Have you ever looked at a head of beautiful, tousled waves and wished your straight hair could do the same? You’re not alone. Many people with straight hair long for a bit of texture and body. The good news is that you don’t need a permanent perm to get those soft, beachy waves. With a few simple techniques, you can add beautiful, temporary waves to your straight hair.
Creating Waves with Heat-Free Methods
If you want to give your hair a break from hot tools, heat-free methods are a fantastic option. One of the most popular techniques is braiding. Simply part your damp hair into several sections and braid them before you go to bed. When you wake up and unravel the braids, you’ll be left with soft, romantic waves. For a more defined wave, try twisting damp sections of hair and pinning them flat against your head until they dry completely.
Using Hot Tools for Defined Waves
For more polished and defined waves, a curling iron or a flat iron can be your best friend. The key is to avoid uniform curls. Instead, use a larger barrel curling wand and alternate the direction you wrap each section of hair. Don’t curl all the way to the roots, and leave the very ends out for a more relaxed look. If you’re using a flat iron, you can create waves by clamping a section of hair and gently twisting the iron as you glide it down the length.
Making Your Waves Last All Day
To ensure your new waves don’t fall flat, the right products are essential. Start by applying a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools. For all methods, begin with hair that is either damp (for heat-free) or completely dry (for hot tools). Once your waves are set, spritz a light-hold texturizing spray or a sea salt spray throughout your hair. Scrunch your hair with your hands to add volume and break up the waves for a more natural effect. Finally, a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray will help your style stay in place.
Whether you choose a heat-free overnight method or a quick session with a curling wand, adding waves to straight hair is completely achievable. It’s all about experimenting to find which technique gives you the exact look you love. So go ahead and enjoy your new, wavy texture.