That effortless, beachy wave look is something many of us dream of, but it can feel tricky to achieve without a trip to the ocean. The good news is that you can create beautiful, natural-looking texture and volume right at home with a simple technique called scrunching. It’s a gentle method that works with your hair’s natural pattern to enhance its shape and movement.
Scrunching is more than just randomly squeezing your hair. It’s a deliberate process that encourages your curls and waves to form their best shape while adding a soft, touchable feel. Whether your hair is naturally wavy or you’re looking to add texture to straight hair, this technique can be your new best friend.
Starting with the Right Foundation
The first step to a great scrunch is applying your products correctly. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair until it’s damp but not dripping wet. This is the perfect time to apply a curl-enhancing mousse or a lightweight gel. Flip your head upside down and distribute the product evenly through your hair, making sure to coat the strands from mid-lengths to ends.
The Simple Art of the Scrunch
With your head still flipped over, cup a section of your hair in your hand. Gently push your palms upward towards your scalp, squeezing the hair. Hold the squeeze for a second before releasing. Work your way around your entire head, section by section, scrunching all of your hair. This motion helps to create those soft, defined waves and encourages volume at the roots.
Letting Your Hair Dry Naturally
How you dry your hair makes all the difference. For the most natural results, you can simply let your hair air dry after scrunching. Try not to touch it too much as it dries to avoid frizz. If you’re in a hurry, use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. Set it to a low heat and speed, and gently cup sections of your hair with the diffuser, holding it in place for a minute before moving on.
A Final Touch for Perfect Waves
Once your hair is completely dry, you might notice a slight cast or crunch from the styling product. This is actually a good sign! To soften your waves, simply flip your head over again and gently scrunch your hair one more time. This breaks the cast without disturbing the wave pattern, leaving you with soft, bouncy, and defined hair.
With a little practice, scrunching can become a quick and easy part of your routine. It’s all about working with your hair’s natural texture to create a look that’s beautifully your own.