How to use Leave-in Conditioner for Type 2 Hair

Type 2 (wavy) hair is a hair type that doesn’t usually have a ton of issues with dryness, but it can become dry, frizzy, and develop split ends in some cases. Luckily, a leave-in conditioner may be all you need to achieve the healthy, luscious waves you’ve been dreaming of. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how to use leave-in conditioner for your type 2 hair. 

How to Use Leave-in Conditioner for Type 2 Hair

If you’ve never used a leave-in conditioner for your Type 2 hair, you may not be sure how to get started. The following steps will help you choose and use a leave-in. 

Step 1: Choose a Leave-in

The first thing to do is choose the perfect leave-in conditioner for your wavy hair. This can be tricky since this hair type can be oily or dry. It all depends on the type of wave you’re dealing with. Loose waves allow your scalp oils to flow down the shaft easily, while larger, more defined waves make natural moisturization more difficult, leading to dry ends.

You also don’t want to weigh those waves down since this leaves your hair flat and dull. Frizz is an issue you may be dealing with as well. The best option to battle all of those issues at once is a water-based leave-in conditioner spray. It is lightweight and tames frizz, plus it can be used on the driest areas as needed.

Step 2: Wash & Condition

Once you have your leave-in selected, it’s time to put it to use. First, wash and condition your hair with your usual products. Be sure to rinse it well to ensure there is no residue left behind. Wring it out gently to get rid of as much of the water as possible. You shouldn’t apply leave-in conditioner to sopping wet hair. 

Step 3: Air-dry

Let your hair air dry instead of using a cotton towel since this can cause frizzy hair. If a towel is necessary, try microfiber or bamboo to reduce this issue. 

Step 4: Apply the Leave-in

There are two methods of applying leave-in conditioner to Type 2 hair. If you want looser waves, spray the leave-in on the damp ends. You can go a bit higher if needed for drier hair but avoid the scalp area. Comb the leave-in conditioner through your hair using a wide-tooth comb.

For more definition, spray the leave-in on wet hair and use your hands to scrunch it in. You can also use a diffuser if you like to define and dry your waves at the same time. 

Step 5: Style Your Hair

Once your leave-in conditioner is added, you can style your hair as usual. Many leave-ins offer protection from heat styling, so you can use a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron if needed. You can also use your other styling products over the leave-in conditioner as you see fit.

Type 2 hair can be trying at times since it is a mix of oily and dry, with some frizz thrown in for a bit of extra hassle. But, finding the right leave-in conditioner and using it correctly keeps those waves manageable and gorgeous at all times.

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.