Wavy hair is all the rage these days; from celebs like Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively to your next-door neighbor, everyone is going in for tousled, carefree ripples in their hairstyles. And whether this texture is yours by nature, or achieved through wavy extensions or wigs, we’ve got some great style ideas for you!
Braids and twists
Punch up your style by adding small braids or twists, strategically placed to frame your face, pull hair back from your crown area, or just add a bit of extra texture drama in the midst of otherwise smoother locks.
Experiment with parts
No, not acting. Switch up the depth, direction, and even very existence of your hair partings for different looks. Tip: Deep side parts give off a fresh-from-the-beach, California-Girl vibe, while center parts are great for almost any look, from office to after-party. For a sexy, nonchalant style, do away with the part completely, and just sweep the hair back like Megan Fox.
Layered hairstyles
No matter if you’re sporting long, short, or medium hairstyles, layers will give your waves movement and body, making your tresses truly live up to their name. Be aware, though, that the shorter the cut, the straighter your hair will appear-so if you want to keep your wavy look, stick with medium hairstyles, and don’t go too short.
Bold highlights
Mix high-contrast colors (bright reds are especially favorable) for more depth and versatility. Lowlights, if you already have light-colored hair, achieve the same effect of making it seem like the light is dancing on your sun-kissed wavy hairstyles.
Create a curl
Surprisingly, Type 2 hair is much like Type 4 hair, in that it often needs a bit of coaxing to take on a different texture or shape. Try setting your hair with braids, twists, Bantu Knots, or just plain rollers for bigger, bouncier curls. Use setting lotion, hairspray, mousse, or 
gel for hold, then release and enjoy the curliness. The Scarlet O’Hara. For the daring, playful, or nostalgic and definitely for those with curlier waves, or Type 2c hair-try asking your stylist to update this classic 19th-century style. Curlier on the bottom and swept back at the top, this style can work well for special occasions like weddings and formal dances, and only needs a few rollers and hairpins to pull off, at its simplest. (And if you like this kind of retro look, watch out for our upcoming “Timeline Tuesday” series, profiling style icons of the past to emulate.)
Anyway you slice it, though, you have a buffet of options for wavy hairstyles. So go out and enjoy them! And if you're not sure about your hair type, don't worry, we've created a handy hair texture guide that can help you!
The Best Celebrity Hairstyles for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is the perfect balance between straight and curly! It’s so versatile that you can create just about any style with wavy hair. It works well with short and long hair and can be styled to create an elegant look or totally casual. It’s also incredibly easy to take care of as it doesn’t require much maintenance at all! Still don’t know what to do with your wavy locks? Get inspired with some of our favorite celebrity hairstyles!
Old Hollywood Waves
Nothing is more chic than turning back time to Old Hollywood. These waves actress Megan Fox is sporting are a timeless classic for any occasion.. Start off by parting your hair with a deep side part. This will give your hairline a slight bouffant which is reminiscent of the era. Depending on your wave pattern, you may be able to achieve this look naturally -try it with our wavy virgin weaves - or get this look by using a curling iron. Really set the waves by clipping them in place and spraying them with hairspray. You’ll be the talk of the town!
Beachy Waves
Nothing is more simple or easily achievable than tousled hair. These beachy waves give model Shay Mitchell a casual yet sultry look. Get perfectly tousled hair by spritzing a little texturizing or sea salt spray to create a stylishly disheveled look. Refresh your waves using a flat iron or curling wand on our one of our looser steam permed textures for added drama. This hairstyle is great for everyday wear!
Razored Bob
Wavy textured hair is perfect for a short razor cut! Actress Jenna Dewan's waves give her hair the perfect amount of added volume and the texture really complements the blunt cut and shape. Recreate this look using our wavy swiss lace closure and a couple of our wavy weave bundles.
Wavy hairstyles are as easy breezy as their texture! Comment below which celebrity style you’ll be wearing next!
Understanding Type 2 Wavy Hair: 2A, 2B, and 2C
Type 2 wavy hair sits between straight and curly and has three sub-types that behave quite differently from each other. Understanding which you have helps you choose the right styles and products.
