2a Hair Type
The makeup of 2a hair starts with the texture. If you have 2a hair, you likely have fine to medium texture, and your waves are loose and natural. People may describe your S-shape curls as “beach waves.” This hair type is less frizzy than other types. However, because the hair cuticle is more open, it can not only absorb moisture easily, but can also lose it, causing hair to be dry or look weighed down.
It's important to note that this article focuses on 2a hair type rather than 2a hair color. The hair type scale offers invaluable insights into the texture, curl pattern, and structure of your hair, but please note that this article does not specifically cover tips related to the nuances of the 2a hair color.
Caring for 2a Hair Type
Your 2a hair has many shared traits with other curly types when it comes to caring for your waves. For one, using a sulfate-free, silicone-free shampoo and conditioner when cleansing is always recommended. Harsh detergents like sulfate and moisture-blocking ingredients like silicone can strip the hair of natural oils, so avoid them wherever you can.
It’s easiest to style 2a hair when it is wet or damp to avoid adding tangles or frizz to freshly washed hair. Dry hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt to also avoid frizz and to keep your curls in place.
Explore common 2a hair issues and how to address them in your care routine.
Caring for Lack of Volume with 2a Hair
2a hair is versatile and easy to style. If you’d like your beach waves to look sleek and straight, then your hair is likely receptive to heat tools like straighteners to help achieve the look. However, because your hair lacks volume at the roots, the risk of over-styling hair brings with it the chance your hair could look limp.
Be sure not to overdo it on products, as too much can weigh hair down and make it harder to style the way you want. Water-based mousse can enhance your ways and add volume to your roots.
Caring for Dryness with 2a Hair
Hair with open cuticles is well-known for losing moisture, and when you have fine 2a hair, you need all the moisture you can get!
Use lightweight leave-in conditioners between washes and a moisture-rich shampoo to keep hair looking its best. When you shower, be sure to rinse one final time with cold water to lock in moisture and close your cuticles.
While 2a hair doesn’t necessarily need added oils, since the scalp tends to be oilier, occasionally using products that lock in moisture can be useful. Cleansing your scalp well can also keep the oily feeling away since you not only remove oil when you wash your hair, but other dirt and debris like product buildup.
Caring for Tangles with 2a Hair
Fine hair may tangle easily, so it’s important to do what you can to keep it tangle-free. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to detangle it, and add in a detangling product for added moisture as well as to make the process easier. Drying hair by squeezing out excess water rather than tousling it with a towel will also help keep tangles at bay.
Take Our Hair Quiz
Caring the right way for 2a hair means knowing what products work best for your hair type. Need additional help? Try the HairCode quiz to learn more.
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