Wavy hair is neither completely straight nor curly. It has ripple-like patterns and texture, complete with bends and waves. In short, you get the best of both worlds! But wavy hair can also be tricky — will you wake up with a perfect bedhead or frizz? And if your good hair days are aligned with the weather forecast, you will need the help of styling products.
Styling wavy hair needs some expertise. And you can become an expert with a good hair care routine and some insight into managing wavy hair. Here’s what you need to know:
The correct way of washing before styling
Before we get to the styling tips, it’s important to know how to wash your hair correctly, since it gives you a good canvas for all the styling activities. Also, pay a close attention to the hair products you use, since you have a combination of both straight and curly hair.
- Shampoo It’s no secret that shampoos and conditioners let you enjoy good hair days. So, to keep your waves healthy and manageable, your tresses need to be hydrated and frizz-free. When you shampoo your hair, ensure that you cleanse your scalp and get rid of any impurities that can cause hair problems.
- Conditioner Conditioning will help you restore the moisture that your tresses lose throughout the day. Irrespective of your hair type, you should always use a conditioner after shampooing. It seals the moisture and keeps your hair healthy and strong. Apply the conditioner to the length of your hair and the ends. Avoid the scalp as it makes it greasy. Now, your soft wavy hair is ready to be styled.
- Deep condition your hair Just like curly hair, waves (that are loose curls) too are prone to frizz and breakage. Use a deep conditioning treatment at least twice a week and show you locks some extra love. Irrespective of whether you have short wavy hair or long tresses, deep conditioning is necessary.
Tips to style wavy hair
• Air drying
Although blow-drying is timesaving, let your hair air-dry for a change. If you wash your hair at night, try sleeping with braids as this will help set your waves and give you more defined curls. Apply a lightweight balm like Pantene Ultimate 10 BB Crème from root to tips, and then divide your hair into two sections. Braid each side and secure it with a small elastic. Release the braids in the morning and tousle your hair a bit. You can use a curling iron to give your hairstyle a finishing touch.
The Pantene Pro-V Nutrient Boost 10 in 1 Beauty Balm is your go-to BB crème if you want to give your dry, frizzy hair a much-needed makeover, and make it softer, healthier and shinier. This lightweight leave-in treatment restores the lost moisture and controls frizz to give you hair that’s manageable and gorgeous.
• Wand waves
This hairstyle is ideal for short wavy hair. To begin with, spray a heat-protectant on your hair and using a comb spread it evenly on your tresses. Use some lightweight mist to keep the waves from falling flat. Now grab your curling wand and get to work. Start from the back by wrapping a 2-inch section of your hair around the wand. Wind it away from your face and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat it till you are done curling all your hair. Give it a subtle shake and use a wide-tooth comb to soften the curls. You can use a texture spray to add more volume to your hair.
• Hair-clip waves
If you wish to style your hair without heat, your hair clips can come in handy. You can always rely on the “wet-set” pin curls for long-lasting and well-defined waves. Roll two sections of your hair around your fingers and using a few bobby pins, secure it to the roots. You can choose the size of the loop, but try to keep them smaller as they give tighter curls. Repeat the process for the rest of your hair and then go to sleep. While styling your hair the next day, take out a few curls at a time and then brush them out.
• Headband waves
Headband waves do not require heat styling. Spritz some sea salt spray on your tresses and place a headband on the crown area. Now divide your hair into one-inch sections and wrap it around the headband. Secure loose hair strands with bobby pins. Use some more sea salt spray and leave it overnight. Remove the pins in the morning and gently let your hair down, one section at a time. Smoothen your waves with your fingertips and your wavy hair looks gorgeous to go.
• Flat iron waves
Your good old flat iron can also give you gorgeous beachy waves, but before you get on with the styling process, apply a heat protectant. Separate your hair into sections. Take a section, wrap it around the outside of an open flat iron and tuck the ends between the plates. Clamp the plates and slide the iron down the length of the section. This works well for long wavy hair as your waves fall naturally.
Wavy hair has a mind of its own, which is why you’ll need Pantene Ultimate 10 BB Crème to help you style it. You can always choose your flat iron if you are pinched for time, but these DIY waves will look wonderful as well. Now that you know the secret to getting luminous beachy waves, spread the word!