Wavy hair is unique, beautiful, and offers endless possibilities for styling. It falls somewhere between straight and curly hair, giving you the best of both worlds with its natural bounce and movement. However, wavy hair can also require a bit more care and attention. It can easily become frizzy or turn into a curly mess depending on the weather, humidity, or the products you use. The good news? With the right styling tips and techniques, you can achieve fabulous-looking wavy hair every single day. Today, I’m sharing my ultimate guide on how to style wavy hair so you can embrace those beautiful waves with confidence.
If you’re looking for more hairstyle inspiration, check out our guide on the old money haircuts to explore classic, sophisticated styles that never go out of fashion.
How to Style Wavy Hair
Styling wavy hair can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s all about understanding your hair type and knowing what techniques and products will help you get the look you want. Here are our top tips on how to style wavy hair.
Know What You Want Your Hair to Look Like
Before you begin styling wavy hair, it’s important to know what kind of look you’re going for. Do you want soft, loose waves, or are you aiming for more defined, beachy curls? Understanding the end result you want will help you choose the right styling product and tools to achieve that look. For looser waves, use a lightweight mousse or curl-enhancing cream, and for tighter curls, opt for a more substantial gel or curl-defining product.
Use Minimal Products
When it comes to styling wavy hair, less is often more. Wavy hair tends to be more porous, which means it can quickly absorb too much product and become weighed down or greasy. Start with a small amount of styling product and build up as needed. Look for lightweight formulas that provide hold and definition without leaving your hair feeling crunchy or stiff.
Embrace Air Drying
One of the best tips for styling wavy hair is to let it air dry whenever possible. Air drying helps maintain the natural wave pattern and prevents heat damage, which can make your hair frizzy. After washing your hair, gently blot it with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to remove excess water. Then, apply a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight styling product and let your hair air dry naturally. If you’re in a hurry, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your hair without disrupting the wave pattern.
Avoid Over-Washing
Wavy hair tends to be on the drier side, so over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Aim to wash your hair no more than two to three times a week. And use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for your hair type. Between washes, use a dry shampoo to refresh your roots and add volume without stripping away moisture.
Use the Right Tools
The tools you use can make a big difference when styling wavy hair. A wide-tooth comb is a must for detangling your hair without breaking up the wave pattern. For added volume, try using a round brush while blow-drying, or invest in a diffuser attachment to help distribute heat evenly and enhance your natural waves. Also, avoid using flat irons or straightening brushes, as they can flatten your waves and cause damage over time.
Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Your nighttime routine is just as important as your daytime styling. To prevent your waves from becoming frizzy or tangled while you sleep, try using a silk or satin pillowcase. This helps reduce friction and keeps your hair smooth. You can also put your hair in a loose braid or bun to preserve the wave pattern overnight.
Wavy Hairstyles
Now that you know how to style wavy hair, it’s time to explore some of the best hairstyles that work beautifully with this hair type. Here are our favorite wavy hairstyles that will make you stand out and keep your hair looking fabulous.
Styling wavy hair can be both fun and challenging. But with the right techniques and products, you can achieve gorgeous, effortless waves every day. Remember to embrace your natural texture, use minimal hair products, and protect your hair from damage by air drying whenever possible. And don’t forget to explore different wavy hairstyles, from beachy waves to loose braids, to find the look that makes you feel your best.
Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are a classic and effortless look for wavy hair. This hairstyle is all about embracing your natural texture and adding a bit of definition. To achieve beachy waves, apply a sea salt spray or texturizing spray to damp hair, scrunching it with your hands to enhance the waves. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser for added volume. Beachy waves are perfect for a laid-back, everyday look and work great with minimal hair products.
Loose Braids
Loose braids are a great way to style wavy hair while keeping it under control. This hairstyle is perfect for those days when you want to keep your hair out of your face but still show off your natural waves. To create a loose braid, start by applying a lightweight styling product to damp hair to add texture. Then, loosely braid your hair, leaving some pieces out for a more relaxed, undone look. Loose braids are versatile and can be worn for both casual outings and more formal occasions.
Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is a beautiful way to showcase your waves while keeping some hair off your face. This style is especially great for wavy hair because it adds volume at the crown while letting your natural waves flow freely. To create this look, section off the top part of your hair and secure it with a hair clip or elastic. For a more polished finish, use a small amount of styling product to smooth down any flyaways.
High Ponytail
A high ponytail is a simple yet chic hairstyle that works wonderfully with wavy hair. This look is perfect for days when you want to keep your hair out of the way while still looking stylish. To achieve a voluminous high ponytail, gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie. Use a bit of texturizing spray to add volume and definition to your waves. The high ponytail is a great way to show off your natural texture and keep things fun and flirty.
Messy Bun
The messy bun is a go-to hairstyle for wavy hair, especially when you’re short on time. This effortless look works well for both casual and more formal settings. To create a messy bun, gather your hair into a loose bun at the nape of your neck or the crown of your head, leaving a few pieces out to frame your face. Use a bit of hairspray or texturizing spray to add hold and texture. The messy bun is perfect for styling wavy hair with minimal effort while still looking put-together.
Soft Waves with a Center Part
Soft waves with a center part are a timeless and elegant hairstyle that complements wavy hair beautifully. This look is perfect for special occasions or when you want to feel a bit more polished. Start by applying a heat protectant and then use a curling wand or iron to enhance your natural waves, focusing on creating loose, soft curls. Part your hair down the middle and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep your waves in place.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you’ll be able to master the art of styling wavy hair and enjoy the beauty of your natural texture. Whether you’re heading to the office, going out for a night on the town, or just running errands, these styling tips and hairstyles will keep your wavy hair looking fabulous and full of life.
Amanda Baker
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