Wavy Hair (Type 2): Care & Styling

Wavy hair (2a–2c) sits between straight and curly: it forms loose S-shaped waves with natural body. Its main enemy is frizz, and its biggest mistake is treating it like straight hair. Work with the wave instead of fighting it and it becomes one of the easiest textures to style.

Washing & care

• Use a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo 2–3 times a week. Sulfates strip the moisture waves need to hold shape.
• Detangle only in the shower with conditioner and a wide-tooth comb — never a brush on dry hair.
• Dry by gently squeezing with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt. Rubbing with a regular towel is the number-one cause of frizz.
• Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to wake up with less frizz.

How to style

• Apply a light mousse, curl cream, or sea salt spray to damp hair, then scrunch upward toward your scalp to encourage the wave.
• Let it air-dry, or diffuse on low heat. Don't touch it while it dries — that breaks the wave and adds frizz.
• Never brush dry waves. If you must, only finger-comb.
• Best cuts: a mid fade with a textured top, or longer layers and a fringe to show off the movement.

Pro tip

Scrunch-and-diffuse beats air-drying for definition: cup your waves in the diffuser, hold a few seconds, lift, repeat. And a pea-sized amount of leave-in before your styler controls frizz without weighing the waves down.

At Taper Shop

Wavy hair loves a mid fade with length and texture left on top. Ask about a styling finish so you leave knowing exactly how to scrunch and set your waves at home.