Wavy hair has a will of its own, making it quite hard for you to tame it. Yes, the struggle is real. Finding the right products, figuring out the proper routine, looking for the right brush, learning how to wash it properly and detangle it. The list goes on!
But, although wavy hair is unruly most of the time, it does associate with strength, freedom, and self-confidence, meaning it’s a hair type desired by many.
If you fall in the spectrum of wavy hair and are looking for tips to save you from the never-ending cycle of bad styling products, haircuts, and hairstyles, stick along.
What Is Natural Wavy Hair?
Natural wavy hair is closer to curly hair but with a ripple-like pattern and texture. It’s flatter closer to the scalp but forms a wavy texture towards the ends.
Although natural waves give that messy, wild look, they have a downside. Wavy hair tends to get frizzy quite a lot. And, of course, you won’t even be in control of your waves most of the time due to moisture overpowering you.
But not all hope is lost. Wavy hair is quite resilient despite the frizz and doesn’t get quickly dry or oily. However, your hair care routine needs to start from the get-go, that is, from the minute you step into the shower!
It requires a bit of hard work, but trust us, it pays off!
Wavy Hair Types
Wavy hair is divided into types 2A, 2B, and 2C, considering density, volume, consistency, and length. Each type is unique and asks for specific care and styling products.
Type 2A
This type is thin and fine with a slight ‘S’ curve. Waves are straight at the root and lightly curved towards the ends. It’s easy to straighten it as well as curl using heat tools.
Type 2B
Type 2B hair has more defined waves but is flat near the roots. It doesn’t combat frizz very well but can be easily defined with the right tools and products.
Type 2C
This type is closest to curls, having thick, dense, and voluminous waves. However, it’s the most challenging type to style since it frizzes pretty easily.
Most Common Natural Wavy Hair Concerns
Frizz, frizz, and more frizz. Yes, the number one concern of wavy hair. But, considering this type is known for being unpredictable and inconsistent, you need to combat a few more ‘enemies’.
Dryness
Heat-based styling and drying tools, hot climate, sun, wind, hair dyes, harsh shampoos, and bad diet all dry out your hair, no matter how resilient it is. To maintain the health of your hair, check the following advice.
- Avoid hot tools! This means you have to limit the use of flat and curling iron. But, if using them is a must, you should apply a heat protectant to avoid heat damage.
- Hydration is the key to salvation! Deep condition at least once a week to ensure your hair gets the nutrients it requires.
- Always go for sulfate-free shampoos. We can not stress the importance of that enough. Sulfates strip the strands from their natural moisture, leaving you with dull and dry hair.
Frizzines
Due to the wavy texture, natural oils from your scalp have a hard time traveling down the strands, and the curlier the hair, the harder the travel. Add humidity to that equation, and hello, frizz! To fight it, you need to follow our guidance below!
- Try using a silk pillowcase since cotton causes too much friction. Silk pillowcases also help retain moisture because they don’t absorb the natural oils from your hair. Your waves will be well taken care of during the night!
- Dry your hair with a T-shirt or a microfiber towel since traditional towels absorb too much moisture and cause friction and damage. Try using a ‘plopping’ technique – bend over, lay your hair down into the T-shirt or a microfiber towel, and twirl it around your head. It will increase the volume of your waves and help you dry the hair without using additional tools.
- When you finish styling your hair, there’s no more touching! So, hands off and brush off! If you do mess with it, you’ll increase the frizz, which is a big no! So, less frizz = less touching.
Tangles
Tangles and knots – everyone struggles with them more or less. The curlier your hair is, the harder it will be to detangle it. However, there are a few tips that will make the process pain-free:
- It’s much easier to detangle wet hair than dry hair. Apply a conditioner, get your wide-tooth comb or a boar bristle brush, and work through those knots (gently!).
- Always brush from the bottom up! If you start from the top, you’ll just push all those knots on top of one another and, eventually, end up with a bush that’s impossible and painful to detangle.
- Again, a silk pillowcase comes to the rescue. By reducing friction, it also reduces tangles. For extra caution, try clipping your hair during the night.
Best Tips and Tricks for Big Waves and Healthy Hair
If you have naturally wavy hair, you must invest time and nerves to craft an adequate wavy hair routine and maintain it. Rule no. 1 is that wavy hair needs to be nourished from the moment you step into the shower! You might not see results right away (well, it’s most likely you won’t), but after time, you’ll find your waves becoming more defined, having that natural curly vibe that’s irresistible to many!
