Type 2b Hair (Wavy): Tips on How to Take Care and Style

It’s tough to navigate the haircare world. There are so many products, tips, and tricks that people swear by for securing a healthy head of hair. But often, the difficulty in discovering the best products for your particular hair lies in not knowing your unique hair type.

Imagine how much time you could save if you understand your hair needs. Well, knowing the hair type you have is a primary way of narrowing down the perfect regimen.

This article discusses 2b hair in detail and includes some top haircare tips for this type.

What Is 2b Hair Type?

Type 2b hair is one of the three wavy hair types between types 2a and 2c. 2b hair features medium, loose waves in a soft S-shape, beginning about halfway down the hair shaft. The roots are relatively flat, unlike type 2c hair, where the wave pattern begins higher up the hair shaft.

You might describe this natural hair texture as beachy waves or surfer’s hair because the waves are reminiscent of a sand-soaked day at the beach. Ultimately, it falls somewhere between straight hair and curly hair types.

Pros of type 2b hair

Those with 2b hair can enjoy their hair’s natural wave pattern, with more defined and luscious waves than other hair types. More perks of owning type 2bh hair include the following:

#1 Low maintenance

2b hair only demands a little effort. Simply allowing your hair to dry naturally produces those natural waves that define this hair type. There’s no need to use tools if you’re happy with loose, flowing locks for the day.

Practicing the curly girl method (CGM) can help you get the most out of your waves. The concept focuses on natural hair styling to keep your waves and curls in prime condition.

#2 Medium texture

It is easier to keep the medium strand texture of 2b hair in healthy condition because it is not as fragile as fine hair types. It is less prone to hair breakage, but you should still be mindful of external damage, as your hair’s porosity makes it more likely to become dry and brittle.

#3 Boasts natural volume

Although the wave pattern starts further down the hair strands, the 2b hair type tends to produce voluminous waves regardless. It isn’t as thick, coarse, or defined as type 2c hair, but it has more volume than type 2a hair, which can often appear flat and lifeless.

Cons of type 2b hair

Anybody with type 2b hair is no stranger to a bad hair day. Like every hair type, 2b hair has qualities that frustrate those dealing with this hair type on a daily basis.

#1 Prone to frizz

The biggest downfall of type 2b hair is that it is prone to becoming frizzy. As this hair type has high porosity, it can take in moisture easily but has trouble retaining it. Maintaining hydration becomes a problem, and the result is hair that looks and feels dry and frizzy.

You might find yourself repeatedly trying to tame frizz with this hair type.

#2 Can tangle easily

Most people with 2b hair have to deal with tangling and knotting. The waves form further down the hair shaft and can easily tangle toward the mid-lengths and ends. Using a wide-tooth comb and a detangling spray when the hair is wet can help you get ahead of tangles.

#3 Flat at the roots

As your waves don’t appear right away, your roots can look flat compared to the rest of your hair. The length and ends might be full of body, but the roots remain straight and almost flat to your head. It can help to use volumizing haircare products to add energy and root lift.

How to Take Care of Type 2b Hair?

You can let your natural waves thrive with some simple routine steps that promise results. Consider the following dos and don’ts when it comes to navigating this particular hair type at home.

#1 Do use a clarifying formula

Excess buildup from products, dirt, and oils can quickly weigh down 2b hair. It’s essential to cleanse your hair and scalp thoroughly using a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos deep clean to remove sebum from the hair shaft without stripping away your hair’s natural oils.

After clarifying, your waves will feel revived and less weighed down.

You might prefer a sulfate-free shampoo as part of the curly girl method. Many shampoos contain harsh ingredients that don’t bode well with curly, wavy, or frizzy hair.

#2 Use a sea salt spray from time to time

A sea salt spray is a simple means to encourage stronger waves without fuss. Applying the product directly to wet hair will enhance waves and mimic those beachy locks that, for many, only arrive after a salty dip in the sea.

Alternatively, you can use a salt spray to build thickness and create a gritty texture on non-wash days. Just be mindful that sea salt can dry out the hair strands. Limit your use, or try mixing the spray with a leave-in conditioner to make a more nourishing formula.

#3 Let your hair air dry

Air drying your hair will deliver that wavy texture without manipulation from tools. It also eliminates the risk of surface damage to the hair shaft from hair dryers.

A microfiber towel is one of the best ways to dry your hair. It is gentle on curls, absorbing the excess water and preventing frizz and flyaways. Just flip your freshly washed hair upside down and wrap the towel securely around your head before removing it in the morning.

Remember to use a protection spray on days when you do decide to use the blow dryer.

#4 Don’t wash your hair too often

Many people with 2b hair have a habit of overwashing their hair to prevent flat or greasy roots, but washing too often can result in oily hair. When you remove the natural oils from your hair, the scalp signals the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leaving you with an oily mane despite your efforts to keep the scalp clean.

#5 Use lightweight products

You might be tempted to load up your hair with thick products to eliminate frizz, but these products can quickly absorb into the hair and weigh it down. Lightweight products with moisturizing properties will keep your waves bouncy and free while sealing in moisture.

#6 Don’t overuse heat tools

The great thing about type 2b hair is that it doesn’t demand heat styling. You’re gifted with beachy waves that form themselves without any styling equipment. The main problem for most is frizz, but you can keep this at bay with the right styling products.

Limit heat styling to occasions when you want sleek and straight hair or a bouncy curl.

What Hairstyles Are Perfect for Type 2b Hair?

There is no one-style-fits-all when it comes to hair types, but certain styles suit one hair type more than others. 2b hair is one of the most versatile hair types, so it’s easy to play around with different looks.

Below are 3 hairstyles that work particularly well for a 2b hair type.

#1 Round layer cut

Round layers are ideal for 2b hair because they add volume by enhancing the wave pattern. Your hair’s natural texture can work comfortably with this style without the need for heat and excessive styling.

Leaving a few tendrils at the front will help to shape your face and soften your features.

#2 Wavy bob

A bob is great for wavy hair because it allows the soft S-shapes to bounce naturally. It requires minimal upkeep, as you can blow dry it into place or let it fall into place via air drying.

You can apply a curl cream to damp hair before drying if you want to build more texture.

#3 A one-length cut

As your hair texture has a natural body, you can also work with a one-length haircut. This creates a clean, classic cut that keeps the length – perfect for producing messy beach waves.

A long or medium-length cut works best.

Best Products and Ingredients for 2b Hair Type

The right products and ingredients make up a solid haircare routine. Those with a 2b hair type can benefit from lightweight products that don’t weigh the hair down. Prioritizing hydration is another essential step to keeping your 2b strands well-nourished and free from frizz.

Ingredients

The best ingredients for 2b hair are those that add moisture. So, you’ll want to select ingredients with natural hydration qualities. Some good examples include:

• Argan oil
• Almond
• Avocado and avocado oil
• Coconut oil
• Olive

Shampoos and other products

Shampoo is the first step in any hair routine. You should choose a cleansing shampoo with properties that support your hair type and texture. The Moérie Mineral Shampoo is a good choice for 2b hair as it’s rich in natural ingredients that cleanse the scalp and protect the hair shaft.

Other beneficial products include:

• Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
• Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo
• Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
• Bondi Boost Sea Salt Spray
• Moroccanoil All in One Leave-in Conditioner

FAQs

Conclusion

Type 2b hair is medium wavy hair that requires little maintenance to look good. But with a tailored haircare routine, you can enhance your waves, creating the appearance of brushed-out ringlets without even touching the curling iron.

No hard work is required; just a few tweaks to your usual regimen will do it, such as washing less often, skipping the hot tools, and using lightweight styling products to keep frizz under control.