Fact Checked & Reviewed By Jerika Bulala
Jerika is a chemist with almost 10 years of experience. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry…
If your hair looks mostly straight at the roots but bends into soft, loose waves through the mid-lengths and ends, you may have 2A hair. This wavy hair type often sits in that confusing space between straight and curly, which can make it hard to know whether you need a curly hair care routine, a wavy hair routine, or something much lighter.
2A hair is the loosest type of wavy hair. It usually has a gentle S-shape, flatter roots, and a soft beachy wave pattern rather than defined curls. Because the wave pattern is subtle, 2A hair can easily look flat, frizzy, stretched out, or weighed down when the wrong products or techniques are used.
The goal with 2A hair care is not to force your hair to behave like curly hair. It is to support your natural waves with lightweight moisture, gentle styling, and products that add definition without heaviness.
Below, we’ll cover what 2A hair is, how to tell if you have it, how it compares to 1C and 2B hair, and the best ways to build a simple wavy hair care routine that helps your natural waves look soft, defined, and healthy.
What Is 2A Hair?
There are four general hair type categories. Type 1 is straight, Type 2 is wavy, Type 3 is curly, and Type 4 is coily.
2A hair falls under the Type 2 category, which means it is a wavy hair type. Type 2 hair is often divided into three subtypes: 2A, 2B, and 2C. Of these, 2A hair has the loosest wave pattern.
2A hair typically looks straighter near the roots and forms a soft S-shape from the mid-lengths to the ends. It may have a natural beachy look, but the waves are usually not as defined or structured as 2B or 2C waves.
Because 2A hair has a softer wave pattern, it can be easy to accidentally weigh it down with heavy creams, butters, oils, or too many styling products. It can also frizz easily, especially when the hair lacks hydration, has buildup, or is exposed to humidity.
How to Identify 2A Hair
If you are trying to figure out whether your hair is 2A, look at how it behaves when it air-dries without heat styling.
You may have 2A hair if:
- Your hair looks almost straight at the roots but forms soft bends or waves through the lower lengths.
- Your hair is never completely straight, even when you brush it.
- You notice a loose S-shaped pattern, especially after washing.
- Your hair gets frizzy around the wavy areas.
- Your waves fall flat easily with heavy products.
- Your hair feels like it does not fully fit into the straight or curly categories.
- You need heat tools or blow-drying to make it look completely straight.
One important note: 2A hair is often fine or lower density, but it does not have to be. You can have 2A hair that is fine, medium, coarse, low density, high density, or somewhere in between.
1C vs. 2A vs. 2B Hair: What’s the Difference?
It is easy to confuse 1C, 2A, and 2B hair because they can look similar, especially when hair is brushed out or styled with the wrong products.
1C hair is still considered straight hair. It may have some bends through the mid-lengths and ends, but it does not usually form a consistent S-shaped wave pattern. It may look slightly tousled or “unbrushed,” but it still behaves more like straight hair than wavy hair.
2A hair has a soft, loose S-shape. The roots are usually flatter, while the waves appear more clearly through the middle and ends. It is the lightest and loosest wavy hair type.
2B hair has more defined waves than 2A. The wave pattern usually starts higher up on the head and holds more shape. 2B hair may also be more prone to frizz because the wave pattern is stronger and more textured.
How to Care for 2A Hair
Once you know you have 2A hair, the next step is building a routine that supports your waves without flattening them. Wavy hair care is different from both straight hair care and curly hair care because 2A hair often needs definition, but not too much weight.
Here are the most important ways to care for your type 2A hair:
1. Wash Your Hair 2–3 Times a Week
Overwashing can contribute to dryness, frizz, breakage, and a rougher feel. At the same time, 2A hair can get weighed down quickly because scalp oils often travel down looser wave patterns more easily than they do with tighter curls.
For many people with 2A hair, washing about two to three times per week works well. If your scalp gets oily faster, you may need to wash more often. If your hair feels dry or fragile, you may need to stretch wash days slightly.
Focus shampoo mainly on your scalp, then let the lather rinse through the lengths. Avoid using too much conditioner near the roots, since this can make 2A hair look flat.
A cool rinse at the end of your shower may help the hair feel smoother and shinier. This practice is supported by several journal articles 1,2 which confirm that temperature can significantly affect the cuticle structure, depending on the extent and duration of heat or cold exposure.
Dry shampoo can also help refresh the scalp between wash days, especially if your roots get oily before your ends need another full wash.
Shampoo only briefly interacts with the scalp and hair follicles, so it doesn’t have sufficient time to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss effectively.
Dr. Antonella Tosti
If you are experiencing hair loss, it is best to look into targeted treatments or speak with a dermatologist instead of relying on shampoo alone.
2. Dry Your Hair Gently
How you dry 2A hair can make a big difference in how your waves form. Rough towel drying can create friction, frizz, and stretched-out waves.
Plopping is a helpful technique for wavy hair because it supports the wave pattern while removing excess water. Use a soft cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel instead of a regular bath towel. This helps reduce friction while encouraging your waves to dry in their natural shape.
