7 Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Type 2C Hair
If you’ve got Type 2C hair, you know the struggle is real. One day it’s giving mermaid waves, and the next it’s a frizzy mess with zero definition. Finding the right shampoo and conditioner can make all the difference. You need something that hydrates without weighing your hair down and keeps frizz in check without flattening those beautiful waves. I’ve rounded up 7 tried-and-true products that actually work for 2C hair. Whether you’re new to the wave game or just looking to upgrade your routine, these picks are total game-changers.
What Is Type 2C Hair?
Type 2C hair is the waviest of the “Type 2” hair types and it often gets mistaken for curly hair because of how full and textured it is. These waves are thick, deep, and usually form an “S” shape from root to tip. If your hair gets frizzy the second there’s humidity and your waves look more defined when wet, there’s a good chance you’ve got 2C hair.
The biggest struggles? Frizz, dryness, and waves that never seem to stay put. Your scalp might also get oily faster while your ends stay dry, making it tricky to find a balanced routine. And traditional shampoos? Yeah, most of them are too harsh. They strip away natural oils and leave your waves puffy, tangled, or totally undefined. That’s why finding the right products is key to keeping your 2C hair soft, shiny, and effortlessly wavy.
What to Look for in a Shampoo & Conditioner for Type 2C Hair
When it comes to Type 2C hair, not just any shampoo and conditioner will do. You need something that hits the sweet spot—hydrating but not heavy, cleansing but not stripping. Look for sulfate-free formulas first. Sulfates can be super drying, and Type 2C hair already struggles with frizz and lack of moisture.
Another must? Lightweight moisture. You want ingredients like aloe vera, coconut water, or glycerin that hydrate your waves without making them limp. Protein-rich products (think keratin or rice protein) can also help strengthen your hair and define your wave pattern—just don’t go overboard or it can make your hair feel stiff.
Also, steer clear of heavy silicones or waxy ingredients that build up fast and weigh your waves down. And if you deal with an oily scalp or product buildup, look for a gentle clarifying shampoo you can use every once in a while to reset your hair without stripping it dry.
Basically, you want your shampoo and conditioner to nourish your waves, not flatten them—and the right products make all the difference!
7 Best Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Type 2C Hair
Not all hair products are created equal—especially when it comes to wavy, frizz-prone 2C hair. You need something that adds moisture without being heavy, defines your waves, and keeps frizz under control. After digging through reviews, testing a few myself, and talking to fellow 2C babes, I’ve rounded up 7 shampoo and conditioner duos that actually get the job done.
1. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo + Conditioner
Best for frizz control and wave definition
If your 2C hair constantly battles frizz (especially in humid weather), this duo from SheaMoisture is a total lifesaver. The Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine shampoo and conditioner combo is made specifically for wavy to curly hair, and it’s packed with nourishing ingredients that bring waves back to life without weighing them down.
The shampoo is sulfate-free, so it cleanses gently without stripping your natural oils. It lathers up nicely (which not all sulfate-free shampoos do), and leaves your scalp feeling fresh, not tight or dry. The star ingredient here is coconut oil, which helps lock in moisture and reduce breakage. It also includes silk protein to smooth out rough cuticles and neem oil for extra shine and softness.
The conditioner is rich but not too heavy, which is exactly what 2C waves need. It helps with detangling, reduces puffiness, and leaves your hair feeling soft, defined, and easy to manage. Plus, the tropical scent is honestly addictive—it smells like a beach vacation in a bottle.
SheaMoisture is also cruelty-free and free of parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil, which is a big win if you’re trying to keep your hair routine clean and healthy.
Why it works for 2C hair:
- Helps control frizz without flattening waves
- Adds softness and shine
- Defines your natural pattern
- Great for humid weather
Price range:
This products costs ~$10–$12 per bottle (affordable and easy to find in most drugstores or online). If you’re just starting to figure out your wavy hair routine, this is a solid first pick that won’t disappoint.
2. Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo & Conditioner
Best for lightweight moisture without the buildup
If your Type 2C hair tends to get weighed down easily but still needs hydration (because hello, frizz), the Maui Moisture Hibiscus Water duo is exactly what your waves have been craving. This shampoo and conditioner set is all about lightweight moisture, meaning it hydrates your hair without making it feel greasy, heavy, or limp.
