The short answer
2A hair is the loosest type of wavy hair: fine, soft “S”-shaped waves that start below the roots, which stay fairly flat. It’s easily weighed down by heavy products, which can make it look straight, and just as easily pushed into waves by styling that aren’t really there. The best test is to wash it, use a light conditioner and let it dry with no product.
What is 2A hair?
Hair types are often described with a number and a letter: 1 is straight, 2 wavy, 3 curly and 4 coily, and A to C runs from loose to tight. It’s a styling guide rather than a medical system, but it’s a useful way to describe your hair.
| Type | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| 1C | Mostly straight, with a slight bend at the ends |
| 2A | Loose, fine “S” waves through the mid-lengths and ends; flat roots |
| 2B | More defined waves that start closer to the roots, with some frizz |
| 2C | Strong, thick waves from the roots, sometimes with a few ringlets |
How do I know if my hair is 2A?
- Wash your hair with your usual shampoo, and use a light conditioner on the lengths only.
- Let it dry naturally, with no product, no scrunching and no diffusing.
- Look at it once it’s completely dry. Soft “S” waves through the lengths and ends point to 2A. Hair that dries straight with a slight bend is closer to 1C.
- Repeat over a few washes, as product build-up can hide or exaggerate your pattern.
What decides whether hair is wavy?
Your hair’s shape is set by the follicle it grows from, and it’s mostly genetic. Round follicles tend to grow straight hair, and flatter, oval ones grow waves and curls. Styling can bring out the waves you have, or create temporary ones, but it can’t change the pattern for good.
Looking after 2A hair
- Keep products light. Rich creams and oils weigh 2A waves down and leave them flat.
- Use one styling product at a time, and see how your hair responds.
- Wash often enough to stop build-up at the roots. How often should you wash your hair?
- Humid weather and hard water can add frizz, so a lighter conditioner and less touching while it dries help.
Why has my hair texture changed?
It’s common for hair to become wavier or straighter over the years, especially around pregnancy and the menopause. A sudden change, or a change with thinning or shedding, is worth checking, as it can come with hormonal changes, a thyroid problem or low iron. Menopause hair loss.
If something isn’t right with your hair or scalp, I’ll take your history, examine your hair and scalp closely and give you a written plan. What happens at a consultation.
Questions
Is 2A hair wavy or straight?
Wavy, but only just. It has loose, fine waves through the lengths and fairly flat roots, so it can look straight when weighed down.
What is the difference between 2A and 2B hair?
2A waves are loose and start below the roots. 2B waves are more defined, start closer to the roots and tend to frizz more.
Can 2A hair become curly?
Styling can make it look curlier for a while, but it won’t change the pattern your follicles grow. Hormonal changes can change texture over time.
Why does my 2A hair go flat?
Usually heavy products, oils or build-up weighing it down. Lighter products and regular washing often bring the waves back.