2A Hair Comprehensive Guide
April 11, 2023
by
Verna Meachum
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Last Updated on April 19, 2023 by Verna Meachum
If you have slight curls in your hair and are unsure whether to follow curly hair care methods because it doesn’t look curly enough?
You might have a version of wavy hair called 2A hair. You’re probably wondering what 2A hair is, how to know if you have it, and how you should care for it.
2A hair is wavy hair that looks like natural beachy waves. It is between curly and straight with flat roots, and the bottom of the hair has an S-shape. It can be frizzy, is generally low density, and sometimes looks weighed down if not cared for or styled correctly.
In the information below, we dive further into what precisely 2A hair is, why it’s called that, and how to identify if you have it.
We also guide you on the best techniques to care for your 2A hair.
2A Hair Explained
There are 4 categories of hair, ranging from type 1 to 4, with 1 being straight, 4 being coiled, and 2 and 3 being wavy and curly, respectively. 2A falls under type 2, also known as wavy hair. Type 2 wavy hair has 3 subtypes; 2A, 2B, and 2C.
The term 2A is simply used to identify the subtype of wavy hair. It refers to hair with a curl but not enough to recognize it as curly. It is also partially straight but not straight enough to fall under the type 1 category. 2A hair is the loosest wavy hair type.
2A hair looks like it has s-shaped tresses towards the middle of your hair and downwards. The top may be slightly flat and straight. The somewhat wavy tresses add a little volume and bounce to your hair, giving you that natural beachy look.
How To Identify If You Have 2A Hair
If you want to know whether your hair falls under subtype 2A and how you can figure that out, here are some factors to consider:
• Your hair seems straight but is never actually entirely straight.
• There is always an s-shaped bend in your hair, sometimes making it seem like your hairband has left bumps after removing a ponytail.
• Your hair is low in density, making it look and feel fine and thin. (This is not always true for 2A hair).
• You think your hair frizzes easily, especially around the wavy section.
• Your hair never seems like it fits into the straight or curly categories.
• There is a slight bounce in your tresses.
• Only blow drying or ironing your hair helps to smoothen and straighten it out completely.
It is easy to get confused between 1C, 2A, and 2B, but here is how you can differentiate between them and identify your type 2A hair:
• 1C hair is considered straight hair. It is wavier than the other straight types, but 1C will have hair that lies flatter at the roots and has a couple of bends through the midsections. It will often look unbrushed if you look at it from a straight hair perspective and is not wavy enough to match 2A.
• 2B hair is curlier than 2A. It has full-on waves, albeit loose. The hair is straight at the roots and has an average curl diameter as the hair falls from the center of the head. This hair texture is closer to the wavier type, like 2C, than 2A.
How To Care For Your 2A Hair Type
Once you have figured out that you have type 2A hair, you want to ensure that you follow proper hair care methods. This will help maintain natural waves without looking dull, flat, and lifeless. Hair care for wavy hair is different from straight and curly hair.
There is not much to do with straight hair. You can pretty much brush it out and be ready for the day. Curly hair (with proper care) tends to look voluminous, luscious, and always styled. But wavy hair needs extra love and attention to give it a boost.
Here are 4 ways to care for your type 2A hair:
1. Wash Your Hair 2-3 Times A Week
Over-washing can cause dryness, fizziness, hair fall, and breakage. But try not to go more than 3 days without washing.
Wavy hair allows oils to pass down more easily, causing weighted lifeless tresses and greasiness, primarily if you use products in your hair.
Avoid excessive conditioner, which can wear your hair down, and use shampoo primarily on your scalp.
Give your hair a cold rinse before you leave the shower to lock in moisture, provide shine, and “seal” the hair cuticles. Dry shampoo works great between washes to refreshen your scalp.
2. Drying Your Hair
Plopping your hair is a great technique to minimize frizz and lock in moisture. You can follow up with air drying or diffusing your hair.
Use an old T-shirt to plop your hair. Not only will this method prevent stretching and tangling your wet hair – but trust me, it’ll save you tons of time too!
Diffusing with a blow dryer will evenly disperse heat around your head, avoiding possible damage. It’s also an excellent way to add more body and lift to your hair!
