Did you just land yourself a hot date for this weekend? Don’t worry if your cutest dress isn’t in the seasonal color palette you’ve been hearing so much about, or that you’ve worn it before on your Instagram. If you’ve been blessed with Type 2 waves, rejoice! Your gorgeous strands are your best date-night accessory.
On your past dates, you may have been in a hair rut based on those tried-and-true convenient styles. Break out of that with a few new romantic hairstyles that accentuate the hair your mama gave you. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Do I have Type 2 hair?” we’ve made a guide for you to self-type your curls or waves.
Whether you’re on a first date or you’re going to dinner with your husband of 25 years, these hairstyles can help you turn up the romance on your next night on the town.
1. The Classic Updo
What you’ll need:
- 2 clear hair elastics
- bobby pins
This classic updo is great for dates where you want to add a touch of elegance. Your hair stays gracefully out of your face so the focus is on you and only you. While you can sweep all of your hair up into this updo, you can also leave loose strands out of the bun for a more relaxed look. You can choose between starting with straight hair for a smooth, glossy appearance or leaving your waves natural for added volume. Of course we love the way natural waves look, but it’s up to you! With your type 2 hair, adjusting your texture will not be an issue.
2. Twist-Back
What you’ll need:
- large clip
- 1 clear hair elastic
This simple hairstyle is a more creative take on the classic half up/half down style we all know and love. This is a great style because it allows you to show off your strands while still controlling them so you don’t have to move your hair out of your eyes every 3 minutes at dinner. This style can be done with or without bangs or extensions. Check out Mimi’s tutorial for Luxy Hair.
3. Knotted Half Up/Half Down
What you’ll need:
- comb
- 1 clear hair elastic
- bobby pins
- texture spray
To keep your date wondering, “how did she do that?” add this to your rotation. This is similar to the previous style, but uses a different technique for added volume and includes a knot at the end. It is great to start with some texture, so 2-3 day hair is perfectly acceptable for this style. After styling, apply a texture spray like SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Texture Spray or Jenny with Confessions of a Hairstylist‘s choice, Kenra Professional Platinum Dry Texture Spray, to spruce up your waves even more.
4. Twisted Low Bun
What you’ll need:
- 2 hair ties
- bobby pins
- shine mist
If you’ve ever struggled with trying to do an elegant bun with thick hair, struggle no more! This style takes weight off the bun while using the front pieces for visual volume. Spray the hair with a shine mist at the end to ensure everyone can see your gorgeous waves or curls (a couple of our favorites are The Doux Emcee Light Weightless Shine Mist and Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Oil Shine & Hold Mist“>. Get your bobby pins out and get to work on this gorgeous updo by Confessions of a Hairstylist.
5. Rapunzel Braid
What you’ll need:
- 1 duck bill clip
- a handful of clear hair elastics
- frizz-fighting serum
Want to feel like a princess? Try this look by creating a loose braid piled high for extra volume. Leave out some pieces of hair around your face and pin curl with bobby pins or use a wand for a face-framing touch. Extensions are optional for this style, but whether you use them or not, apply a frizz-fighting serum like Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Smoothing Serum or Ouidad Texture Smoothing Frizz & Flyaway Fighter Spray beforehand. You can add flowers or clips to this braid as an added touch!
6. Side Swept Bun
What you’ll need:
- 3 duck bill clips
- bobby pins
The side swept look is perfect for drawing attention to both the beauty of your hair and your other attributes in equal measure. This style begins with forming a simple bun above the nape of your neck. Then, use the pieces around that bun to make a sweeping motion to your “good side.” You can make this style dramatically different by sticking with your natural hair, straightening it, or curling it. Versatility is a curly girl’s best asset.
7. Fishtail Flower Half Up/Half Down
What you’ll need:
- 1 clear hair elastic
- bobby pins
- hairspray
Here’s another take on the half up/half down look, but with an added bonus. How lovely is this fishtail flower? Don’t worry, this gorgeous style is MUCH simpler than it appears. Finish this look off with your favorite hairspray. Some of our favs include DevaCurl Flexible-Hold Hair Spray, Ouidad Curl Last Flexible-Hold Hairspray and Elucence All Day Hold Spritz.
Side note: commenters have said that the flower shows up much better on lighter hair, but it still adds a lovely touch to darker hair as well!
8. Crisscross Full Bun
What you’ll need:
- 5-6 clear hair elastics
- bobby pins
Here’s a unique style you won’t see on anyone else. I like to call this a faux braid because it gives the illusion of thick and beautiful braided hair, but is actually much easier to accomplish. This style works on all different lengths of hair and is perfect for many different occasions. You won’t be able to walk through public without constant compliments with this one. Check out this tutorial by MakeupWearables Hairstyles to learn how!
9. Lace Braided Bun
What you’ll need:
- Bobby pins
- Clear hair elastic
For a fancier night out, opt for this lace braided bun. This looks fabulous from all angles and draws attention to your hair, while keeping your hair up and out of your face for everything from dancing to drinking. Your Type 2 texture will add the perfect amount of volume to this great look.
10. High Pony Half Up/Half Down
What you’ll need:
- comb
- 1 hair tie
- bobby pins
This sleek style is great for a variety of occasions. It is the quickest style on the list and can be done in less than a minute. Lavish Krish has long, thick hair in her tutorial, but this will look great on any length that can stay in a ponytail! Take your work style to date hair with this simple shift.
Want more?
Need some added oomph? 5 Ways to Make Your Wavy Hair Look Curlier.
Want to know what to use before the style? Here are some of the best gentle shampoos for your hair.
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