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2B Hair for Men: What Is It and How Do I Keep It Healthy?
Dr Mir Malkani
Medically reviewed by
Dr Mir Malkani
Updated on January 28, 2025

2B hair is a type of wavy hair. It’s a common hair type for men in the UK because 40% of people of European descent have wavy locks [1]. Of the remaining 60%, 45% have straight hair, and 15% have curls [1].

If you’re curious about the best way to care for and style 2B hair for men, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore:

  • What 2B hair for men is 
  • How to identify your hair type
  • Challenges and tips for guys with 2B hair 
  • Whether 2B hair is linked to hair loss
Table of Contents

What is 2B hair for men? 

Men with 2B hair have naturally textured beachy waves. There are four main hair types, each of which has three subtypes. 

Hair type chart

The different types of hair are:

  • Type 1 — straight 
  • Type 2 — wavy
  • Type 3 — curly
  • Type 4 — coily

Each main hair type is split into subtypes A, B, and C. Type 2A hair has soft waves, type 2B has medium-sized waves, and type 2C has tighter waves closer to curls. 1A hair is the straightest of all, while 4C is the most tightly coiled.

How to identify your hair type 

To find your natural hair type, wash and condition your hair in the shower and let it air dry without applying any products. Observe whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy, curly or coily. Ask yourself which of these images is closest to your natural hair: 

Man with type 1 hair
Type 1 hair
Man with type 2 hair
Type 2 hair
Man with type 3 hair
Type 3 hair
Man with type 4 hair
Type 4 hair

You have wavy hair if your hair is closest to the Type 2 image. Now ask yourself which of these images your hair is closest to:

Man with type 2A hair
Type 2A hair
Harry Styles type 2B hair
Type 2B hair
Jason Momoa type 2C hair
Type 2C hair

If your hair is closest to the second image, you likely have type 2B hair. If you’re still unsure, take our comprehensive hair type quiz to find out which type you have.

Common challenges for guys with 2B hair 

When it’s healthy, 2B hair is textured, with beachy waves. But like all wavy and curly hair types, 2B hair is prone to frizz, especially in humid weather. And this hair type can come with a few unique challenges — here are a few of them:

  • 2B hair is relatively easy to straighten, but you may find your hair kinking in humid weather and trying to return to its natural wavy state.
  • Waves are concentrated further down the hair shaft with type 2B hair, so you may develop knots and tangles from the mid-lengths to the ends.
  • You may struggle with the volume at the roots because 2B hair is often fine, and waves start further down your hair shaft.
  • Your hair may appear greasy if you use heavy products or too much product at the roots.
Washing 2B hair men

The best hair care tips for men with 2B hair 

Getting the right hair care routine can help your natural beachy waves look incredible. Here are some of our top tips to get the most out of your 2B hair as a guy.

Wash your hair gently

With 2B hair, you should wash your hair every one or two days. Research shows concerns about hair damage from regular shampooing are unfounded [2], so there’s no need to worry.

Wavy hair is prone to tangles, so you should wash gently with shampoo and focus on your scalp. Condition your hair from the mid-lengths to tips, avoiding conditioner around the roots — this could be the reason your hair looks greasy.

Minimise heat

Overusing heat tools like hair dryers and straighteners can lead to heat-damaged hair. Let your hair air dry when possible, or use your hair dryer on low heat to reduce your risk of dry, brittle hair

Try a silk pillowcase

Silk pillowcases can be a lifesaver when it comes to frizz. They feel luxurious and can reduce friction between your hair and the fabric, meaning less frizz.

Products for 2B hair men

Use medium-weight hair products

As a wavy hair type, 2B hair can get away with heavier product use than type 1 hair. However, it’s still at risk of looking greasy if you use too much product, especially around the roots.

Boost volume around the roots

2B hair can appear limp and lifeless around the root area because waves start further down. Try a lightweight volumising product or gently diffuse your hair upside down on a low heat.

Brush your hair carefully

Removing tangles from 2B hair can cause hair damage and hair breakage if you’re too rough. Use a detangling spray and gently tease out any knots with a wide-tooth comb.

Hair loss men

Is 2B hair linked to hair loss? 

2B hair is not specifically linked to hair loss. Your hair type does not affect your likelihood of experiencing hair shedding, but you may be losing hair for several other reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of hair loss:

Hair transplant 2B hair

Can I have a hair transplant with 2B hair? 

Hair transplants for curly and wavy hair, including 2B hair, are completely possible and usually very successful. Hair transplants can be performed on all hair types, including straight, curly, wavy, and coily hair textures [6]. If you are a good candidate for a hair transplant, getting the procedure done with type 2B hair should be no problem. 

Hair loss treatment for 2B hair

Are you experiencing hair loss with type 2B hair? Our expert trichologists have experience treating hair loss across all hair types, from completely straight hair to tightly coiled Afro hair.

When you first come to our clinic, you’ll receive a specialised assessment for your wavy hair. Our hair doctors will examine you using diagnostic trichology tests (such as a hair pull test or blood tests for hair loss) and create a tailored treatment plan.

Treatment options may include Minoxidil, Finasteride, PRP hair treatment or a natural-looking hair transplant. All of these are suitable for type 2B hair as long as you fit the requirements for each treatment.

Want to restore your 2B locks to their former glory? Book a consultation at your nearest clinic location today.

2B Hair for Men: What Is It and How Do I Keep It Healthy?, Wimpole Clinic

FAQs

The best haircuts for 2B hair are rounded, graduated layers. These layers encourage your curls and add volume, making the most of your natural texture. If your hair’s lacking thickness, check out the best and worst hairstyles for men with thin hair

2B hair is less oily than type 1 and 2A hair, but it’s still prone to looking greasy around the roots without proper care. Shampoo your scalp thoroughly and avoid applying conditioner to your roots or using heavy hair products to stop your hair from looking oily.

Type 4C hair, the driest and most tightly coiled of all hair types, is known for being particularly fragile. If you have 4C coils, you’ll need to take special care of your hair and use regular deep conditioning treatments to keep it healthy.

2B hair is relatively low maintenance, but it can be prone to tangles. If you don’t detangle your hair often enough, knots can form and you can experience hair breakage. This becomes more likely as your hair gets longer.

Dr Mir Malkani
Medically reviewed by Dr Mir MalkaniUpdated on January 28, 2025
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.

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