Composition
First off, the formula is made with 100% aloe vera juice as the base, instead of water, so you’re getting extra nourishment from the get-go. It’s blended with hibiscus water and passionfruit, which help soften your hair, add shine, and keep it looking bouncy and fresh. The shampoo gives your scalp a nice cleanse without stripping, and the conditioner leaves your waves feeling soft, detangled, and totally touchable.
This duo is also silicone-free, sulfate-free, and vegan, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh ingredients messing with your natural texture. And the tropical floral scent? Super light and refreshing—perfect if you don’t like overly perfumed hair products.
What really makes this one shine for Type 2C hair is how non-greasy it is. If your hair gets oily at the roots but dry at the ends, this formula balances things out beautifully. It gives you just enough moisture to define your waves without making them fall flat halfway through the day. Some of the other pros are:
- Super lightweight hydration—won’t weigh down your waves
- Great for fine or combo hair (oily scalp, dry ends)
- Adds softness, shine, and bounce
- Aloe vera base is super nourishing and gentle
Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo & Conditioner costs ~$8–$10 per bottle. This is not only budget-friendly but is also available at most drugstores. This one’s a total go-to for wavy hair that wants hydration without the heaviness.
3. Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo & Conditioner
Best for balanced hydration and a luxe feel
If you’re looking to treat your 2C waves to something a little more luxurious, the Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo and Conditioner set is a seriously good upgrade. This duo is made for medium-textured hair, which fits Type 2C perfectly, and it strikes a really nice balance between moisture, volume, and manageability.
The shampoo has a creamy, rich lather that leaves your scalp feeling super clean but never dry. It’s infused with keratin, babassu oil, and coconut oil, which all work together to strengthen your hair and smooth frizz without flattening your waves. The conditioner is equally amazing. Its super hydrating but somehow still lightweight. It gives you that soft, detangled, fresh-out-of-the-salon feel without any heaviness.
One thing people love about Ouai is the scent. It’s got a clean, floral fragrance that smells a little fancy, in the best way, and lingers just enough to make you feel extra put-together. Plus, the minimalist packaging looks super chic in your shower, if you care about that (we do!).
Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo & Conditioner pros for type 2c hair
- Made for medium hair types—perfect texture match
- Smooths frizz and defines waves
- Doesn’t weigh down hair or make it greasy
- Luxe feel with a lightweight finish
Cost is high but the results are worth it!
Price range: ~$32 each (higher-end, but long-lasting)
It’s a bit more expensive than your drugstore finds, but a little goes a long way, and the results are totally worth it, especially if your 2C hair struggles with dry ends, flyaways, or that awkward “half-defined, half-poofy” look. If you want a shampoo and conditioner that makes your hair look and feel like you just left the salon, this duo is totally worth the splurge.
4. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo & Conditioner
Best budget-friendly pick for wave definition
If you’re looking for a solid, affordable shampoo and conditioner that actually understands your waves, the Curl Talk line from Not Your Mother’s is a total win. Even though it’s marketed toward curly hair, it works so well on Type 2C hair because it’s lightweight, hydrating, and designed to bring out your natural texture—without turning your waves into crunchy curls.
The Curl Talk Shampoo is sulfate-free, which is a must for frizz-prone 2C hair. It gives you a gentle cleanse without stripping away all your natural oils. Your scalp feels clean, your waves feel soft, and there’s no squeaky dryness afterward. The conditioner is where the magic happens—super creamy, super detangling, and packed with moisture that won’t leave your hair flat. This duo includes ingredients like rice curl complex and superfood oils, which help define your waves and fight humidity like a pro. And honestly? The price point is hard to beat, especially if you’re trying to build a solid wave-care routine on a budget.
The texture payoff is amazing—your waves will look more defined, less frizzy, and way easier to manage. It’s also CGM (Curly Girl Method) approved, so if you’re following that, you’re in the clear here.
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk is good!
- Boosts wave pattern without heaviness
- Sulfate- and silicone-free
- Great for humid or frizz-prone environments
- Budget-friendly and easy to find in stores
$7–$9 per bottle (super affordable and often on sale). If you want a shampoo and conditioner duo that works with your waves instead of against them—without spending a fortune—this set is definitely worth a spot in your shower.
5. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair
Best for deep hydration and damaged waves
Let’s be real—sometimes your waves just feel fried. Whether it’s from heat styling, dye jobs, or just everyday stress, your 2C hair can end up dry, brittle, and totally out of shape. That’s where the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Shampoo and Conditioner come in. This duo is like a tall glass of water for your hair.
Price range: ~$30–$35 each (a splurge, but worth it for rescue-level care). If your waves feel like they need a little extra love, this duo is basically rehab in a bottle.