When diffusing your hair, use either a low or medium heat setting and never more than that.
Also, use a heat-protectant product before applying heat to your hair.
3. Avoid Heat Appliances
Heat can damage your hair, and it is not necessary to use a straightener or curler on 2A hair. Heat can make it look limp, frizzy, and dry.
If you wish for your waves to look their absolute best, using hot styling tools such as straighteners or curlers can alter the natural appearance of your hair.
Moreover, utilizing heat over a prolonged period will strip away its unique texture and form.
4. Use Wavy Hair Products
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are a must, especially for wavy hair. But it is also essential to keep your 2A hair well-moisturized with a detangling conditioner.
2A wavy may not need as much moisture as curly hair, but hair masks are helpful to keep your hair hydrated, avoid frizziness, and prevent breakage throughout the week.
When you step out of the shower, a good leave-in conditioner is also a good idea. Leave-in conditioners help to restore and maintain moisture levels in wavy hair, as well as protect it from the elements.
By ensuring your waves stay moisturized, you’re able to achieve more definition and less frizz.
5. Ensure Protection During Sleep
It is easy for your hair to get damaged when sleeping. Your hair can also lose its natural waves with the friction against your cotton pillowcases at night.
Silk or satin pillowcases are safest to ensure not only healthy hair but also healthy skin!
Another technique to protect your hair when you sleep is to use a silk or satin scarf/bonnet and wrap your head in it.
This will prevent your 2A hair from tangling up and create a smooth surface for your hair to lie on. This will also keep frizz away and maintain the natural wave pattern of your hair.
6. Avoid Using Too Much Product
For those with thinner, finer strands of hair, loading on the products can have disastrous results. Too many styling agents will only weigh down your waves and leave them looking limp and lifeless – not exactly the look you’re aiming for!
So when prepping for a night out or an important event, skip the heavy-handed approach to avoid this undesirable outcome.
Is it Possible To Make 2A Hair Curlier?
Yes, it is possible to make wavy hair curlier with the right styling techniques and products.
If you have 2A hair, then you know the dread of flat roots! Adding a volumizing product to your routine can restore body and bounce, or try using a mousse for an instant lift.
Using gels and scrunching hair with your hands in an upward motion can enhance the natural waves in 2A hair and set your style in place.
You could also try sea salt sprays, curling creams, and curl-enhancing products for more defined waves.
A curl activator hair cream, otherwise known as a curl enhancer, can help you bring out the natural waves of 2A hair and make it appear curlier.
What’s The Difference Between Fine Hair, Thin Hair, Coarse Hair, and Medium Hair?
Hair texture can vary, falling into three different categories: fine, medium, or coarse.
Fine Hair
Fine hair has a smaller circumference than coarse or medium hair. Its texture is fragile, delicate, and feels silky to the touch. Fine hair is also more prone to breakage and damage.
To one’s surprise, those with fine hair can have just as much or more than people with thicker textures. For example, I have fine hair, and I have a lot of it.
Medium Hair
Medium hair is somewhere in between fine and coarse hair. It’s neither too thin nor too thick, but somewhere in the middle.
Medium-textured hair is the most typical type, but it’s not as fragile as fine strands. It tends to hold hairstyles well.
Coarse Hair
Coarse hair is composed of three distinct layers – the cortex, cuticle, and medulla. The core of the hair shaft, the medulla, is composed mainly of air pockets and protein that give hair its thick look.
Compared to other textures, coarse hair has the widest diameter and is thus especially susceptible to evaporating moisture and developing dry ends.
If your hair is thick and voluminous, chances are you have coarse hair. To determine if it’s true, simply take a few strands between two fingers and assess the texture – does it feel rough to the touch?
Thin Hair
Many times, folks mix up fine hair with thin hair. While they can appear the same, there’s a difference!
Thin hair has to do with density. Thin hair has fewer strands per square inch. Put simply, how much hair is on your head.
2A Hair Products
The best products for 2A hair are lightweight, moisturizing, and curl-enhancing. You want to use products that will moisturize and nourish your hair without weighing it down.
