Growing up, life can sometimes feel like a series of black-and-white choices: chocolate or vanilla, rule follower or rule breaker, straight hair or curly hair. The idea of "in-between" barely exists. But adulthood is a kaleidoscope of possibilities, full of beautiful shades & textures—including your hair.
Take type 2C hair, for instance. Those gorgeous, voluminous waves are a stunning middle ground, blending the softness of straight hair with the definition of covetable curls.
If you’ve recently discovered you’re a wavy-haired individual, congratulations! Your journey to embracing & activating your natural waves starts here. With the right wavy hair products & styling tips, your best hair days are just beginning.
What Makes 2C Hair Different from Other Wavy Textures
Just like there’s no such thing as simply “straight” or “curly,” wavy hair is its own beautiful spectrum. In fact, there are three unique types of waves—2A, 2B & 2C—each with a distinct personality & charm:
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2A hair – The loosest of the wave patterns, 2A hair features soft, barely-there S-shaped waves concentrated toward the ends, with straighter roots. It's fine, silky & easy to style.
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2B hair – With a boost in definition, 2B hair boasts more pronounced S-shaped waves starting closer to the roots. It gives off that effortless, beachy look & holds texture longer, though it’s slightly more prone to flyaways.
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2C hair – The boldest of the wavy bunch, the 2C hair type is thick & coarse (in the best way), with well-defined S-shaped waves & the occasional spiral sneaking through. Its dense texture & incredible volume make it a show-stopper, delivering wave definition that doesn’t quit. Think full-bodied, voluminous locks that demand attention.
The Perfect Cleansing Routine for 2C Waves
When it comes to how to take care of 2C hair, one golden rule stands above the rest: Don’t strip your hair of its natural oils. These oils are your hair’s built-in moisturizers, working to hydrate each strand from root to tip, tame stray hair & enhance wave definition.
So what type of cleansing products do you use on 2C curly hair?
We recommend using a gentle cleanser every three to four days. Consider alternating between co-washing on one wash day & using a product like the PATTERN Hydration Shampoo the next. This approach will help you remove buildup from products, dirt & debris without depleting the essential moisture your hair thrives on.
Moisturizing Tips to Enhance Definition & Prevent Dryness
After washing your hair, it’s time to replenish any lost moisture with conditioning products. Importantly, this step doesn’t just depend on what products you use—it’s also about how you use them.
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Layer your conditioning care – Start with the PATTERN Lightweight Conditioner in the shower to hydrate your strands without weighing them down. After gently removing excess water, follow up with the PATTERN Leave-In Conditioner or a hydrating curl cream. Layering your products in this way helps create a barrier that locks in moisture & shields your waves from humidity, keeping them lush & defined.
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Lock in moisture – Apply your leave-in conditioner to damp strands, then scrunch your hair upward to enhance wave definition. This technique encourages your natural texture to shine while sealing in hydration for long-lasting softness.
How to Smooth Waves Without Losing Volume
One of the greatest advantages of 2C hair is its natural ability to provide a wild amount of volume that any curly-haired queen would love. But on those extra humid days, your waves are prone to absorbing that extra moisture, causing the strands to swell. The result? Hair that loses its smooth exterior in favor of wispy ends.
Thankfully, you can stave off any less-than-desirable effects with products that smooth out your hair’s texture while embracing its natural volume. Try incorporating the PATTERN Styling Cream that softens curls & gives you an added moisture boost. Ours also offers long-lasting definition without weighing down your 2C wavy hair. Yes, please!
Styling Products That Work Best for Boosting 2C Wave Patterns
When it’s time to style that beautifully untamed mane of yours, it’s all about bringing the right styling products to the party. So, what PATTERN products are right for your unique curl pattern? We’re so glad you asked.
In addition to our Styling Cream, we recommend adding these fan favorites to your 2C hair routine to help craft enviable waves & curls:
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Curl Mousse – It’s all about finding the right moisture balance & hold without weighing down your locks. That’s where curl mousse comes in. It’s lightweight, it smooths hair & it sets you up for days of cloudlike volume no matter your destination.