What’s cool about this set is that it’s packed with clean, naturally-derived ingredients like algae extract, argan oil, B-vitamins, and rosehip oil—all of which work together to restore moisture, reduce breakage, and boost elasticity. The shampoo gently cleanses while strengthening strands, and the conditioner delivers intense hydration without making your hair feel heavy or greasy. This is an especially great pick if your 2C hair feels more dry than usual or if you’ve noticed more breakage lately. It’s kind of like hitting the reset button. After just a few washes, your waves start to feel softer, stronger, and way more defined.
Bonus points: Briogeo products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, and artificial dyes. So if you’re trying to go clean with your hair routine, this one checks all the boxes.
- Repairs damage while restoring wave definition
- Rich hydration without heaviness
- Perfect for dry, overprocessed, or stressed-out hair
- Super clean ingredients and totally CGM-friendly
6. LUS Brands Wavy 2A–2C Shampoo & Conditioner
Best for simple, low-maintenance routines
This product is:
- Tailored to Type 2 waves—no guesswork
- Lightweight but super moisturizing
- Cuts down on styling time
- Free of sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols
If you like to keep things simple (aka minimal steps, minimal effort), the LUS Brands Wavy Shampoo and Conditioner is totally made for you. It’s a no-fuss, do-it-all duo specifically formulated for Type 2 wavy hair—so you don’t have to play guessing games with ingredients or labels.
The shampoo is sulfate-free, lathers beautifully, and gives your scalp a nice deep cleanse without stripping your hair. It’s packed with gentle, plant-based ingredients like aloe vera and coconut-derived cleansers, so it’s safe to use even if your waves are sensitive or prone to dryness.
The conditioner is equally amazing—rich, hydrating, and designed to leave your waves soft, defined, and ready to air dry (or diffuse, if that’s your thing). It helps with detangling, controls frizz, and brings out that natural wave pattern without making your hair feel greasy or over-moisturized.
The best part? LUS (short for “Love Ur Self”) keeps it easy. These products are made to be part of a streamlined wash-day routine, so they’re perfect if you don’t want to spend hours in front of the mirror.
Price range: ~$20–$25 each (mid-range and totally worth the ease)
If your goal is to find a routine that works without needing a dozen products or a curly hair degree, this set is a total time-saver and game-changer.
7. Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
Best for wave definition + scalp balance
Sometimes it’s not your waves that are the issue, it’s your scalp. If you’re dealing with greasiness, buildup, or an itchy scalp, but still want to keep your waves looking fresh and bouncy, the Pacifica Salty Waves Shampoo & Conditioner might be your new fave. This duo is especially great for 2C hair that needs volume, texture, and a scalp refresh without sacrificing moisture. The shampoo uses a mix of sea salt, coconut water, and algae extract to gently exfoliate the scalp, absorb excess oil, and give your waves that effortless beachy texture. It’s like a scalp detox and a volume boost all in one.
The conditioner is super lightweight but still moisturizing enough to tame frizz and add shine. It doesn’t coat your hair or weigh it down, which is perfect for waves that can fall flat easily. Plus, it smells like a dreamy beach day—coconut, vanilla, and sunshine in a bottle.
Pacifica is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and this duo is free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones. If you’re trying to avoid harsh ingredients while still getting a nice clean feel, this one ticks all the right boxes.
- Gently exfoliates and balances scalp
- Adds natural texture and volume
- Lightweight moisture that won’t flatten waves
- Great for combo hair (oily roots + dry ends)
Price range: ~$10–$12 each (affordable and smells amazing)
If your scalp has been throwing tantrums or your roots get greasy fast, this is the perfect wave-friendly fix—plus, the texture payoff is chef’s kiss.
What Should You Choose? Let’s Keep It Simple.
Not sure which one’s the one? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Dry, damaged waves? → Go for Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! for deep hydration and repair.
- Oily scalp, dry ends? → Try Maui Moisture Hibiscus Water or Pacifica Salty Waves for lightweight balance.
- Want a luxe feel? → Ouai Medium Hair Duo gives that salon-fresh finish.
- On a budget? → Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk is affordable and delivers real results.
- Low-maintenance queen? → LUS Wavy Hair Duo keeps things easy and fuss-free.
- Need bounce and softness? → Sephora Collection’s Strengthening Duo (Product #1) is a great everyday staple.
Pick the one that fits your hair mood and routine best. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these!
