The Ultimate Wavy Styling Guide


Girl with wavy hair brushing it back with her fingers, smiling downwards with the ocean behind her.
Author Signature: "by Chief Educator Claire" with photo of Claire

Wavy hair is sometimes forgotten amongst the different types of curls and, in some ways, can be harder to care for. People are left unsure how to treat their hair or find it difficult to know exactly what it needs.

Typically characterized by S-shaped waves that tend to form from the mid-length of the hair downwards, but the roots usually sit straighter.  This delicate texture needs the right amount of structure and moisture to thrive.

ENHANCE YOUR WAVES WITH THESE TIPS!

Clarify regularly - Wavy hair gets weighed down very easily, so it's crucial to cleanse it properly and thoroughly. Regularly using a clarifying shampoo will help remove product build-up and excess sebum while restoring definition and bounce.

Go easy on conditioning products - As waves typically start midway down the hair shaft, keeping the scalp and root area free of heavy or overly moisturizing products is critical to achieving the volume and longevity of your wash day. You don’t want the root area to be weighed down!

Lightweight products will be your best friend -  As mentioned above, when choosing any product, from cleansing to styling, you want to select light products that enhance but don’t weigh your waves down or elongate them.

Remove excess water weight - Wave still need water to ensure adequate hydration, but too much can elongate the hair. Be mindful of how much water the hair retains before styling, removing some before adding products if needed. Micro-plopping with a microfiber towel is a great way to do this and ensure maximum shrinkage and definition are achieved.

Incorporate products that add structure and provide strong hold - Ingredients that strengthen the hair, such as protein and flaxseed, will give this texture the structure it needs. To keep the hair in place, top it with products that provide long-lasting hold yet are lightweight. Adding hairspray on to wet hair before diffusing is a great way to get extra hold without adding any heaviness to the hair.