I used to complain a lot about why I didn’t have completely straight or completely curly hair. Why should it be something in between? Always felt like I have the unluckiest hair type. It’s always poofy and frizzy and I couldn’t even decide which hairstyle I should choose. Ugh!
Do you also feel frustrated sometimes? Finding ways to maintain your natural waves? Then consider you are in the right place. In this article, I am going to share some tips and tricks that I have learned and lived by for my wavy hair. I am sure once you start to maintain a wavy hair routine, all your frustration will be gone and you’ll feel you’ve got the best of both worlds.
Understanding Wavy Hair
Before diving into a routine, let’s discuss wavy hair type. It is said that all waves are curls but not all curls are waves. Wavy hair is characterized by loose to defined S-shaped curls that can range from subtle bends to more pronounced waves.
Generally, wavy hair falls into the type 2 category. And again it can also show different wave patterns, based on the shape and texture of waves: 2A, 2B and 2C.
I am carrying 2A hair type, loose and subtle waves that are closer to straight hair. Some people have 2B hair, more defined S-shaped waves that are moderately textured and thicker. The most pronounced wave in the wavy hair category is 2C, which often forms more distinct S patterns and tends to be more prone to frizz.
Wavy hair routine
Wavy hair indeed requires a little extra effort than straight hair but it does not necessarily be too exaggerated. Finding the right balance of products and techniques can be the main secret of your gorgeous waves. Let’s have a look at the easy steps that will help you establish a wavy hair routine to keep your hair looking effortlessly beautiful.
Cleansing and conditioning
Start your routine simply as you always do, cleanse your hair with a gentle cleansing shampoo to remove buildup without stripping natural oils. Opt for sulfate-free, paraben-free, hydrating shampoo that cleanses without drying out your waves. Look for ingredients like coconut or shea butter which provide moisture and enhance curl definition.
Follow up with a nourishing conditioner. You may know by this time, that wavy hair can’t go a long way without conditioning. So after shampooing, Apply a good quality conditioner from mid-length to the ends. It will hydrate and balance your waves.
I usually don’t wash my hair more than 3 times a week. You can wash your hair 2-3 times a week according to your needs.
Detangle your hair
Okay! You got your hair cleaned. Now slowly detangle your hair while it’s still wet and conditioned. It will prevent hair frizz and help to maintain wave definition. Use your finger or a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute conditioner and gently detangle to avoid breakage.
Leave-in-conditioner
If your shower is done, it’s time for post-shower hair care. Make sure your hair is wet. If it’s not, get a spray bottle and spray water in your hair so that you have wet hair to work with. Working with wet hair will decrease frizz and help your products absorb better. Also will help you define your waves.
Now apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. Hair ends tend to be particularly more dry than the rest of the hair. So make sure your hair ends get a lot of moisture. A leave-in conditioner will help to maintain moisture and tame frizzy hair.
Gel, mousse, scrunch
This is the fun part. Time for styling. While your hair is still damp, apply a curl-defining cream or gel. It will help define and hold your waves without weighing them down. Distribute evenly through damp hair using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to ensure even coverage. And now scrunch. Go from the bottom to the end and scrunch it. Just hold it for about 10-20 seconds. Then apply a mousse. And repeat the scrunching process. Scrunch and hold again.
Let your waves dry
Okay once you are done with the products, now let your hair dry. Air drying is best but if you fall short on time and must use a blow dryer, use a diffuser. It will disperse heat effectively and add volume throughout without affecting the natural waves.
Soften your hair with a bit of oil
After drying, you may feel a little crunch in your waves. Don’t worry. We have a solution for this too. Take a little bit of oil, apply it to your hair strands and then scrunch your hair and hold. Repeat this until you find all crunches are soft. It will make your hair less frizzy, more shiny and healthy.
Congratulations! Now you have your perfectly defined waves.
Essential tips for wavy hair care
- Protecting waves overnight: Overnight protection is essential to maintain your waves. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent friction and reduce frizz. Secure hair in a loose bun or pineapple to preserve wave in pattern.
- Deep moisturizing treatment once a week: As wavy hair is more prone to frizz, it may require more moisture than regular conditioning. Use a deep conditioning hair mask once a week to nourish and repair your waves. Look for masks with ingredients like argan oil or keratin for added strength and shine.
- Refreshing between washes: On non-wash days, if you feel your hair is losing volume or wave patterns, refresh your waves by spritzing with a mixture of water and a leave-in conditioner. Repeat the scrunch-and-hold method. It will redefine your waves and revive volume.
Final words
Still feeling you have poofy and unluckiest hair type? No, you don’t. Now that you know how to take care of and style your wavy hair, just follow these steps, and confidently embrace and showcase your beautiful wavy hair every day. I promise, soon you will realize that you have actually the most gorgeous hair type of all.
