TABLE OF CONTENTS
• What is 2B Hair?
• What Does 2B Hair Look Like?
• How to Take Care of 2B Hair
• How to Style 2B Hair
• 2B Hair Products
• Common Hair Concerns for 2B Hair
Among the hair types, 2B hair is one of those curl types that sometimes appear as loose waves and sometimes look extra curly with the right hair products and routine. That’s why a dedicated regimen hair care routine is so important for all hair types, especially for people with wavy, curly, and coily hair that needs help defining its shape.
If you’re constantly struggling to determine whether or not you have 2B hair or just need help caring for your wavy hair type, let this guide be your ultimate source. Here, discover how to care for 2B hair, the characteristics of 2B hair, and the caring tips and products you’ll need for the best waves yet.
What is 2B Hair?
There are four main hair types — straight, wavy, curly, and coily — 2B hair falls in the wavy category. This hair type appears straight at the root and begins to loosely shift into a wave from the mid-shaft to the ends of the hair. Within the wavy hair type, 2B hair is in the middle of 2A and 2C hair. The biggest difference between 2A, 2B, and 2C wave types is how loose or tight the curls appear with 2A hair seeming almost straight with a subtle wave, 2B having more defined waves, and 2C curls being tighter in shape with a loose zigzag look.
Since 2B hair is wavy and not curly, you won’t see any corkscrew or spiral textures within your hair. Instead, you’ll have a loose or elongated S-shape from the middle part of your strands to the ends. Type 2B hair, like all wavy and curly hair types, is prone to frizz, especially on humid days.
What Does 2B Hair Look Like?
2B hair can vary in appearance depending on the individual, but it is typically characterized by “S”-shaped waves that start at the mid-shaft of the hair and continue to the ends.
How Is 2B Hair Different From Other Hair Types?
Understanding whether your hair is curly or wavy can be challenging, especially when it’s possible to have more than one hair type within your mane. The most basic difference between wavy hair and curly hair is that waves tend to be “S” shaped while curls tend to have more of a spring or spiral shape that makes a complete circle around (similar to a spring). Some curly hair types are “S” shaped, like 3A and 3B curl patterns, but this type of “S” shape is tighter and springier than a type 2 wave.
On days that your 2B hair is extra limp, look towards flat waves as the culprit. Flat waves happen when hair is heavy from product buildup, preventing waves and curls from looking their best. After cleansing hair with a sulfate-free shampoo like our Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo, your 2B hair will be refreshed and its natural wavy curl pattern should be revitalized.
How to Take Care of 2B Hair
Thankfully, type 2B hair is fairly easy to manage once you’ve got the right routine. Below, explore a hair care routine dedicated to 2B hair to tackle tangles, frizz, dryness, and lackluster waves.
1. Use a Gentle Shampoo
Since the roots of 2B hair tend to lie flat, they are more prone to greasiness than the rest of the hair shaft. Routinely washing and cleansing type 2B hair is important for its overall health along with keeping waves in its most defined state. Use the aforementioned Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo to gently cleanse hair without stripping it of necessary natural oils. Blended with castor oil, ginger, and black cumin seed oil, this shampoo moisturizes and strengthens weak strands. 2B hair should be shampooed every two to three days depending on how greasy your hair feels and the amount of product buildup on your scalp. You can tell your hair needs a good cleansing when waves begin to fall flat and hair feels extra oily.2. Saturate Strands With Conditioner
All wavy hair types need conditioners for added moisture and hydration. Conditioners can help protect hair from environmental stressors like humidity, which can lead to frizz. Use the matching conditioner, Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner after shampooing to complete your in-shower 2B hair care routine. This conditioner delivers intense moisture to your hair while leaving it stronger from root to tip and easier to detangle for less breakage. Massage this conditioner through your hair from mid-lengths to ends before combing the product through to nourish your mane.3. Add Lightweight Stylers to Define Waves
2B hair types tend to have high porosity, meaning they absorb liquids well but have a hard time retaining that moisture. Having high porosity levels could leave your 2B hair thirsting for moisture and appearing flat, dry, and brittle. An easy way to determine your hair’s porosity is by seeing how long it takes to dry. If your hair dries quickly (even after stepping out of the shower), you most likely have high porosity hair.To keep moisture in your hair, use the LOC method, which requires hair care products to be layered in a specific order (leave-in conditioner, then hair oil, then hair cream) to help hair add and retain moisture. Preparation for the LOC method begins with washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash, then conditioning your hair. Now on to the LOC method: apply Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Milk as your first step. This lightweight leave-in not only moisturizes your hair but also comes with plenty of other benefits: it instantly strengthens hair, doubles as a heat protectant, and prevents split ends!
4. Scrunch and Flip Hair When Styling
Most type 2B hair can use a boost in volume and definition to keep soft waves from falling flat. To liven up limp strands, flip your hair over when applying any product and scrunch the roots for major definition. Add Black Vanilla Moisture + Hold Jelly to your styling routine to define your waves and minimize frizz without creating stiffness or crunch.5. Apply Product From the Mid-Shaft to the Ends
No one wants greasy roots, so if your 2B roots are prone to looking oily, focus your styling product from the mid-shaft to the ends and use the remaining product left on your roots to avoid frizz at the crown. Applying the product to the part of the hair that is wavy will help your waves stay plump and hydrated after styling.6. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb to Detangle
Since 2B hair can get tangled and knotty easily, you’ll want to detangle your wavy hair when it is wet, using a conditioner with good slip to avoid damaging the hair. If you prefer using a tool over finger detangling, opt for a wide-tooth comb instead of a paddle brush as the former will cause the least amount of manipulation to your wavy-curly hair and allow your waves to be more defined and bouncy.How to Style 2B Hair?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to styling 2B hair to embrace your wavy tresses. Here are a few trendy and easy styles to try, including ones that look great on men with 2B hair.