After plopping, you can air-dry or diffuse. Diffusing can help add body and root lift, especially if your 2A hair tends to dry flat.
When diffusing, use low or medium heat and avoid high heat. Apply a heat protectant first if you use any heat on your hair.
3. Limit Heat Styling
Heat tools are not always necessary for 2A hair. Straighteners and curling irons can temporarily change the look of your waves, but frequent heat styling can make hair feel dry, limp, frizzy, or harder to style over time.
If your goal is to enhance your natural 2A waves, focus first on lightweight styling products, scrunching, plopping, and diffusing before reaching for hot tools.
When you do use heat, keep the temperature moderate and always use a heat protectant.
4. Choose Lightweight Wavy Hair Products
The best products for 2A hair are usually lightweight, flexible, and easy to layer. Heavy creams, rich butters, and too much oil can flatten loose waves quickly.
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can be helpful, especially if your hair feels dry or frizz-prone. Sulfate-based ingredients, a type of anionic surfactant, are effective cleansers, but they may also leave hair dry, coarse, and more prone to frizz due to increased negative electrical charges on the hair surface. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are a must, especially for wavy hair. This is because sulfate-based ingredients, a type of anionic surfactant, excel in cleaning but may also leave your hair dry, coarse, and more prone to frizz due to increased negative electrical charges on the hair surface. 3,4
That said, 2A hair still needs proper cleansing. If your waves look limp, coated, or stringy, you may need a gentle clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove buildup.
For styling, look for lightweight leave-in conditioners, mousses, foams, gels, and curl-enhancing products. These can help define your waves without making them feel heavy.
A good leave-in conditioner can help restore and maintain moisture levels in wavy hair while protecting it from environmental stressors. The key is to use a small amount and apply it mostly from mid-lengths to ends.
5. Protect Your Waves While You Sleep
2A hair can lose shape overnight because of friction from cotton pillowcases, tossing, turning, and sleeping directly on your waves.
Silk or satin pillowcases can create a smoother surface for your hair. You can also use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to help reduce tangles and frizz.
If your hair is long enough, you can loosely gather it into a pineapple or low, loose bun before bed. The goal is not to create tension. It is to keep your waves from being crushed while you sleep.
It is easy for your hair to get damaged when sleeping. Your hair can also lose its natural waves due to the friction against your cotton pillowcases at night.
6. Avoid Using Too Much Product
With 2A hair, more product does not always mean better results. Too many styling products can weigh down loose waves, especially if your hair is fine, low-density, or easily coated.
Start with less product than you think you need. You can always add more, but it is harder to fix waves that are overloaded with product.
A simple 2A hair routine might include:
- Lightweight shampoo
- Lightweight conditioner
- Small amount of leave-in conditioner
- Mousse or foam for volume
- Gel for hold and definition
If your waves look flat or greasy after styling, reduce the amount of leave-in, cream, or oil first.
Can You Make 2A Hair Curlier?
Yes, you can make 2A hair look curlier with the right styling techniques and products, but the goal should be enhancement, not forcing your hair into a curl pattern it does not naturally have.
If your 2A hair falls flat, try adding a volumizing mousse or foam at the roots. This can help create lift without the heaviness of creams or oils.
For more definition, apply a lightweight gel or curl-enhancing product to wet hair, then scrunch upward toward the scalp. This encourages the natural wave pattern to form.
You can also try:
- Plopping after applying stylers
- Diffusing upside down or side to side
- Using root clips while your hair dries
- Choosing lightweight gels over heavy creams
- Avoiding too much conditioner near the roots
Sea salt sprays, curl creams, and curl activators may help some 2A hair types, but use them carefully. Too much texture spray can make hair feel dry, and too much cream can flatten loose waves.
Fine Hair vs. Thin Hair vs. Medium Hair vs. Coarse Hair
Hair type and hair texture are not the same thing. You can have 2A hair that is fine, medium, or coarse. You can also have 2A hair that is thin, dense, or somewhere in between.
Understanding this difference matters because your wave pattern tells you how your hair bends, while your texture and density help determine which products will work best.
Fine Hair
Fine hair has a smaller strand diameter than medium or coarse hair. It often feels soft, silky, or delicate to the touch.
Fine hair can be more prone to breakage and can get weighed down easily, especially with heavy creams, butters, and oils. If you have fine 2A hair, lightweight mousses, foams, sprays, and gels may work better than rich curl creams.
Fine hair does not always mean thin hair. You can have fine strands and a lot of hair.
Medium Hair
Medium hair falls between fine and coarse hair. It is not as delicate as fine hair and not as thick-feeling as coarse hair.
Medium 2A hair may tolerate a slightly wider range of products. You may be able to use lightweight creams, leave-ins, gels, or mousses depending on your density, porosity, and styling goals.textured hair is the most typical type, but it’s not as fragile as fine strands. It tends to hold hairstyles well.
