Did you know that your hair type is predominantly determined by the hair follicle? How straight or bent your follicles results in various types of hair ranging from 1A to 4C. You see, wavy hair is the product of a slightly bent follicle. And type 2 hair often refers to these types of wavy tresses. If this sounds like you, then you need a proper 2a hair routine to keep your hair looking great. Actually, a well-executed 2a wavy hair routine is the secret behind that unmistakable natural-looking bounce and ample body that your favorite celebrity seems to always have around them.
2a Hair: What is It?
At this juncture, you may be wondering what is 2a hair? Well, this is a hair type whose texture and conformity is best described as not quite as straight and just slightly curly hair. A large chunk of the population happen to have this kind of hair that is characterized by slight S-shaped willows if grown out to be long enough. To be more specific, 2A hair type locks have a peculiar hint of tousle without appearing overly curly.
2A Hair Men: How to Tell if You Have This Type of Hair
Before delving on how to take care of 2a hair, it is imperative to be in a position where you can tell whether or not you have this type of hair. As emphasized earlier, 2a hair type men are a tad wavy but not necessarily curly. And since a huge percentage of men tend to wear their hair short, 2a men's hair routine involves getting regular trims punctuated with an occasional styling. And taking into account that wavy hair tends to be a bit challenging to trim or style, mastering a wavy hairstyle is part and parcel of type 2a hair men's to-do list.
All other factors held constant, you can tell whether or not you have this kind of hair through three steps.
1. Density and Thickness
Here's the thing; 2A hair type in men tends to be a bit limited in body and volume. Nonetheless, it is not entirely unusual for some men with this type of hair to have thick tresses to the point that they don't even need a volumizer to make it look balanced and unibody.
2. Texture
A man's hair texture can either be wavy, fine, straight or curly. Straight and fine hair will rarely curl on its own. Wavy hair, however, often has loose 'S' pattern shapes that are not as tight as the ones found in coiled hair. Type 2A hair men, as you may have already guessed at this point, typically has loosely-defined 'S' waves that can be a tad difficult to manage or style.
3. Hair Porosity
Hair porosity simply refers to how your tresses behave when wet, it's a great way of knowing how your hair works in moisture absorption and retention. There are usually three main porosity levels - low, medium and high. 2A men's hair tends to have medium porosity.
How to Take Care of 2A Type Hair
Now that you have familiarized yourself with 2a hair texture, the next natural step is learning some of the best ways of taking excellent care of this type of hair. Here's a quick premise to that.
- Frizz control: As much as 2a curly hair may not have as heavy frizz as conventional curly hair, it still needs a bit of frizz control. You may, therefore, want to invest in a couple of frizz-control products, preferably the leave-in type.
- Hydration: 2A hair type, being as wavy as it is, will need more hydration than normal straight hair but considerably less than the average curly hair. As such, it is vital to use products that are particularly made for 2a wavy hair; for instance this Biotin Collagen Keratin Hair Mask from Bloommy's. It is even better if you can throw in a volumizer to the mix.
- Oiling your hair: It is important to oil your hair every once a week or two with a suitable moisturizing oil that is tailored to maintain and improve your hair's texture. Jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil are some of the best in the business of keeping 2A hair texture looking great.
- Regular trims: Wavy hair, as you may be already aware, is often quite prone to split ends. As such, it is imperative to get regular trims to keep them at bay.
That being said, as much as it is advisable to oil your 2A hair, bear in mind that applying too much of it (or too frequently) can weigh it down thereby predisposing it to falling flat. Opt, instead, for lighter hair products such as serums, mousses and foams instead of cream or oil-based products that could exceedingly way down your tresses. The same applies to using heat styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners on your tresses repeatedly. Speaking of which, you shouldn't have to use heat styling tools on your mane as it should have enough body and bounce as long as you are taking excellent care of it.
2a Hair Products: What Can You or Cannot Use on Your Hair?
Having wavy 2A hair means that you have to get the right type 2a hair products if you want to keep your tresses bouncy, shiny and glamorous. Luckily for you, there's no shortage of products for 2a hair although you have to be very specific about what you put into your hair. Here's a quick recap on that.
- Cleansing: It is important to only use sulfate-free cleansing products as wavy 2A hair will typically experience build-up from leave-in products a little more quickly than other hair types. Again, this sulfate-free shampoo by Bloommy's can make for a great nourishing cleanser aside from cleaning your tresses.
- Conditioning: It is important to remember to use a conditioner after shampooing or washing your 2A curls. If anything, it does not matter whether or not you are using the best shampoo for 2a hair as a conditioner helps restore any lost oils or hydration that could have been inadvertently stripped off your tresses during the cleansing period. What's more, conditioning is an opportune time to detangle your hair by running your fingers lightly through your hair to make sure that it does not stick to the head.
- Gel: A holding gel is one of the most underestimated 2a hair products by most people. It is, nonetheless, a good way of giving your hair the best definition particularly if you get your hands on one that is formulated for curly hair.
- Styling finish: Having a styling finish for your 2a curly hair means that you can enjoy the luxury of air-drying your hair on warmer days and cut back on your energy expenditure. The styling finish, in this case, can even be a curl enhancer or a leave-in cream that adds a bit of glow and life to your tresses without necessarily weighing it down excessively.
2A Hair Styles: How to Keep Your Tresses Looking Fabulous All Year Round
Any beautician can confirm to you that 2A hairstyles can be a little challenging to master or perfect considering that you are essentially dealing with a cross between curly and straight locks. Additionally, it is not unusual to come across folks who mistake their wavy hair for curly hair and treat it (albeit wrongly and unknowingly) as such. Here are some of the best ones;
1. Hair Partings
If you happen to have short 2a hair, parting your tresses can be a creative way of achieving different flattering looks. You can, for example, part the strands center part or deep side depending on your personal tastes and preferences. And if you are looking for a more carefree style, then doing entirely away with the partings is an easy and quick fix.
2. Braids and Twists
One of the recommended ways of punching up those natural 'S' waves in your hair is by strategically adding twists and braids to your mane. You can then accentuate this by pulling them back a little bit to add extra texture and volume to your hair while framing the face.
3. Highlights
Adding a few bold highlights to the hair can give your bouncy waves more depth and versatility without having to do an entire makeover.
4. Layered Hairstyles
Layered hairstyles, as the name suggests, typically gives your waves more movement and body. What's even better, they are usually suitable for almost all hair sizes although they are the best compatible with medium-sized wavy 2A hair.
In Closing
Having wavy or 2A hair can be nothing short of heavenly bliss if you know how to style and take care of it. It is not surprising that many people envy those with this kind of hair. That being said, you have to be on the lookout for issues that frequently haunt this type of hair, the biggest of which is frizziness especially in colder or wetter weather.