Do some trial and error with different products to find the ones that best suit your hair type and texture. Even though the products listed below work for most 2A hair, everyone’s hair is different and certain products may have different results for different people.
To get you on your way, here are some product ideas including the ingredients in each one:
Shampoos
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Cocamide MEA, Decyl Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Laureth-4, Polyquaternium-7, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Panthenol, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Perlite, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hylocereus Undatus (Dragon Fruit) Fruit Extract, Paullinia Cupana (Guarana) Seed Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract, Vinegar (Acetum), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Limonene.
Bouncecurl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
Ingredients: Water, **Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, **Decyl Glucoside, **Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, **Glycerin **Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, **Propanediol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Polyquaternium-10, **Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Biotin, **Vanillin, **Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein, *Nigella Sativa (Virgin Black Cumin) Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, **Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, **Boswellia Carterii Oil, **Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, **Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, **Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, **Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, **Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, **Geranium Maculatum Oil, **Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, **Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, **Pogostemon Cablin Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Oil, ** Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Caprylyl Glycol.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Mandarin Orange Fruit, Organic Marigold Flower, Organic White Willow Bark, Organic Sea Kelp, C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut Derived), Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Sea Salt, Phenoxyethanol and Natural Fragrance.
Conditioners
TWIST Weather Or Not Element Defying Conditioner
Ingredients: Aqua/Water Cetearyl Alcohol Glycerin Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Behentrimonium Methosulfate Stearalkonium Chloride Glyceryl Stearate Isopropyl Palmitate Phenoxyethanol Fragrance Stearamine Oxide Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Benzyl Alcohol Hydroxyethylcellulose Polyquaternium-7 Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Coconut Alkanes Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylates Copolymer Cetrimonium Chloride Isohexadecane Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Ceramide AP Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Coceth-7 Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Hydrolyzed Quinoa Sodium Benzoate Sericin Potassium Sorbate Benzyl Salicylate Hydroxycitronellal Limonene.
Ingredients: WATER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, CETYL ALCOHOL, STEARYL ALCOHOL, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, GLYCERETH-26, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HONEY, HYPNEA MUSCIFORMIS EXTRACT (SEAWEED), GELIDIELLA ACEROSA EXTRACT (SEAWEED), SARGASSUM FILIPENDULA EXTRACT (SEAWEED), SORBITOL, SILK AMINO ACIDS, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, URTICA DIOICA (NETTLE) EXTRACT, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), PANTHENOL (VITAMIN B5), ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SORBIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM PHYTATE, FRAGRANCE.
By boosting the absorption rate through hair layers, this product efficiently moisturizes. Penetrating the hair to increase moisture content and prevent split ends.
Dry, frazzled, or kinky-coily hair is suitable for this conditioner.
Raw Curls Wavy Swavy Conditioner
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Glycerin*, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract*, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Centella Asiatica Extract*, Panthenol, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Passiflora Edulis (Passion Fruit) Seed Oil, Oriza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Pulp Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Olea Europa (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol, Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil*, Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract. *CERTIFIED ORGANIC.
Leave-in Conditioners
BRIOGEO Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate*, Isopropyl Palmitate*, Glycerin*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract*, Cetrimonium Chloride, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil*, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin Oil*, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil*, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Citric Acid*, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate*, Caprylhydroxamic Acid*, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Alcohol*. *Coconut, vegetable, or plant derived.
Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner
Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), *Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Cetrimonium Bromide, Natural Fragrance, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol. *USDA Certified Organic.
Ingredients: Water / Aqua / Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fragrance / Parfum, Quaternium-91, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, Tamarindus Indica Extract, Panthenol, Cetearamidoethyldiethonium Succinoyl Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Pca, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Histidine, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Cetrimonium Chloride (Anti-Static Agent/Agent Antistatique), Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Polysilicone-29, Behentrimonium Chloride (Anti-Static Agent/Agent Antistatique), Myristyl Myristate, Silicone Quaternium-16, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Undeceth-11, Butyloctanol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Undeceth-5, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Phenylalanine, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Acetic Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Bht, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Citronellol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citral.
Redken One United All-In-One Leave In Conditioner
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocos Nucifera Oil/Coconut Oil, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium-37, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Parfum/Fragrance, Acetamide Mea, Lactamide Mea, Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Trideceth-6, Behentrimonium Chloride, Xylose, Lactic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Apha-Isomethyl Ionone, Viola Odorata Extract-Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide.
