Discover the Magic of Different Hair Waves
Hair waves refer to the spiral-shaped pattern of the hair strand. Wavy hair strands usually have the “S” structure. This structure varies depending on the tightness or looseness of the wave.
Based on the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, wavy hair is categorized as “Type 2”. This hair type is further divided into 3 sub-types (A, B, and C) based on the loosest and the most defined “S” shaped patterned waves.
This hair type classification is usually used to categorize natural wavy hair. Hair waves also refer to the different types of waves you can achieve on your hair by styling.
In this article, we will walk you through:
Table of Contents
What is Type 2 Wavy Hair?
A type 2 wavy hair is a hair that is neither straight nor curly. Think of it as a hair pattern that is between straight (Type 1) and curly hair (Type 3). The degree of waves that you see in a wavy hair is determined by the shape of the hair follicle.
The more oval-shaped the hair follicle is, the more defined the hair strands that will be produced will be.
Wavy hair is a top choice for people looking to add some texture to their hair. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of type 2 hair (wavy hair).
Characteristics of the Type 2 Wavy Hair (All You Should Know)
The Type 2 wavy hair is further divided into three sub-categories. The type 2A, type 2B, and type 2C. Let’s look at these type 2 hair categories (their characteristics, why you should choose them, and styling options).
Hair Type 2A (Slight waves)
The type 2A wavy hair is between straight and curly. I like to call it the light waves, because the spiral shape of the hair strand doesn’t start from the root of the head. For this type of hair strand, it starts straight from the root, then gets wavy further down the hair length.
Let’s look at the specific characteristics of the type 2A wavy hair:
a. Best for loose tousled waves: If you are looking to wear hair that resembles 2A hair type, you should understand that the waves are not that spiral. These kinds of waves can easily be straightened with a heat styling tool.
b. Works with light-weight hair products: Styling type 2A hair with curl/wave defining hair products is quite dicey. That is because this hair type can easily be weighed down by the weight of the hair product.
Hair products like hair mousse and setting spray can define the waves without weighing them down or making them lie flat.
Hair Type 2B (Defined “S”)
The type 2 B hair type is just like the 2A, but with more defined wavy hair strands. We refer to it as the “S” shaped hair strand because of its structure.
The wavy structure of the hair strand for a type 2B hair starts closer to the root of the hair than the type 2A. This hair structure lies flatter at the root and has a beachy texture.
Let’s look at some unique characteristics of the hair type:
a. The prominence of the “S” shaped hair structure: Since the hair structure is more spiral, it makes this wavy hair type a great choice for hairstyles like Balayage. That is because these kinds of hairstyles use colors to accentuate the waves.
b. More prone to frizz: Because the waves are more defined, this hair type is more prone to frizz. To enjoy this hairstyle, you have to up your moisture game to combat the frizz and use anti-frizz hair spray to reduce the appearance of frizz.
Hair Type 2C (Defined Voluminous Waves)
The type 2C has more defined waves than 2A and 2B. That is why we refer to it as the defined voluminous waves. The waves are tighter, more defined, and start right from the root.
These characteristics make this hair type appear more voluminous than the other two. Let’s look at the major characteristics of this hair type:
a. Coarse and defined waves: The wave structure in this hair type is more defined than the others, which gives it a coarse feel. Again, keeping this hair type moisturized is the best way to deal with frizz.
b. Stronger wave pattern: Because the wave pattern starts right from the roots, it gives it a more pronounced effect.
10 Trendy Waves Hairstyles You Can Try Now
Do you want to try wearing a different hair texture? Maybe you don’t want something straight, you want something curly, but not too curly, carefree, but not unkempt … You just want to slay wearing effortlessly textured, beautiful hair.
Here’s what you want - beautiful wavy hair.
A wavy hairstyle is what meets the description that you have given for the degree that you want. Let’s see the top 10 trendy waves hairstyles you can try now:
1. Layered Body Waves with Curtain Bangs
If you are looking to add texture to your hair without feeling overwhelmed, then the textured layered waves are a great option. Having the waves in layers gives an illusion of volume that makes your hair feel full without being heavy.
This hairstyle also allows you to combine different wave patterns. You can have a type 2B wave pattern at the top and a type 2A on the body and the tip of the hair.
2. Retro Loose Deep Hollywood Waves
If you are looking for a way to wear voluminous hair without feeling heavy, then this is the hairstyle for you. This hairstyle copies the wave pattern of the type 2C hair. That is because the waves start from the root of the head all the way down to the tips.
Wearing this hollywood wave hairstyle in a center part flatters the face shape, especially if you have a round, short face. This hairstyle helps create an illusion of length to the face.
3. Vintage Finger Waves
Finger waves have been trending since the 90s, and they are not going anywhere. If you are looking for a hairstyle that will give you that effortless, fresh beauty, try finger waves.
The soft, silky feel of these waves makes it a beautiful hairstyle. The waves are soft, silky, and beautiful without being overbearing.
4. Highlighted Beach Waves with Center Part
Who doesn’t like the look of beach waves?
Beach waves are one of the trendy wave hairstyles that celebrities have rocked. The waves of this hairstyle are large and resemble the flowy effect of the beach. Add highlights to make it even more appealing and create a color contrast that gives the hairstyle a unique flair.
5. Tousled Waves with Bangs
You can add texture to your hair without making it overbearing. If you are tired of wearing bone straight hair, you can switch things up by adding bangs and tousled waves. Tousled waves copy the wave pattern of a type 2A hair.
It gives that “almost there” kind of wave pattern. If you are not a fan of defined curls and waves, this is a hairstyle that you can try.
6. Bob's with Waves
Who said wavy hairstyles are only great on long hair?
You can rock wavy hairstyles on short hair. Wavy hairstyles on short hair give the illusion of volume without having more hair. If you don’t like long hair but love waves, you can try this bob hairstyle.
7. Mermaid Waves
Mermaid waves are also a trendy wavy hairstyle that you can rock in 2025. The flow of the waves gives an easy aura that makes it gorgeous. This hairstyle is great for anyone who wants to experiment with textures, but doesn’t want it to be overbearing.
8. Boho Braids with Waves
Boho braids became a sensation in 2024, and till now, people are rocking this hairstyle. While many people prefer to experiment with the kind of texture they want to incorporate in their boho braids, others want it simple.
If you don’t want the curls of your boho braids to be too voluminous, then you can try waves. The textures that waves give are more subtle than curls. If you want a loose wave, you can get bulk human hair extension that imitates the type 2A or 2B hair.
9. Half-Up, Half-Down Wavy Hair
Who said wavy hair has to be worn straight down?
You can put your wavy hair in different hairstyles. The half-up, half-down is a great option; it creates an illusion of volume, allows hair strands to frame your face, and generally looks good.
You can generally wear the half-up, half-down style in different wave patterns (loose waves or tight waves).
10. Bouncy 3D Body Waves
Bouncy waves are absolutely gorgeous. Don’t you think so?
They give this bouncy feel, just as the name implies. Aside from that, they give off a vibrant spring-like feel that makes it look beautiful.
The waves in this hairstyle usually start about 2 - 3 inches away from the root. This allows you to enjoy the wavy volume without having so much volume at the roots.
That’s It!
It is one thing to wear a good-looking wavy hairstyle; it is another thing to ensure that your wavy hair looks fresh.
Wavy hair gets frizzy easily, so getting hair products like conditioners, mousse, and adding some lightweight oil can help reduce or tame frizz.
Which wavy hair style is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.
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