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Moisture Milk – This weightless cream is ideal between washdays when you need a product that softens your curls & gives them back any definition they’ve lost overnight.
Styling Techniques for Long-Lasting, Natural Waves
There’s more than one way to style your hair to wavy-haired, bouncy bliss. Below, we dive into some of our favorite methods:
Air Drying
Air drying is one of the easiest ways to let your natural wave pattern shine while minimizing heat damage. If you have a little extra time, follow these steps to make the most of this gentle drying method:
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Remove excess water – Gently scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt. This will soak up excess water while helping your waves take shape. This method also avoids rough drying, which can cause breakage & disrupt your natural pattern.
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Apply styling products – Choose a lightweight styling product, such as a curl mousse or curl cream & apply it from tips to roots. You can use the prayer method (gliding the product between your hands & smoothing it over sections of hair) or simply scrunch your hair upward to encourage wave formation. If you use the prayer method, follow up with scrunching for added definition.
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Let your hair do its thing – Now it’s time to step back & let your hair (& those fab products) work their magic. Resist the urge to touch or manipulate it while it dries—this allows your waves to set fully, leaving them more defined & free of any unruly pieces.
Heat styling
For tighter waves, bouncier curls & a touch of extra definition, heat styling with a tool like the PATTERN Diffuser Attachment is your BFF. This simple attachment elevates your blow-drying game while protecting your natural wave pattern—it’s a win-win.
After prepping your wet hair with a product like the PATTERN Heat Protectant & your favorite styling products, follow these steps to achieve perfectly defined, voluminous waves:
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Adjust your diffuser – Attach the diffuser to your blow dryer. Adjust the airflow to low or medium—too much air can disrupt your forming waves & lead to excess flyaways.
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Begin drying – Tilt your head to one side & gently place a small section of hair into the diffuser bowl. Start at the ends & work your way up toward the roots, keeping the diffuser in one spot for a few seconds before moving to the next section.
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Finish drying – When your hair is about 80% dry, flip your head upside down & diffuse for an added boost of volume. Allow it to air dry for the final 10%, locking in your waves' natural shape & texture.
Other styling techniques that wavy-haired goddesses swear by (& that we’re all for) include:
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Protective hairstyles – Braid your damp hair into two loose braids & let it air dry completely. Once dry, gently undo the braids & tousle your waves with your fingers for extra body & bounce.
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Plopping – Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to “plop” your hair. Lay the towel flat, flip your hair onto it & wrap it around your head to secure it. After 20 minutes, remove the wrap for a quicker drying time & enhanced natural curl clumps.
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Finger curls – Perfect for coaxing definition from any stubborn sections that refuse to cooperate, this technique can be seamlessly integrated into any styling routine. Simply take a small section of hair & twist it around your finger, following the natural curve of your wave. Hold for a few seconds, release & let your hair air dry or diffuse for perfectly refined waves.
Adjusting Your Haircare Routine for Changing Seasons
What worked wonders in the summer sun might fall short in winter’s dry chill. Here are a few tips to help your mane thrive no matter the season:
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Combat winter dryness – Incorporate deep conditioning treatments more often to replenish lost moisture & keep your waves soft & hydrated, even on the most blustery of days.
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Protect against summer stress – Choose products with UV protection to shield your hair from the sun’s rays, which tend to be stronger during the summer months. In addition, lightweight, hydrating formulas are also key for minimizing flyaways & keeping your waves breezy & light.
Elevate Your 2C Hair Routine with PATTERN
Wondering if PATTERN products can take your waves to next-level, beach-bomb perfection? The answer is a resounding yes. Crafted with clean ingredients & designed specifically for tight textured, curly, coily & wavy hair, our products are here to moisturize, define & let your curl clumps live their best life.
Treat your waves to the haircare experience they deserve—& one they’ll want on repeat—with PATTERN.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. Sebaceous Glands. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands
NIH. The what, why and how of curly hair: a review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6894537/
Cancer Council. Factors That AFfect UV Radiation Levels. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/understanding-uv-radiation/factors-that-affect-uv-radiation-levels