Creams
Ingredients: water, soy amino acids, glycine soja (soybean) seed extract*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, passiflora incarnata fruit (passion flower) extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter*, coco-caprylate*, hydrogenated brassica campestris (rapeseed) seed oil, zea mays (corn) starch*, hedera helix (ivy) extract, symphytum officinale leaf extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria), salix alba (willow) bark extract*, camellia oleifera leaf extract, theobroma grandiflorum (cupuacu) seed butter*, vitis vinifera (red grape) seed oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, juniperus virginiana (cedarwood) oil, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) leaf oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, citrus limon (lemon) peel oil, lavandula hybrida oil, commiphora guidotti, pelargonium graveolens (geranium) flower oil, citrus aurantium (neroli) oil, dehydroacetic acid*, benzyl alcohol*.
SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream
Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut ) Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Magnifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Persea Gratissima (Avacado) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Silk Protein, Ammonium Salt, Melia Azadiratcha (Neem) Seed Oil,Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed oil, Sorbitol Esters, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5), Caprylyl Glycol, Essential Oil Blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) Flower (and) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hibiscus Flower Extract *Certified Organic Ingredient.
LUS Brands Love Ur Curls All-in-One Styler for Wavy Hair
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-7, Cetrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance/Parfum.
For more curl defining creams for wavy hair, be sure to check out my post – Best Curl Cream for Wavy Hair: Our Top 20 Picks!
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Diheptyl Succinate, Coco-Caprylate, Bis-(Isostearoyl/Oleoyl Isopropyl) Dimonium Methosulfate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui Butter), Butyrospermum Parkii (***Shea) Butter, *Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, *Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Red) Peel Oil, *Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, *Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange Sweet) Peel Oil, *Origanum Majorana (Marjoram Sweet) Leaf Oil, *Michelia Alba (Magnolia) Leaf Oil, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, *Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, *Styrax Tonkinensis (Benzoin) Resin Extract, *Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Leaf Oil, *Michelia Alba (Magnolia) Flower Oil, *Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Fruit Oil, *Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Oil, Tocopherol, **Limonene, **Linalool, **Geraniol.
Deep Conditioners
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Betaine, Cetyl Esters, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Quaternium-91, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Phytosterols, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ppg-1 Trideceth-6, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Abies Balsamea (Balsam Canada) Resin, Limonene. *Certified Organic.
This formula gives curls a deep-down hydrating fortifying treatment. The powerful penetrating conditioner is a wonderful blend of coconut, sugar cane, green tea, apple, and lemon extracts, shea butter, vitamin E, and proven hair fortifiers.
It moisturizes deep within the hair shaft and smooths and aligns the cuticles. If you need a list of protein-free deep conditioners, click here.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Brassica Alcohol*, Cetyl Alcohol*, Propanediol*, Stearyl Alcohol*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Panthenol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate*, Biotin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein*, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein*, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein*, Panax Ginseng Root Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Laurus Nobilis Leaf Extract*, Palmaria Palmata Extract*, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*, Cetyl Esters*, Isododecane, Cetrimonium Chloride*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Behentrimonium Methosulfate*, Brassicyl Isoleucinate Esylate*, Citric Acid*, Isopropyl Myristate*, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin*, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol
*Coconut, vegetable, or plant derived.
INNERSENSE Organic Beauty – Natural Hydrating Hair Mask
Ingredients: water water aqua- eau, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, carthamus tinctorius (safflower)seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, cocos nucifera (coconut oil)*, behentrimonium methosulfate, cananga odorata flower oil, lavandula angustifolia, stearalkonium chloride, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil*, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil*, salvia sclarea (clary) oil, vanillin, pogostemon cablin oil, glycine soja oil, cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)*, sodium benzoate, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract, potassium sorbate, calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu) oil*, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, linum usitatissimum (linseed) seed oil, camellia japonica (camellia) oil*, oryza sativa (rice) extract*, persea gratissima (avocado) oil*, sodium pca, sodium lactate, arginine, aspartic acid, pca, glycine, alanine, serine, valine, proline, threonine, isoleucine, histidine, phenylalanine, citric acid, oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil*, panthenol (vitamin b-5), taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, melissa officinalis leaf extract, hydrolyzed quinoa, vacciniumm myrtillus (bilberry) fruit extract, saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract, acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, citrus limon (lemon) fruit extract. *Certified Organic.
