all · Type 2 Hair Essentials/Advice

The Best Hairstyles for Type 2 Hair (Wavy Hair) + Easy Tutorial!

Wavy hair—classified as Type 2—is the perfect in-between texture. It has more volume than straight hair and is easier to manage than curls. Whether you’re Type 2A (loose waves) or Type 2C (thicker, more defined waves), you’ve got the best of both worlds! Here’s a guide to the most flattering hairstyles for your waves, plus a super simple tutorial for enhancing your natural texture.

Top Hairstyles for Type 2 Hair

1. Long, Shaggy Layers

Layering wavy hair brings out its bounce and movement while reducing heaviness. A shaggy cut adds volume at the crown and texture at the ends.

Style tip: Pair it with curtain bangs for a trendy finish.

2. Wavy Lob (Long Bob)

A wavy lob is a low-maintenance yet chic option. It looks effortlessly cool and suits almost every face shape.

Perfect for: Air-drying and using a bit of mousse for definition.

3. Side-Swept Waves

Changing your part to the side instantly adds volume and glamour. This style is soft, romantic, and flattering.

Great for: Casual days or special events.

4. Half-Up Braided Crown

This pretty, boho style pulls the top section of your hair into two small braids and wraps them across your crown like a headband.

Ideal for: Festivals, picnics, or date nights.

5. Defined Natural Waves

Let your waves shine by defining them with curl-enhancing products. Diffusing can help maintain shape without frizz.

Style tip: Scrunch with a microfiber towel or T-shirt for best results.

Easy Tutorial: Define and Enhance Your Natural Waves

Here’s a simple, heat-free way to boost your waves and reduce frizz while keeping your routine quick and gentle.

What You’ll Need:

Leave-in conditioner or curl cream Lightweight mousse or gel Wide-tooth comb Microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt Diffuser (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Start With Clean, Damp Hair

After washing, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt. Avoid rubbing, which causes frizz.

Step 2: Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Curl Cream

Work a small amount through damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. This adds moisture and helps define wave patterns.

Step 3: Add Mousse or Gel for Hold

Apply mousse for volume or gel for more definition and hold. Scrunch upward from the ends toward your scalp.

Step 4: Scrunch and Air-Dry or Diffuse

Let your hair air-dry naturally or use a diffuser on low heat. Flip your head upside down and scrunch occasionally for volume.

Step 5: Shake and Fluff

Once dry, shake out your roots gently and separate clumps with your fingers for soft, bouncy waves.

Extra Tips for Type 2 Hair

Satin pillowcases help preserve waves overnight. Avoid brushing dry waves—it breaks up the pattern and adds frizz. Refresh second-day waves with a light mist of water and leave-in spray.

all · Type 2 Hair Essentials/Advice

🌊 Drying & Styling Type 2 Hair — Wavy Hair 101!

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Is it curly? Is it straight? What is going on up there?” — welcome to the beautiful world of Type 2 hair! From beachy waves to loose spirals, Type 2 hair can be stunningly versatile — when you know how to care for it.

Whether you’re rocking soft 2A bends or textured 2C waves, this guide is packed with the best ways to dry and style your waves without frizz, flatness, or fuss.


🔍 First, What is Type 2 Hair?

Type 2 hair is wavy and sits between straight (Type 1) and curly (Type 3). It tends to form an “S” pattern, and is broken down like this:

  • 2A: Loose, barely-there waves with minimal volume. Fine and easy to straighten.
  • 2B: More defined waves with a bit of frizz. Think natural beach waves.
  • 2C: Thick, coarse waves with some actual curls and lots of texture.

Knowing your wave type helps you choose the right products and techniques — so you can work with your hair, not against it.


💧 How to Dry Type 2 Hair Without the Drama

Let’s be real: how you dry your hair makes or breaks your wave pattern. Here are some wavy girl–approved methods:


1. 🌬️ Air Drying (aka The Laid-Back Babe Method)

Perfect for: 2A and 2B waves that want that effortless, beachy look.

  • Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or wave-enhancing mousse while hair is still damp.
  • Comb through with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
  • Let it air dry, touching as little as possible.

Pros: No heat, super low maintenance
Cons: Can take a while and may lead to flat roots if not styled right

👉 Pro tip: Flip your head upside down while air drying for extra volume!


2. 🧖 Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt Drying

Perfect for: All Type 2 waves

  • Instead of rough towels, use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water.
  • This helps prevent frizz and breakage.

Pros: Super gentle on waves
Cons: Doesn’t fully dry hair – pair with air drying or diffusing for best results

👉 Pro tip: Scrunch upward to help waves “form” as they dry.


3. 🌪️ Diffusing with a Blow Dryer

Perfect for: 2B and 2C waves that need volume and definition.

  • Attach a diffuser to your hairdryer.
  • Apply a curl cream or mousse.
  • Flip your head and gently scrunch with the diffuser on low or medium heat.

Pros: Adds volume, defines waves
Cons: Can be frizzy if overheated or over-dried

👉 Pro tip: Try the “hover” method (holding the diffuser close but not touching hair) to reduce frizz.


💇‍♀️ Styling Tips for Type 2 Waves

Now that we’re dry — let’s style! Type 2 hair looks its best when it’s treated like a chill-but-chic best friend: low effort, but with intention.


✨ 1. The Scrunch & Go

Apply a lightweight mousse or wave spray, scrunch from the ends up, and let it be! This is a go-to for natural, textured vibes.


✨ 2. Twist and Pin

Twist small sections of damp hair and pin them while drying to encourage more wave or loose curls. Once dry, unpin and shake out for soft definition.


✨ 3. Braided Overnight Waves

For extra definition: braid damp hair into two loose braids before bed. In the morning, undo, fluff, and go!


✨ 4. Sea Salt or Wave Spray

Use these sparingly on damp or dry hair for texture, especially great for 2A types who want more oomph.

👉 Tip: Look for sprays with hydrating ingredients like aloe or coconut water to avoid crunch.


✨ 5. Root Lift Trick

Use a root-lifting spray or a tiny bit of dry shampoo at the roots while diffusing or after drying to boost volume (especially for flat 2A roots!).


🧴 Product Quick Picks for Wavy Hair

  • Lightweight leave-in conditioners (no heavy butters!)
  • Mousse or foam gels for hold without stiffness
  • Wave sprays for added texture
  • Cream-gels for soft, frizz-free definition

🌟 Final Wavy Wisdom

Type 2 hair is one of the most versatile textures — you can rock sleek styles, go big and beachy, or lean into a little curl. The key? Don’t overload it with heavy products, and learn how your waves like to be handled.

Whether you air-dry and scrunch, diffuse and fluff, or braid and go — embrace your waves, give them love, and let them shine!


What’s your favorite way to style your waves? Share your wavy girl routine in the comments!