving my hair feeling clean and fresh, taming frizz, and maintaining hair health.
Pros: Clean, fresh scent
Cons: Pricey option
Considerations: No paraben or SLS
Key Ingredients: Almond extract
2. OUAI Detox Clarifying Shampoo
This is my choice of detox sulfate-free shampoo for my 2 C hair type. It isn’t harsh, so I can use it weekly, which I prefer because I find a lot of build-up from products, sebum, dry shampoo, and hard water. It is a chelating shampoo with agents to reboot and refresh your hair. It’s also safe for colored hair.
Pros: Deliciously scented
Cons: Pricey product
Considerations: No parabens, sulfates, or cruelty
Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar
Conditioners
Conditioner is an indispensable ally in nurturing your hair, offering essential softness, easing the detangling process, and restoring the moisture your hair shaft loses during shampooing. Understanding that each type of hair has its distinct structure and needs, I’ve meticulously chosen my favorite conditioners. These picks are crafted not only to nourish the hair shaft but also to enhance the unique characteristics of your hair type. Here are my favorite picks:
3. OUAI Hydrating Medium Conditioner
After getting the OUAI detox shampoo, I wanted to have a deeply hydrating conditioner to counteract moisture loss during chelation. I tried this lightweight conditioner and was immediately impressed. I found that this conditioner prevents my waves from falling flat and fights frizz and split ends.
Pros: Beautiful, lingering, but balanced scent
Cons: Price
Considerations: No parabens, sulfates, or cruelty and color safe
Key Ingredients: Babassu oil, coconut oil, kumquat extract
4. Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner
My motto is when in doubt, get Moroccanoil haircare. It will rarely steer you wrong. All their products are excellent, but this conditioner is my go-to for regular hair wash days.
Pros: Amazing, fresh scent
Cons: Pricier option
Considerations: Sulfate, phosphate, cruelty, and paraben-free
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, keratin proteins, and lavender, rosemary, chamomile and jojoba extracts
Leave-in-Conditioners
Among the mass of leave-in products, leave-in conditioner might just be my favorite all-rounder haircare product to help with moisture, fight frizz, hydrate, and define my wave patterns. These are my chosen options:
5. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Leave-In Conditioner
This product was founded for Black women to support African/mixed-race hair. I purchased it when my hair had terrible beach damage and felt like straw, knowing this deeply moisturizing formula for brittle hair would fix it – and it did! I always return to it when I feel my natural waves needs damage repair.
Pros: Powerfully strengthening
Cons: Heavy for wavy hair
Considerations: No parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils, or artificial colors.
Key Ingredients: castor oil, black cumin seed and ginger
6. Revlon Professional Uniqone Leave-in
I was initially skeptical about the ingredients and the buzz around purchasing it off a social media trend, but I was pleasantly surprised at the results. This product proved to be a great option, exceeding my expectations with its multi-functional benefits that 100% live up to the hype. It has not only reduced my hair fall and strengthened my strands but also effectively reduced frizz, amongst other significant benefits, solidifying its place as a reliable choice in my hair care routine.
Pros: Multi-functional
Cons: Pricey product
Considerations: Vegan-friendly
Key Ingredients: Silk amino acids, propylene glycol
Deep Treatments
Deep conditioning treatments include masks, oils, protein treatments, etc., that repair damage and nourish your hair to grow healthier. Here are my favorite choices:
7. Mielle Rosemary Oil
This is a supreme hair oil product in all its glory. It was the first Mielle product I tried, and I have no regrets. It helped reduce my hair fall and induce healthy hair growth. It also softened my damaged hair, improving how my hair feels to the touch. Even my 8-year-old with 2B hair and my partner with 3A hair use it; their hair has never been healthier.
Pros: Affordable
Cons: Mint can be strong for sensitive scalps
Considerations: No parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, paraffin, or animal testing
Key Ingredients: Biotin, rosemary, mint, with soybean, castor, and jojoba oil
8. Davines LOVE Curl Mask
With a combination of type 2 wavy hair, I have found many masks too heavy and weighing my hair down. But the Davine mask works perfectly for my texture. This deep treatment defines my wave patterns, preserves natural oils, nourishes my strands, strengthens my hair, and adds shine. My favorite aspect is how lightweight the formula is.
Pros: Rich in protein
Cons: Pricey option
Considerations: Clean, recyclable packaging, no parabens or SLS
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, almond extract
Stylers
Styling products are a matter of personal preference and the search for the best products can often feel overwhelming. From gels and mousses to curl creams and sprays, there’s a swarm of options available to help you start styling and holding your beautiful waves.
To assist in your search, I’ve carefully selected my top picks below, ensuring that you won’t be steered wrong in finding the products that are best suited for your needs:
9. Moroccanoil Curl Defining Curl Cream
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – Moroccanoil stands out as a premium choice. I have used the curl-defining cream for my 2 C waves for years, even before understanding the different curly hair types. This cream goes beyond just styling; it’s the best way to hold, define, and hydrate my wavy hair type. Moreover, it combats the ever-persistent enemy of frizz, while the argan oil within its formula works tirelessly to strengthen and repair my hair strands.
Pros: Signature scent
Cons: Expensive formula
Considerations: Paraben and phosphate-free
Key Ingredients: Argan oil
10. LUS Brands Irish Sea Moss Gel
Using a curly hair gel, especially when aiming for a firmer, longer hold, often leads to the best results. LUS, a remarkable curl-enhancing product, impressed me so much that I immediately purchased it for my sister’s 2A hair. It defines your curl pattern, whatever that may be, without causing crispiness. It also fights humidity and is super long-lasting.
Pros: No gel cast
Cons: Unspecified fragrance
Considerations: Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free. No sulfates, parabens, silicones, or phthalates.
Key Ingredients: Irish sea moss and acai, passion fruit & rice bran oil complex
Conclusion
You can find what products best suit your 2C hair from the suggestions above. Your hair no longer has to look unruly or dry and drab when you have the right formulas to give wavy hair types the best health, shine, bounce, and defined pattern.
