Hello to my new, old, and potential Wavies! We are fully in the thick of summer and happy to fly our wavy flag today. We are talking about a subject that is very close to my head and heart: wavy hair. I always knew I had wavy hair, but I had no idea what it was truly capable of. For years, all I knew was endless brushing and repeated straightening. The waves were there all along, just waiting for their moment.
This blog will cover how to identify if your curl type is wavy, common challenges faced by people with wavy hair, and tips to manage it for your best curls every day.
How Can You Tell If Your Hair Is Wavy?
Some people say to look back at photos from your youth, but that is not always a reliable method since our hair goes through phases and changes as we grow. When I look at photos of myself before the age of 5, my hair was very fine and wavy/curly hair. But once I turned 7, my real hair came in, and it can only be described as dense, thick, and full of personality. The lesson here is that your hair now is what matters most. Ask yourself these questions to see if you are part of the 65% of the world's population that has wavy, curly, or coily hair:
• Do my roots have lumps and bumps? (When worked with, these can be the dips in your waves)
• Does your hair tend to curl when it gets wet, you get sweaty, or you are in excessive humidity?
• Do you describe your hair as unruly?
• Do you need to repeatedly use a flat iron to get that sleek pressed look?
If you said yes to one or more, CONGRATULATIONS welcome to our club!
How to Care for Wavy Hair: Common Challenges and Solutions
The biggest complaint I hear from wavy-haired clients is frizz. Wavy hair needs moisture to thrive, and without it, the frizz takes over. Using hydrating styling products is the key to keeping your waves happy, defined, and under control.
My number-one goal in my own wavy hair care routine is definition. I want my waves to pop and have presence, not disappear into a sea of density. The BOUNCE.ME Curl Balm has greatly simplified my routine. It is a cream and gel hybrid that gives me everything I need in a single product.
Longevity is the other big one. Getting your style to last more than one day is essential, and there are two ways to approach it. You can use a product that locks hold in on day one, like the BOUNCE.ME Curl Spray Gel, so that as the days go on, your waves still have structure. Or you can rely on a refresh product like the BOUNCE.ME Curl Enhancer Mist on days two, three, and beyond to reignite whatever you built on day one. Personally, I like to set myself up for success on the first day and use the rest to maintain from there. A few spritzes followed by some diffuser heat, and your hair looks brand new.
Wavy Hair Tips That Actually Work
Frustration can really come into play because EVERYONE’S HAIR IS SO DIFFERENT. So be patient with yourself and be willing to experiment and enjoy the journey. Here are some quick tips that might help you out:
• If you have fine hair, experiment with the amounts your use with your product. I suggest using a smaller amount of BOUNCE.ME Curl Balm and more of the spray gel.
• If you want more volume, clip your roots with small, curved, smooth clips. Place them at the base of your hair in areas where you want lift.
• If you have thick hair, try plopping your hair in a 100% cotton t-shirt for at least 20 minutes before you begin diffusing. It absorbs excess water and helps your waves clump together beautifully.
• Diffuse your hair on a slow speed coupled with hot heat. As your waves dry, gradually lower the temperature.
• Keep your hand steady when diffusing, do not shake the diffuser. Place the hair in the bowl diffuser and let it do it’s job.
Game Changing Extras
Some extra accessories that can really help you on your curl journey include a silk pillowcase and/or a silk bonnet. Placing your hair in the bonnet before sleep greatly lessens the disruption on the hair, even for a bed thrasher like myself.
Traditional cotton pillowcases are designed to be cooling and wick away moisture and sweat. The downside is that this will also remove moisture and hydration that is on your hair, which is why the curly community has embraced silk pillowcases so strongly. I might recommend perusing local shops or online boutiques for a high quality pillowcase or bonnet that knows exactly where it’s silk is sourced from so you get what you pay for.
Wrapping It Up
Embracing your wavy hair care routine is all about experimenting, having fun, and figuring out what works specifically for you. It might take a little trial and error, but with patience, the right techniques, and the right products, you will find your wave. Explore the full BOUNCE.ME collection for everything your wavy hair needs in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash wavy hair?
Every two to three days works well for most wavy hair types. Washing too frequently can strip the natural oils. Using a curl refresher mist between washes keeps your waves looking their best without over-washing.
Should I brush wavy hair when it is dry?
Brushing dry, wavy hair breaks up the wave pattern and causes frizz. If you want to detangle, do it when your hair is wet or damp with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, starting from the ends and working upward.
Can I diffuse wavy hair every day?
Diffusing occasionally is fine, but giving your hair a break from heat a few times a week is always a good idea.
Sarah Heath is from Boston, Massachusetts and is a true hair enthusiast. Throughout her 14 years as a salon professional, she has mastered the art of balancing a behind-the-chair career while sharing professional education around the country for leading industry brands. Her love for DESIGNME was instant and she is so excited to share the love and bring accessible education to all.