How to Hydrate Naturally Wave Hair
Hydration is naturally an essential part of the hair care routine because otherwise, your hair will be dry, dull, and flat.
- To keep your hair moisturized, try using a leave-in conditioner, as it offers deep hydration and provides extra moisture to the hair. Apply only to the ends to prevent a build-up on your scalp.
- Wash your hair with sulfate-free shampoos. As mentioned above, sulfates strip hair from its natural oils. Generally, look for clean products that are free from any harmful ingredients – parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, synthetic colors, and so on.
- Try washing your hair only once or twice a week (or even less) because a build-up of products can cause irritation.
- Always combine a clean shampoo with a leave-in conditioner or a hair mask. You’ll find your wavy strands to be nourished and enriched with vitamins.
Learn What Type of Wavy Hair You Have
To find the products and the routine that best fits your hair, you need to know which category you fall into. Note that not every shampoo, leave-in conditioner, mousse, or hair mask will automatically work for you because you may end up with a product build-up.
- 2A type refers to fine hair; hence opt for a lightweight formula such as mousse or a silicone-free clarifying shampoo.
- 2C type being coarse and thick, can handle heavier products and needs extra moisture for the strands to stay hydrated.
- 2B falls somewhere in between. If you feel your hair is dry, then choose heavier products to boost it up.
How to Define the Waves Naturally
Of course, you can always grab onto your flat iron or curling iron to define your waves, but it’s better and healthier to do that ‘naturally.’
- Apply a texturizing spray or a styling cream if your hair is more on the coarse side, and start squeezing. It adds definition and gives your hair texture, volume, and a cute bounce.
- Use the ‘plopping’ technique explained above, as it keeps the curls sealed and dries the hair naturally. Try applying a curl-enhancing jelly or mousse before you twirl a T-shirt around your head.
- Use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment after you shower to easily define waves. Drying with a diffuser will be less stressful to the wet strands because the force of air that’s coming through the blow dryer is reduced.
- Try air drying. Let your naturally wavy hair air dry, and see what happens. The curls might keep the volume and the bounce, but they may also fall out before they’re set. Hence, it’s individual. You can also use the plopping technique and then let the hair air dry. Note that you will need to experiment a bit to learn what suits your waves best.
How to Style Naturally Wavy Hair
To style wavy hair properly, you first need to know what type of waves you are looking for. Do you want to have natural curls, easy waves, or maybe hippie-style curls?
Check our top 3 styles, which are sweet, easy, and irresistible.
Slept-in Braids
This style will give a boho, hippie-like vibe. It’s excellent for long as well as shoulder-length hair.
- Brush your hair to ensure it’s free from any tangles, and spritz it with your favorite styling product.
- Divide hair into two parts (or more if your hair is thick) and start braiding. French braids are easiest to do; just make sure they’re tight and sturdy if you want to have a dense wavy look.
- Leave overnight.
If you find the waves are too firm in the morning, just run your fingers through the hair to loosen them up. Seal your hairstyle with a touch of hairspray.
Cloth-Curls
An old method that never disappoints (straight hair girls also opt for this method quite often). You will have vintage locks as if you stepped out of the 20s. Also, if you have short hair, this trick will do wonders for you.
- Take an old cloth and cut it into several narrow but long pieces.
- Divide your damp hair into several sections (more sections, more curls) and apply a hair spray.
- Take one strand and twist it around the cloth until you reach the top of your head.
- Tie the cloth and leave it overnight
- Take the clothes out, and shake your head a bit to ensure the waves blend nicely.
Twisted Bun
This is a go-to style, loved by many. Tie a low ponytail and twist the rest of your hair around the bun and clip it with bobby pins. Also, you can make a high twisted, messy bun – go to work, finish your chores, and then let your hair loose in the evening. Correct the waves with your fingers, and you’re good to go.
Last but Not Least
You need to know that naturally, wavy hair is never perfect. There will always be a curl that’s popping out! But, you must embrace the hair type you’re given and love the natural texture of your imperfect waves. Remember, not all of us are gifted with that naturally wild, messy, and strong look.
Hence, don’t be lazy and start nurturing your wavy hair right away.