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Type 2B is the classic wave: a clear, repeating S-shape that anyone would call wavy. It has more body and more frizz than 2A, and less spring than 2C. Its defining frustration is a matter of geography. The waves begin halfway down, and the top of the head stays flat.

How to recognize it

  • Defined S-shaped waves from the mid-lengths to the ends.
  • A flatter crown, where the hair lies close to the head for the first few inches.
  • Medium-textured strands, neither very fine nor coarse.
  • Frizz at the top layer, especially in humid weather.
  • Waves that resist both straightening and curling, settling somewhere between.

If your waves start at the root and include a few ringlets, look at 2C.

What 2B hair needs

2B hair can carry a little more than 2A, though not much. The priorities are hold through the lengths, lift at the root and control of surface frizz, all without the weight that would pull the wave out.

The routine

Cleanse

Every two to three days with a gentle shampoo. Clarify once a month; 2B hair shows buildup quickly as limp, stretched waves.

Condition

Apply a light conditioner from the ears down and detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Before rinsing, scrunch water upward into the hair to encourage the waves to group.

Style in two zones

This is what makes the difference for 2B hair. On soaking wet hair:

  1. At the roots: work in a little mousse for lift.
  2. Through the lengths: glaze a light gel over the surface and scrunch upward.

Dry

Scrunch out water with a microfiber towel and plop for ten minutes, which starts the roots drying in a lifted position. Then diffuse with your head tipped forward or to the side. Scrunch out the cast when completely dry.

2B hair has no shortage of wave. It has a shortage of wave at the top.

Common 2B problems

Flat crown. The signature 2B complaint. Use root clips while drying, diffuse upside down, switch your part from side to side, and ask your stylist for long layers.

A frizzy top layer. The surface dries first and frizzes if disturbed. Smooth a little extra gel over it with flat palms and do not touch it until dry.

Waves that straighten overnight. Sleep with your hair in a loose braid or a high pineapple. See How to Sleep With Curly Hair.

Limp, stretched waves. Buildup, or products that are too rich. See Product Buildup: Signs and Fixes.

What to avoid

  • Thick creams and butters.
  • Conditioner at the roots.
  • Brushing once dry.
  • Touching the hair while it dries.
  • One-length cuts, which weigh the crown down further.

Between washes

2B waves usually last two days. On the second morning, mist with water, scrunch, and add a small amount of mousse to any section that has dropped. See The Second-Day Refresh.

Mousse or gel?

2B hair is the pattern for which this question matters most, because it can use either. Mousse gives more volume and a softer, looser wave. Gel gives more definition and lasts longer. Using mousse at the root and gel on the lengths gives both. The differences are set out in Gel, Mousse or Cream: Which Styler?

For the wider family, see the Wavy hair guide.