2A hair
Fine, loose S-shaped waves that start around eye level. Brushing or heavy products can make them fall flat.
- Family
- Type 2, wavy
- Curl size
- Loose, gentle S-shapes
- Key traits
- Fine, loose waves, Straighter at the roots, Waves start mid-length, Easily brushed out
What does 2A hair look like?
2A hair is the loosest wavy type. It is fairly straight at the roots and forms soft, open S-shapes from around eye level down. The waves are gentle and easy to lose. A brush, a heavy cream or a few hours in a ponytail can make them disappear.
The strand has a slight oval shape that makes it bend, but fine 2A hair is light, so the waves are loose. Weight from long hair or heavy products pulls them straight.
How do I know if I have 2A hair?
Check it on wash day, after your hair has dried on its own with no styling products. Look at a section from the middle of your head, not the hairline, which is often looser.
Compared with 1C, 2A has real S-shapes, not just a bend. Compared with 2B, the waves are looser and start lower. If your waves are clearly defined from the middle of your hair down, look at 2B.
For a second opinion, take a close-up and run the free hair type test, or compare the photos on the hair type chart.
How to care for 2A hair
- Wash with a gentle shampoo two or three times a week.
- Use a light conditioner, and rinse it out well.
- Do not brush dry hair. Detangle in the shower with conditioner in, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- Scrunch in a light mousse or sea salt spray while the hair is wet.
- Let it air-dry, or use a diffuser on low heat, and do not touch it until it is dry.
Best products for 2A hair
Light is the word for 2A. Mousse, sea salt spray and light gels define waves without weighing them down. Rich creams and butters often pull 2A waves straight.
Your hair's porosity matters as much as its type when you pick products. Low porosity hair needs lighter products and a little warmth to let them in, while high porosity hair needs richer ones to seal moisture. Our hair porosity test shows how to check yours.
Styles and cuts for 2A hair
Long layers and face-framing pieces help 2A waves show. Very long, one-length hair gets heavy and tends to hang straight. Many people with 2A hair think they have straight hair until they stop brushing it dry.
For a full wash day, step by step, see our curly hair routine.
Not sure which type you are? Take one close-up of your hair and the free hair type test tells you in seconds.
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