This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Table of Contents
It’s time to stop trying to tame your wavy hair and embrace it! Rather than hating your waves and spending a fortune on products to get rid of them – I’m here to tell you that the way forward is making your waves work for you.
I’ve got some tried-and-true tips and tricks, as well as a step-by-step guide to keep your waves looking fabulous. I’ll cover the “wavy girl method” and explore some essential tips for wavy hair care.
The Wavy Girl Method
This method is a game-changer for wavy hair. If you’ve spent years trying to get rid of your waves it might seem odd to lean into them, but trust me, once you embrace your waves you open a whole new world of styles to try out.
The wavy girl method is about enhancing your hair’s natural waves. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the method.
1. Clarifying Shampoo
Start by using a clarifying shampoo. This is essential for curly hair, especially if you have previously been using shampoos with heavy silicones or styling agents which build up in your hair over time. Look for a clarifying shampoo which is described as gentle, as you do not want to strip your hair of its natural oils, just the synthetic products that may have built up.
Massage the clarifying shampoo into your scalp gently, focussing on the roots of your hair (which is wear most product residue will build up). Then, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. You may need to repeat this step several times depending on how much product is built up in your hair.
This step will help your hair follicles to breathe and should give your hair’s natural waves some more bounce.
2. Conditioner
Once you’ve used a clarifying shampoo, you need to replenish the moisture in your hair. Choose a hydrating conditioner specifically formulated for dry or curly hair. Apply the conditioner from the mid length of your hair to the ends. Focus on areas of your hair which are the driest and the most prone to splitting or tangling.
I find it helpful to use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly. I can also use the comb to gently detangle my hair at the same time.
Once you have applied the conditioner, allow it to sit for a few minutes so that it can penetrate the shafts of your hair and work its magic. This step not only softens your hair and smooths your waves but also helps to hydrate your hair. This makes your hair easier to manage and less prone to frizz.
These first two steps aren’t an instant fix, but over time you will notice your hair is healing and returning to its natural state.
3. Scrunch
Now that your hair is clean and has started to repair, we reach the fun part – enhancing your natural waves!
While your hair is wet, use a curl-enhancing product. A lightweight mousse or curl cream. Squirt a small amount of the product into your hand and then emulsify it between your palms. Then, scrunch it into your hair. Use upwards motions and work from the end of your hair strand to the roots.
The product, combined with the scrunching motion will help to coax your hair into forming more defined waves. Over time, this will help generate beautiful, textured locks.
4. Air Dry or Diffuse
After you’ve finished using a curl-enhancing product, it’s time to dry your hair. Air drying is the gentlest option. It will allow your waves to form naturally and won’t risk heat damage the way the using a hair dryer will.
Simply leave your hair to dry and do your best to avoid touching your hair as it dries so as not to disturb the waves as they set. If you are pressed for time and need to blow dry your hair, use the diffuser attachment for your hair dryer and set it to low heat. This will help prevent frizz and heat damage.
Caring For Wavy Hair
Now I’ve explained the Wavy Girl Method, let’s talk about day-to-day care for your wavy hair.
1. Avoid sulfates and silicones
Sulfates and silicones can strip your hair of its natural oils. The build-up of product can also weigh down your waves and prevent them from looking healthy and bouncy.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb
Wavy hair is much more prone to getting tangled, but you need a way to untangle it without damaging or breaking it. A wide-tooth comb is the best way to gently untangle your hair.
3. Deep condition regularly
You should use a deep conditioning treatments at least once a week to lock-in your hair’s moisture and keep your hair nourished. I like to make an evening of it and combine it with some other luxurious treatments for my hair and skin – almost like giving myself a day spa afternoon at home.
4. Protect your waves while you sleep
Satin or silk pillowcases can help prevent friction on your hair as you move during sleep. It might seem like an extravagance but over time you will save time and money on anti-frizz treatments by tackling frizz at the cause. Alternatively, you can loosely tie your hair up on top of your head to preserve waves overnight, but personally I find it uncomfortable to sleep like that.
5. Refresh your waves
Mix water and a little conditioner into a spray bottle. Spritz your hair with it and give it a scrunch when you feel like your waves need a pick-me up. This can work wonders when you don’t have time to do a full deep condition.
6. Trim regularly
Wavy hair is more prone to split ends so you should have your hair trimmed more regularly to combat this. Aim to get your hair trimmed at least every 8 weeks.
By following the tips in this article, you too can have healthy, natural, bouncy waves. Remember, the key to is to embrace your hair’s natural style and make it work for you, not to damage your hair trying to force it to be something it’s not.