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Laurus Nobilis (Bay Laurel) Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Althea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Cinnamal, Citral, Eugenol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.
Mousse/Foam
Innersense Organic Beauty – Natural I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, pullulan, galactoarabinan, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, glycerin, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate, hydrolyzed rice protein, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, sorbitol, potassium sorbate, cananga odorata flower oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, salvia sclarea (clary) oil, vanillin, pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil, glycine soja (soybean) oil, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, sorbic acid, citric acid, diheptyl succinate, capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, macelignan, tocopherol, linalool, limonene.*Certified Organic.†A natural component of essential oils.
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse
Ingredients: WATER (AQUA), POLYQUATERNIUM-46, ISOBUTANE, PROPANE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, OLETH-20, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, BENZOPHENONE-4, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL.
Pantene Pro-V Curl Mousse to Tame Frizz
Ingredients: Aqua, Propane, Polyquaternium-4, Butane, Isobutane, Propylene Glycol, C9-11 Pareth-8, DMDM Hydantoin, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Hexyl Cinnamal, Panthenol, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Amyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citric Acid.
Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, VP/VA Copolymer, Isobutane, Propane, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Oleth-20, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-4, Laureth-4, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Bromide, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silicone Quaternium-3, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trideceth-12, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyurethane-14, Alcohol Denat., Silicone Quaternium-16, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Undeceth-11, AMP-Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopherol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Butyloctanol, Undeceth-5, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Acetic Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citral.
Gels
dippity-do Girls With Curls Gelée
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, PVP, Sorbitol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Parfum/Fragrance, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Benzophenone-4, Benzyl Benzoate, Red 33 (Ci 17200).
TWIST Weather Up Gel Weightless Curl Defining Gel
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-37, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, PVP, Isoceteth-20, Polyquaternium-7, Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sericin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, PVP, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Itaconate Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200).
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Polyquaternium-69, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-11, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Alcohol.
Giovanni L.A. Hold Styling Gel Curl Keeper Original
Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), VP/VA Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose (Plant Derived), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Fragrance (Includes Essential Oils), *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, *Betula Alba Extract, *Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, *Achillea Millefolium Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract.
FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Style 2A Hair?
The best way to style 2A hair is to use products that will enhance your natural texture without weighing it down.
Use lightweight creams and gels, mousses and foams, and leave-in conditioners to define your waves. You can also scrunch your 2A hair in an upward motion to increase volume and definition.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different products until you find the ones that work best for your hair type.
Are There Any Tips For Keeping Hair Healthy?
Yes, there are several things you can do to keep your hair healthy: use heat protectants when using heat tools, avoid over-washing your hair and use a sulfate-free shampoo, use a deep conditioner once or twice a week, and don’t forget to trim your ends regularly.
Additionally, try to limit the number of chemical treatments you do on your hair.
What Is The Best Way To Maintain Waves?
For 2A hair in particular, you want to make sure that your waves are hydrated and moisturized.
Use products that contain natural oils, such as coconut oil or argan oil. Additionally, consider using a diffuser when drying your hair to help preserve the shape of your curls.
Finally, use curl-enhancing techniques such as scrunching to help keep your wave pattern intact.
Conclusion
2A is a beautiful natural loose-waved hair type that looks like beachy waves if cared for properly. It is in between the categories of straight and curly.
Identifying your hair type and understanding how 2A hair functions are essential to maintaining bouncy waves and overall healthy hair.
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I read books and tried doing things because "that's what I'm supposed to do," but it didn't always work and I didn't understand why. I'm so grateful for Verna and her blog. Her info. actually helped me understand more of the science of why some methods helped and what products or ingredients to use and why. Anyone that compliments my hair and wants to start a curly journey, I tell them to start here. My hair is so much healthier and I'm so happy with it.
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