If you have curly hair, you know its personality can change daily. Sometimes you might want to embrace those tight ringlets, and other times, you might dream of soft, flowing waves. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can gently encourage your curls to relax into a beautiful, wavy pattern. It’s all about working with your hair’s natural texture rather than fighting against it.
Preparing Your Hair for a Wavy Finish
Great waves start in the shower. The goal is to hydrate your hair without weighing it down. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for your curl type. When you get out, gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt instead of rubbing it. This reduces frizz and prevents disrupting your natural wave pattern before you even begin. Applying your products to very damp hair is the best foundation.
Choosing the Right Products for Waves
The products you use make all the difference. To soften curls into waves, you’ll want a lightweight leave-in conditioner to hydrate and a defining cream or mousse to shape your hair. Avoid heavy gels or thick butters that can encourage tighter curling. A sea salt spray can also be a great addition, as it provides that piecey, textured feel that is perfect for beachy waves. Scrunch these products into your hair from the ends up to the roots.
Gentle Styling Techniques to Soften Curls
How you dry your hair is where the magic happens. Instead of air-drying, which can allow your curls to form tightly, try plopping. This involves piling your damp, product-treated hair into a t-shirt for 15-20 minutes to encourage a looser wave formation. After plopping, you can diffuse your hair on a low heat and speed setting. Gently scrunch your hair with the diffuser cup, lifting it up to your scalp, until it’s about 80% dry. For straighter pieces around your face, you can use a wide-barrel curling iron on a low heat setting to blend them into the waves.
Keeping Your Waves Intact All Day
To make your new wavy style last, a light-hold hairspray is your best friend. Spritz it from a distance to lock in the shape without making your hair crunchy. If you’re sleeping on your style, try putting your hair in a loose pineapple ponytail on top of your head with a silk scrunchie. This prevents tangles and helps maintain the wave pattern for the next day.
Creating waves from curly hair is a gentle process of persuasion. By choosing lightweight products and using techniques that relax your curl pattern, you can achieve a soft, romantic look that celebrates your hair’s natural body and movement.