Understanding curl types is the first step in properly caring for and curating your perfect curl when working with curly hair. Finding your curl type isn’t as simple as one-two-three, and having a great stylist or expert on your side can often make all the difference.
If you have hair that is midway between waves and curls, you may fall into the 2C group. With the aid of hairstylists Marilisa Sears and Harry Josh, we delve deeper into identifying the 2C curl, its qualities, and how to properly care for it.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Marc Anthony True Professional’s artistic director is Marilisa Sears.
- Gisele Bündchen, Karli Kloss, and Priyanka Chopra are among Harry Josh’s celebrity customers. He founded Harry Josh Pro Tools as well.
What Is Hair Type 2C?
When recognizing a curl pattern, specialists typically rely on a chart and the curl’s distinguishing qualities. Curvature curvature focuses on the follicle, structural components of the shaft, their interrelationships, and multidimensional interactions, according to studies.
This is a clever way of emphasizing that there is no limit when distinguishing curl patterns and their origins. “Curl type is determined by the form and structure of each hair follicle,” Josh explains. “To calculate your curl number, assess if your hair is coily (type 4), curly (type 3), wavy (type 2), or straight (type 1).
The letters represent the width of your curl, therefore type A represents a large curl and type C represents a considerably tighter curl.”
Sears shows prospective customers the Marc Anthony chart, which she uses to help them define their curl pattern. “Type 2C hair is a wave with attitude,” explains Sears. “It’s more than a wave but not quite a curl. While type 2C hair lacks the structure to be wrapped around the fingers, the wave pattern is robust, and the hair may truly pop with the correct products.”
While using a chart can be useful, curls are defined by more than simply their shape, and recognizing other features of each kind can aid with interpretation. “2C hair can also be more prone to frizz, so if you’re having trouble controlling your hair when it’s humid, it could be 2C,” Josh explains.
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Differentiating Types 2C and 3A
Both experts concur that the 3A curl is the most similar to the 2C pattern. 3A curls often have a “S” pattern that loops down from the root to the end.
With a breadth of around one inch, this curl is often well-defined and bouncy. Sears describes type 3A curls as having “loose, big spiral-like tendrils.” In terms of size, she says, “the diameter is greater than a highlighter.”
“Check if the wave originates at the root to differentiate between 2B and 2C hair. If it occurs, the temperature will most likely be 2 degrees Celsius “Sears claims “Check to see if your hair is wavier or curled to tell the difference between 2C and 3A hair. It’s type 2C if it’s more of a wave, and type 3 if it’s more of a curl.”
It’s crucial to remember that you can have two curl types, and it’s really fairly common for curly-haired persons to have varied textures throughout their hair. External variables such as the use of hot tools, dyeing, and chemical treatments can sometimes cause hair damage, affecting the curl and its properties.
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How Do You Take Care of Type 2C Hair?
Prevent Over-Washing
Washing 2C hair on a daily basis is not recommended by experts. “You don’t need to wash your hair every day; doing so will result in your hair losing crucial moisture and nutrients,” Josh explains. “It’s crucial not to overwash to avoid your scalp producing additional oil,” Sears advises.
So, how often should you wash your hair?
Make Use of Curl-Friendly Products
“It’s critical to utilize curl boosting products since they assist bust the wave,” advises Sears. “2C waves are well-formed, and they belong to the curl family. Curl products will offer moisture, which will eventually assist with frizz. They also have a little of grip to assist people reach definition.”
2C hair can get dry, according to Sears, so “always use a hydrating product to nurture the curls and always apply a heat protectant to protect the follicle as you style.”
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Curls Should Be Styled
Proper curl styling may be the difference between success and failure. “The less hassle you make, the better the formation will be,” advises Sears. “Be careful to comb out your strands in the shower with conditioner prior to rinsing.”
“When the hair is damp, apply styling products, scrunch from ends to roots, and wrap the hair up—preferably in an old tee shirt—to eliminate extra moisture. This also aids in the formation of a better wave/curl pattern.”
Use a Silk Pillowcase to Sleep
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase benefits all hair types and can help keep your curls bouncy and frizz-free. “Silk pillowcases are usually the finest to sleep on,” Sears recommends.
“If you have thick hair, wrap it in a loose pineapple with a scrunchie. In the morning, apply a little amount of leave-in conditioner to your palms and gently scrunch it into your hair to wake up your wave/curl pattern.”
The Best Haircuts and Styles for Type 2C Hair
When it comes to the greatest 2C hairstyles, stylists all agree that leaving your hair down and loose is the best way to appreciate your curls. “People with 2C hair can sport a lot of hairstyles,” Josh explains, “but ones that allow your hair to be long will be exceptionally lovely.” “For a reason, 2C hair is what many people see when they think of long curls, so let your hair flow.”
Sears suggests layers if lengthy hair is out of reach or simply not your style. “Type 2C adores them,” she explains. “Layers will allow you to produce a variety of designs. These cuts will bring out the finest in this hair type, from the wolf to the octopus (we still call them shags behind your back).”
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