Coarse Hair
Our hair shaft is made of three layers: the cortex, cuticle, and, when present, the medulla. Coarse hair types may have medullas composed mainly of air pockets and protein, which can contribute to a thicker-looking strand. In some cases of fine hair, the medulla is totally absent. 5,Our hair shaft is made of three layers – the cortex, cuticle, and (to the extent that it is present) medulla and coarse hair types have medullas that are composed mainly of air pockets and protein that give hair its thick look. In some cases of fine hair, the medulla is totally absent. 5,7
Coarse hair has the widest strand diameter. It may feel stronger, thicker, or rougher to the touch. Because coarse hair can be more prone to dryness at the ends, it may need more conditioning than fine 2A hair, but you still want to avoid applying heavy products too close to the roots if your waves fall flat easily.
Thin Hair
Thin hair refers to density, not strand size. If you have thin hair, you have fewer strands per square inch on your scalp.
This is different from fine hair, which refers to the size of each strand. You can have fine thick hair, fine thin hair, coarse thin hair, or coarse dense hair.
If your 2A hair is thin or low density, avoid heavy product layering and focus on root lift, lightweight hold, and volume-friendly styling.
2A Hair Care Products
The best products for 2A hair are lightweight, moisturizing, and curl-enhancing. The goal is to support your natural waves without weighing them down.
Because 2A hair can vary by density, porosity, strand thickness, and scalp oil production, product choice may take some trial and error. What works beautifully for fine 2A hair may feel too light for coarse 2A hair, and what works for dense 2A hair may overwhelm low-density waves.
Use the product lists below as a starting point. Ingredient lists can change over time, so always check the product packaging or brand website for the most current formula and size before purchasing.
Shampoos
TWIST Hit Reset Shampoo
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.
Curlsmith Exfoliating Shampoo
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.
Bounce Curl 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.
Use 'muse' at Bounce Curl's checkout for a discount.
Kinky Curly Come Clean
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.
MopTop Daily Conditioner
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.
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.
Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
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
EVOLVh SuperCurl Cream
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*.
Shea Moisture 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.
Boucleme Curl Cream
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
As I Am Hydration Elation
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.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair
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.
BioSilk Rock Hard
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).
Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel
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
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 lightweight products that enhance your natural wave pattern without weighing it down.
Apply styling products to damp or wet hair, scrunch upward, and either air-dry or diffuse on low to medium heat. Mousses, foams, lightweight gels, and small amounts of leave-in conditioner usually work well for 2A hair.
How do I keep 2A hair from getting flat?
To keep 2A hair from getting flat, avoid heavy products near the roots, clarify when buildup makes your hair feel coated, and use lightweight stylers that provide hold.
Root clips, diffusing, mousse, and applying conditioner mainly from mid-lengths to ends can also help preserve volume.
How do I reduce frizz in 2A hair?
To reduce frizz in 2A hair, use gentle cleansing, lightweight conditioning, and styling products that help your waves hold their shape. Avoid rough towel drying, brushing dry waves, and using too much heat.
A leave-in conditioner, mousse, or gel can help smooth the hair surface and improve definition when used in the right amount.
Can 2A hair use curl cream?
Yes, 2A hair can use curl cream, but the formula and amount matter. Fine or low-density 2A hair may only need a pea-sized amount or may do better with mousse instead.
If your waves look limp after using curl cream, switch to a lighter styler or apply the cream only to the ends.
What is the best way to maintain 2A waves overnight?
The best way to maintain 2A waves overnight is to reduce friction while you sleep. Use a silk or satin pillowcase, scarf, or bonnet. You can also loosely gather your hair to keep your waves from being crushed.
In the morning, refresh with a little water, leave-in spray, or lightweight mousse if needed.
Conclusion
2A hair is a soft, loose wavy hair type that sits between straight and curly. It often has flatter roots, gentle S-shaped waves, and a natural beachy look when cared for properly.
The key to healthy 2A hair is balance. You want enough moisture to reduce frizz and dryness, enough hold to support your wave pattern, and enough cleansing to prevent buildup from flattening your hair.
With the right lightweight routine, your 2A waves can look soft, defined, and healthy without being weighed down.
References
- Bories, M. F., Martini, M. C., Et, M. F., & Cotte, J. (1984). Effects of heat treatment on hair structure. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 6(5), 201–211. ↩︎
- Gamez-Garcia, Manuel. (1998). The cracking of human hair cuticles by cyclical thermal stresses. Journal of Cosmetic Science. 49. 141-153. ↩︎
- Cruz, C. F., Costa, C., Gomes, A. C., Matamá, T., & Cavaco-Paulo, A. (2016). Human hair and the impact of cosmetic procedures: A review on cleansing and shape-modulating cosmetics. Cosmetics, 3(3), 26. ↩︎
- Yang, J. (2017). Chapter 36—Hair care cosmetics. In K. Sakamoto, R. Y. Lochhead, H. I. Maibach, & Y. Yamashita (Eds.), Cosmetic Science and Technology (pp. 601–615). Elsevier. ↩︎
- Hair | biology for majors ii. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-biology2/chapter/hair/ ↩︎
- Hair | biology for majors ii. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-biology2/chapter/hair/ ↩︎
- Brown, T. M., & Krishnamurthy, K. (2023). Histology, hair and follicle. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. ↩︎
