Wavy hair has that “just came from the beach” vibe. But, it may surprise you to learn that it’s just as effortless to create as it looks.
Not to mention, this style is low maintenance when it’s in place, lasting days before your next hair wash.
That’s why wavy hair is popular all year round. Here’s how to get it just right with very little effort.
1. Wash and Condition Your Hair as Normal
How to perfect wavy hair 101: shampoo your hair the night before as you usually would. (And this includes applying conditioner!)
However, if you have thin hair, I recommend applying a volume-enhancing shampoo and conditioner combo that caters primarily for this.
The general rule of thumb is the more body you have to work with, the wavier and more lustrous your hair will be the next day.
2. Use a Nourishing Repairing Oil
Step two of how to perfect wavy hair: once you get out of the shower and you’ve brushed and towel-dried your hair, apply a repairing oil.
The aim is to rehydrate your hair and enhance its natural shine to create healthy, gleaming waves.
Personally, I can’t survive without the Moroccanoil Oil Treatment* and use a small five pence piece on my hair post-towel dry. It keeps my tresses nice and soft, as well as in the healthiest condition.
3. Let Your Hair Half-Dry Naturally
Next up, I usually leave our hair to half-dry naturally. Alternatively, if it’s winter and it’s freezing cold outside, I’ll half-dry it with a hairdryer.
Either way, just make sure that your hair is only damp before the next step, and not sopping wet.
This really helps kick-start the drying and styling process and locks those waves in place.
4. Put Your Hair in Plaits
An important step when it comes to how to perfect wavy hair is to plait your hair according to your preferred end result.
I’m talking about creating French plaits if you want tighter, curlier waves, or normal pigtail plaits if you want more carefree, loose-looking waves.
If you need a helping hand, simply call upon your roommate, Mum, neighbour, or whoever is close by!
5. Leave Your Plaits to Dry Overnight
After plaiting my hair, I usually leave it to dry overnight.
My top tip here is not to unleash your shiny, new, mesmerising wavy mane until it’s completely dry.
Sometimes I even leave in my plaits for over two nights to achieve a more defined wave, but it’s completely up to you depending on the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
6. Release Your Hair and Apply a Smoothing Cream
Once you’ve taken out your plaits, merely run your fingers through your hair to separate the waves.
Then take a smoothing cream – I swear by VO5’s Smoothly Does It Frizz Free Cream* and apply it through your tresses and across the top of your roots.
Smoothing cream is a significant step in terms of how to perfect wavy hair as it will eliminate any flyaways, as well as encourage curl prominence.
7. Finish with Hairspray
The final step is to set your look with hairspray – and then you should be good to go!
Oh, and if your hair isn’t looking as wavy as you hoped, don’t worry. You can backcomb it at the roots using a tail comb for added texture and oomph.
How to Perfect Wavy Hair Quickly
Wavy hair is easy to achieve once you know the method and have the relevant tools.
It might be difficult to work out what works for you initially in terms of your ideal level of curl definition and overall aesthetic. However, all you need to do is experiment and persevere until you find your preferred wavy hair look you can wear all year round.
Have you figured out how to perfect wavy hair?
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