"Type 2 hair is one of the most misunderstood textures because it's so sensitive to products and technique. The exact same products that make 2C hair beautiful can make 2A hair flat and stringy. Knowing your sub-type is the first step to working with your waves rather than fighting them."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Type 2A has the loosest, most subtle wave pattern - almost straight with a slight S-shape. It's fine in texture, prone to going flat, and needs lightweight products that don't weigh the wave down. Heavy products make 2A hair stringy and greasy-looking.
Type 2B has more defined S-waves that start at the mid-lengths rather than the roots. More prone to frizz than 2A. Benefits from curl-enhancing products and the "soaking wet" application technique.
Type 2C has the most defined waves, almost bordering on curly, starting from the roots. The most frizz-prone of the three. Needs the most moisture and the strongest hold products to maintain definition.
Styling Type 2 Wavy Hair to Enhance the Wave
The key principle for all type 2 hair: apply products to soaking wet hair and let it dry without touching. Touching wavy hair as it dries disrupts the wave pattern and causes frizz. The more you can leave it alone during drying, the more defined your waves will be.
The scrunch method: Apply leave-in conditioner and a curl cream or light gel to soaking wet hair. Scrunch upward in sections to encourage the wave to clump. Let air dry or diffuse on low heat. Once completely dry, scrunch out any crunch from the gel for soft, defined waves.
Plopping: After washing, lay a cotton t-shirt flat, lower your hair onto it, and wrap the shirt around your hair (turban-style). Leave for 20-30 minutes, then unwrap and let finish drying. Plopping helps waves clump and reduces frizz by absorbing excess water gently.
Wavy Hair Extensions: Adding Volume and Length
If your natural waves need length or volume enhancement, wavy clip-in extensions are the most natural-looking option because the texture matches your own. Our wavy extensions are made from 100% Remy Indian human hair with a natural wave pattern that blends seamlessly with Types 2A through 2C.
Install clip-in extensions before applying your wave-enhancing products for the most seamless blend. Apply your wave cream or light gel through both your natural hair and the extension hair together, then let everything dry without touching. The result is a unified wave pattern that doesn't show where your natural hair ends and the extension begins.
Hairstyles for Type 2 Wavy Hair That Actually Work
The styles from the original post above all work beautifully with wavy hair. A few additional styling notes:
For updos and braids, wavy hair's texture actually works in your favor - the waves create natural grip that helps bobby pins and elastics stay in place better than straight hair would. Braids in wavy hair have beautiful texture and movement.
For sleeked or polished styles, wavy hair needs to be blown out or flat ironed first. Apply a smoothing serum or anti-frizz product before heat styling for the smoothest result. A straightened type 2 blowout can last 2-3 days with proper nighttime protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of wavy hairstyles?
Wavy hair styles include beach waves (loose, effortless waves), the lob (long bob with wave), the textured bun or updo, braided styles, half-up half-down styles, and the classic blowout. On natural wavy hair, styles like the "wash and go" and the "diffuse and scrunch" let the natural wave pattern shine. Extensions can add length and volume to all of these styles.
How do you enhance natural waves in type 2 hair?
Apply a curl cream or light gel to soaking wet hair, scrunch upward to encourage clumping, and let air dry completely without touching. Starting with soaking wet hair and avoiding touching during drying are the two most impactful techniques for enhancing natural waves. Diffusing on low heat with a diffuser attachment can speed drying while maintaining the wave pattern.
What products work best for type 2 wavy hair?
For 2A: lightweight leave-in conditioner and mousse or a very light curl cream. Avoid anything heavy. For 2B: leave-in conditioner plus a medium-hold curl cream or light gel. For 2C: leave-in conditioner plus a stronger curl cream and/or gel for hold and frizz control. All types benefit from avoiding heavy silicones and glycerin-containing products in humid weather.
Can you add wavy extensions to type 2 hair?
Yes - wavy extensions blend most naturally with type 2 natural hair because the wave patterns are compatible. Apply extensions before styling products for the best blend. Use the same wave-enhancing technique (scrunch, soaking wet application, air dry) on both your natural hair and the extension hair together for a seamless, unified look.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
