Like all hair types and textures, 2c hair is beautiful when properly cared for. But similar to other curl patterns, it can be challenging to maintain for a number of reasons. Fortunately, there are many Black-owned hair products to give you the lustrous, cascading waves you see in magazines.
What Is 2c Hair?
Instead of coily or kinky, the natural curl pattern for 2c hair is more on the wavy side. Women with 2c hair typically have locks that form the shape of an ‘S,’ often called an S-bend.
Even though the hair typing system is mostly used in the Black community, Black women aren’t the only ones who have a 2c hair texture. In fact, women of varying backgrounds share the same curl pattern. And because of this, finding hair products for wavy hair types is pretty easy. But just because a product caters to your hair type doesn’t mean it’ll work for your hair.
Best Hair Products
Like skincare, having a healthy hair care routine is all about trial and error. To do this, you should find the right products that your hair responds well to. So to help, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Black-owned hair care and styling products with tried and true results from customers who love them. Here are the best hair products for 2c hair:
“After Dark, An Overnight Mask”
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You may have heard of wearing a facial mask to sleep to wake up with refreshed, glowing skin. Well, hair masks are a way to achieve similar results, but for your hair.
The “After Dark” overnight mask by TPH by Taraji is the best way to achieve a hydrated, rejuvenated scalp and hair. Made with grapeseed oil, horsetail extract, mango seed butter, and shea butter, this creamy mask is the perfect addition to your hair care routine.
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And as its name implies, the mask is intended to be worn overnight. This way, its nourishing formula can deeply penetrate the scalp and hair follicles for softer, healthier, and more shiny locks.
“Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel” by Girl + Hair
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From lengthy detangling times to managing frizz, 2c hair can present its own challenges from time to time. But when cared for and styled correctly, healthy, defined curls can really turn heads.
For enviable beach waves, try this “Moisturizing Curl Defining Gel” by Girl + Hair.
Its first ingredient is water, which is perfect for hydrating low porosity or dry hair. It also includes pectin for strength and shine, plus a blend of nourishing oils like pimento oil, neem oil, tea tree oil, and castor oil.
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The gel moisturizes and defines your curl pattern so you can effortlessly style your twist-out, braid-out, or wash ‘n’ go.
To use, rake the product through damp hair before letting it dry completely. Then style as desired.
“Pomegranate and Honey Leave-In Conditioner” by Mielle Organics
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Textured hair may be more prone to dryness and breakage, which often leads to split ends. And over time, split ends travel up the length of your hair shaft towards the root until it eventually breaks off. This can cause broken, damaged hair.
Fortunately, this “Pomegranate and Honey Leave-In Conditioner” by Mielle Organics can combat both dry hair AND split ends on your wash day. The product targets 4c hair; however, its lightweight, nourishing formula is beneficial to other curl types, too.
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To use, apply a little bit of this product to freshly washed hair and continue styling as desired.
Pro Tip: If you follow the curly girl method, you can let it air dry to retain even more moisture.
“Tropical Curl Enhancing Foam” by Kurlee Belle
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When many think of hair care products, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers probably come to mind. But styling products are also a part of hair care because how you style your hair can contribute to its health.
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The “Tropical Curl Enhancing Foam” by Kurlee Belle is a great tool to add to your hair styling process. The water-based formula includes hibiscus, flaxseed oil, and rice water, which is known to repair and strengthen hair cuticles for healthier hair growth. Plus, the product is free from parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals.
To use, part the hair into at least two sections. Then, apply the product to each section before styling as desired.
“Curly Curl Cream” by Taliah Waajid
Frizz is an annoying but common hair problem caused by a lack of moisture in hair strands. And because textured hair is more prone to frizzing, the most important thing is to ensure that your curls are properly hydrated.
To tame frizzy hair without compromising moisture, try the “Curly Curl Cream” by Taliah Waajid. This defining cream nurtures your hair with the help of its powerful blend of ingredients. Even better, its non-greasy formula not only defines your natural waves but adds a luminous shine to your hair as well.
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To use, part your dry or wet hair into sections before applying. Then use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to rake the product through your hair for even distribution.