Hairstyles for 2B Hair
Wash and Go
You can’t go wrong with a simple wash-and-go style that requires minimal manipulation to showcase hair in its most natural wave pattern. If you’re letting your waves flow naturally, don’t forget to scrunch, scrunch, scrunch. The few extra minutes it takes to scrunch your strands are well worth it when your waves are plump and defined all day long.Wavy Layers
If your 2B hair tends to fall limp and flat, visit a professional to get some wavy-curly layers. Layers add definition and texture to hair while giving it a desirable shape. Depending on the length of your hair, your stylist could cut 2B tresses into a mullet or shag for a TikTok-worthy style.Curtain Bangs
Try cutting the front pieces of your hair into bangs to embrace this other trendy cut. It’ll put your waves on display and perfectly frame your face. Curtain bangs are a great choice for 2B hair when you want to cut weight off tresses in the front and get bouncier waves.Best Products for 2B Hair
To keep 2B hair looking its best, it's essential to use moisturizing products that combat frizz and define the waves. Look for products that specifically target common concerns for this hair type, such as frizziness, undefined curls, and dryness.
Our Goddess Strength collection moisturizes and fortifies hair. If your wavy hair is weak and dry, this system is your best bet as it tackles and prevents breakage and split ends.
Our Black Vanilla collection is designed for dull, dry, brittle hair. It moisturizes hair and adds gorgeous shine.
Ahead are our product recommendations from both collections. You can’t go wrong with either system!
Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Sulfate Free Shampoo
Like all our other shampoos, Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo does not contain sulfate. It’s an excellent option for restoring natural moisture to your hair, thanks to aloe leaf juice, which hydrates and softens strands. Rose extract is also blended into the formula to deliver spectacular shine. And of course, if you use this shampoo, it’s best to pair it with Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hydrating Conditioner.
Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Sulfate Free Shampoo
FOR DRY, DULL OR BRITTLE HAIR
One size only for Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Sulfate Free Shampoo
12 oz
Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp & Hair Oil
When styling your 2B hair, the last thing you want is to weigh down your waves with heavy products. Although it’s blended with seven oils, Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp & Hair Oil is super lightweight. It’ll moisturize your hair to combat frizz without flattening your waves.
Black Vanilla 4-in-1 “Combing” Creme
As previously mentioned, 2B hair fares best with products that aren’t too heavy. If your hair needs more moisture or gets tangled often, Black Vanilla 4-in-1 “Combing” Creme will make your routine easier. Lightweight and blended with sweet almond oil and vegetable protein, it delivers tons of moisture while helping to detangle hair.
Black Vanilla Moisture and Hold Jelly
Our Black Vanilla Moisture and Hold Jelly will set your 2B style with shine. This non-sticky hair jelly holds strands in place for up to 72 hours and controls frizz for up to 48 hours.
Take Our Curl Quiz
Find Your Personalized Routine!
Know your curls better than ever before! Our quick and easy 5-step quiz, which uses powerful data to determine your hair type, will help you understand your strands. Set aside a couple of minutes to answer some simple questions, and we’ll take care of the rest. At the end, we’ll identify your curl type and main hair concerns, and provide expert tips, product recommendations, and a personalized routine. The journey to gorgeous hair starts now. Click Here
to find your personalized routine.
Common Concerns for the 2B Hair Type
Every hair type is associated with particular concerns. Dryness and frizz are the top concerns for the 2B hair type.
Lack of Definition
2B hair can often lack definition and appear flat or limp. This can be due to the loose “S”-shaped curl pattern, which can make it difficult for the curls to clump together and form defined spirals. To combat this issue, it is important to use styling products that enhance and define the natural curl pattern, such as curl creams and gels.Frizz
Frizz is a common concern for all hair types, but it can be especially challenging for 2B hair due to its tendency toward dryness. Frizz can be caused by a variety of factors, such as humidity, heat damage, and lack of moisture. As a result, it’s essential to treat frizz with products that provide moisture and hydration. Avoid overmanipulating the hair, as this can cause friction and also lead to frizz.Dryness
2B hair can also be prone to dryness due to its loose curl pattern, which can make it difficult for natural oils to reach the ends of the hair. This can lead to dull, brittle hair that is vulnerable to breakage. It is important to limit the use of heat styling tools and to coat the hair with a heat protectant when heat styling is necessary. Additionally, incorporating regular trims into your hair care routine can help prevent split ends and keep hair healthy and hydrated.Shop for 2A Hair Type
Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hydrating Conditioner
FOR DRY, DULL OR BRITTLE HAIR
One size only for Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hydrating Conditioner 12 oz
2B Hair FAQs
Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hydrating Conditioner
FOR DRY, DULL OR BRITTLE HAIR
One size only for Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hydrating Conditioner
12 oz
