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7 Cute Hairstyles for 2C Hair
Styling 2C hair is a game of chance. Some days, your waves are effortlessly gorgeous. Other days, they look like you lost a fight with a hairbrush.
That’s why you need a solid lineup of go-to styles that work with your natural texture instead of making you want to cry in front of the mirror.
Here are seven styles that actually get along with your 2C hair.
Bangs
They can look amazing, but bangs are a commitment, especially if you have 2C waves.
If you’re considering curtain bangs, go for it.
They blend seamlessly with waves, frame your face beautifully, and don’t require constant heat styling to look decent. Plus, if they start to misbehave, you can easily pin them back or let them grow out without too much drama.
Blunt bangs, on the other hand? That’s a different story.
Unless you’re willing to wake up every morning and battle them into submission with a straightener, you might want to reconsider.
They rarely dry evenly on wavy hair, and you’ll probably spend half your time regretting them while you wait for them to grow out.
The Half-Updo
Some days, your waves will be perfect. On other days, they will look like they have been personally offended by the weather.
This style is perfect for those “my hair is kind of cooperating but kind of not” days.
Pulling the top half of your hair into a bun or ponytail while leaving the rest down, you create a look that’s intentionally messy rather than “I gave up halfway through styling.”
It’s also an easy way to add volume, especially if your waves are looking a little limp.
This style works best on second-day hair when your waves have settled in a bit.
First-day waves are often too bouncy and unpredictable to behave in an updo without looking awkward. For a natural look, gently tug on the front sections of hair to loosen them and frame your face.
The goal is to make it look like you didn’t try too hard, even though, let’s be honest, you totally did!
The Messy Bun
The messy bun is every wavy-haired person’s go-to. There’s a fine line between “effortlessly chic” and “did you even brush your hair today?”
For 2C hair, the key to a good messy bun is loosely twisting your waves into a bun rather than pulling them too tightly.
If you wrap it up too neatly, you lose the volume and texture that makes it look effortless. A few strategically placed face-framing pieces can make all the difference, pull some tendrils out around your face for that soft, romantic vibe.
If your messy bun keeps falling flat: add dry shampoo at the roots before putting your hair up. This gives your waves extra lift and keeps the bun from looking too deflated.
You can also secure it with a single hair tie, use a claw clip, or spin pins for a looser hairstyle.
Finger Curling
Sometimes 2C hair needs a little direction. This is where finger curling comes in. It’s basically curl rehab for waves that have lost their definition. You can do it after washing your hair. But, it’s always a good idea to just re-wet your hair on non-wash days when you want a defined curl.
✔ Wet your hair with a spray bottle
✔ Take a section of hair, wrap it around your finger, and let go
✔ Scrunch lightly to encourage bounce
✔ Use a light curl cream or gel to hold the shape and diffuse
The Claw Clip
Claw clips are back, and honestly, thank goodness, because they make styling wavy hair so much easier.
✔ Gather your hair at the nape of your neck
✔ Twist it upward and secure it with a large claw clip
✔ Let the ends of your waves cascade over the clip for a soft, elegant look
✔ Pull out a few front pieces for an effortlessly cool finish
Perfect for when you need to look polished but have approximately zero time to style your hair.
Braided
Wavy hair + braids = a match made in heaven. This braided crown style is equal parts boho chic and practical (it keeps your hair out of your face while looking fancy).
✔ Create two small braids on each side of your head
✔ Pull them back and secure them with a pin or elastic, you can also create a little bun together
✔ Leave the rest of your waves loose for a romantic, effortless look
✔ Works great on third-day hair when you need some control
Wavy hair + braids = a match made in heaven. This braided crown style is equal parts boho chic and practical (it keeps your hair out of your face while looking fancy).
✔ Create two small braids on each side of your head
✔ Pull them back and secure them with a pin or elastic
✔ Leave the rest of your waves loose for a romantic, messy look
✔ Works great on third-day hair when you need some control
The Side Braid
If your waves are acting up and you just can’t, the side braid is your best friend. It’s quick, stylish, and keeps frizz under control.
✔ Sweep all your hair to one side and braid loosely
✔ Pull apart the braid slightly for a fuller look
✔ Leave out some tendrils for a soft, effortless finish
✔ Works great on days when your waves are too wild to be tamed
The messier the braid, the better it looks. This style is perfect for a summer vacation!
Some days your hair will look straight out of a Pinterest tutorial. On other days, it’ll look like a chaotic science experiment. Either way, at least now you have a plan.
People with pin-straight hair literally pay for the volume and texture you have naturally. So own your beautiful waves!
