How to Care for Wavy Hair
If you’re lucky enough to have naturally wavy hair, you’re probably the envy of everyone around you. Naturally wavy hair has beautiful volume and texture—two things other hair types long for. But whether you embrace your beachy waves or go for a sleek, straight look, you likely battle frizz and damage or just have a hard time maintaining wavy hair consistently.
Wavy hair strikes a unique balance, lacking the coarseness and dryness often associated with curly hair yet not exhibiting the fineness and oiliness typical of straight hair types. Knowing your hair type can help you choose the right products to keep your waves soft and luscious. Read on for our top tips on how to care for wavy hair.
FINDING YOUR HAIR TYPE
Before moving into wavy hair care tips, it’s crucial to know what your hair type is to style and care for it properly. Here is a quick rundown of hair types to identify with:
- Type 2A: Soft, gentle waves with a slight bend, giving a tousled and beachy look; easily styled and typically fine in texture.
- Type 2B: More defined waves with a tendency to form S-shapes, starting from mid-length; tends to frizz and requires light but effective styling products.
- Type 2C: Bold, well-defined waves starting close to the roots, often with some curls; thicker in texture and needs deeper hydration to maintain shape.
Knowing your specific wavy hair type is crucial in tailoring your routine, guiding you in striking the right balance in shampooing, conditioning, and styling for your unique waves.
7 Tips for Caring for Wavy Hair
Now, it’s important to get to the core of caring for wavy hair. Here’s six tips to create your hair care routine correctly, to keep your waves looking effortlessly stunning and healthy.
1. FIND A SHAMPOO FOR WAVY HAIR.
Over washing wavy hair can strip away the natural oils your hair needs to stay shiny and healthy-looking. Because curly and wavy hair is naturally drier than straight hair, shampooing once a week is enough to clean without stripping away too much moisture. When you do shampoo, use a shampoo for curly hair with a gentle and hydrating frizz-fighting formula.
2. CONDITION—A LOT!
Look for a thick, deeply curl-defining conditioner infused with hydrating oils and other moisturizing ingredients like glycerin. Glycerin and similar hydrating ingredients retain moisture, ensuring your waves stay nourished and defined without weighing them down. Apply conditioner both before and after shampooing to soften and detangle your curls. On no ‘poo days, refresh your curls by just using a conditioner in the shower.
3. DEEP CONDITION OFTEN.
We just said to condition your hair, but you should also be deep conditioning often. Why? Because wavy hair is prone to dryness. So, even if you condition a lot in one go during your shower, deep conditioning as another step will help keep your hair hydrated. Work in a nourishing, frizz-fighting hair oil on dry hair to keep your curls feeling soft without losing their bounce. A smoothing hair mask once a week for extra dry, frizzy curls can also help.
4. STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN MOISTURE AND STRENGTH.
As important as it is to keep your wavy hair hydrated, it is important to protect your hair’s strength, structure, and elasticity. When looking for products for your wavy hair, look for formulas that contain vital nutrients and silk proteins. These formulas are known to strengthen and define your curls.
5. LAY OFF THE HEAT
When it comes to hair, heat equals dryness and damage. And as we’ve learned, curly and wavy hair is already dry by nature. Instead of using heat tools, rely on curl-defining products like air dry wave foam for your hair. And if you must blow dry, use a diffuser on the lowest setting to disperse the heat and minimize friction. When you shower, rinse your locks with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
6. NOURISH BASED ON YOUR HAIR CHARACTERISTICS.
For those with thick, wavy hair: Opt for heavier conditioners and leave-in treatments to hydrate and define your waves. Regular trims are also essential to keep your thick waves looking healthy and prevent them from becoming weighed down.
For those with poofy, wavy hair: The key is to find a balance between hydration and volume control. Use lightweight, hydrating products that won't weigh your hair down, focusing on smoothing serums or creams to tame the poofiness. Occasional deep conditioning treatments will help in maintaining the health and definition of your waves without adding unnecessary bulk.
7. REFRESH YOUR HAIR.
Revive your waves on the go with a daily styling spray; it's a quick, no-wash solution to maintain your waves' bounciness throughout a busy week.
