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- Hair
- Hair Styling
By
Elise Tabin
Elise Tabin
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and expert with more than 16 years of experience.
Updated on September 24, 2024 12:47PM
Wavy hair comes in various textures and patterns— 2a, 2b, and 2c, to be exact. As celebrity hairstylistBradley Leakeexplains, "2a hair is usually finer with smooth roots and a soft, subtle [s-shaped] wave. 2b waves are more defined but more susceptible to humidity and frizz. 2C hair is generally [an even tighter wave] that is thicker, more coarse, and needs more hydration."
While each wave type has its own needs, Leake says the ultimate key to maintaining all wavy hair is establishing a go-to routine. "Establishing a routine trains the hair to consistently deliver the look you want," he says. Ahead, expert hair stylists share their step-by-step wavy hair routine that will help you have your best hair day yet.
Meet the Experts
- Bradley Leake is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and founder of Brdy Jay Salon.
- Nazomi is a master hairstylist at Warren Tricomi Salon in New York City.
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Wash With a Wavy-Hair-Friendly Shampoo
According to Leake, those with wavy hair need to find shampoos that strike the proper hydration balance. 2A waves typically do well with lightweight shampoos, while thicker hair can tolerate slightly richer cleansers packed with moisturizing ingredients. The right shampoo can also help reduce frizz without losing the integrity of the wave pattern. "I likeKerastase's Curl Manifesto Shampoo, which helps to reduce frizz and redefine [the hair]," Nazomi adds.
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Don't Overwash Hair
Keep in mind that overwashing wavy hair can cause its natural oils to wash away, leading to a dry scalp and hair. "A helpful tip for locking in moisture is simply adding more time between hair washes," Leake says.
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Focus on Conditioning
After shampooing your hair, it's time to focus on conditioning. Once your hair is freshly cleansed, Nazomi suggests applying a deep conditioner and combing it through your hair as it helps infuse moisture (and makes it easier to work through tangles). Nazomi says to stick with lightweight options like the Function of Beauty Wavy Hair Mask or Ouai Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair. Once you've rinsed out the product, you can apply a leave-in conditioner. "It helps with routine styling maintenance, will help lock in hydration, and can make it easier to achieve smoother hair."
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Detangle Your Hair
If you're still left with knots and tangles after shampooing and conditioning, tackle them gently. First, apply a detangling spray to your damp hair, and if you can, use your fingers to detangle. If finger raking isn't in the cards, reach for a wide-tooth comb and run it through the hair to allow the natural wave pattern to take hold.
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Use a Microfiber Towel
After detangling the hair, use a microfiber towel to remove excess water, which can weigh down waves. Rather than wrap the hair up in a towel, scrunch it in the towel by lightly squeezing it from the bottom to the roots.
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Apply Styling Products
Styling products used on wavy hair shouldn't be heavy or oil-laden, as they can give waves a greasy look and make them lose shape. Leake recommends lightweight products like water-based gels, mousses, serums, and creams that will define the hair without making it feel stiffy or crunchy.
"Always distribute [styling products] using a wide-tooth comb," Nazomi says. Her favorite styling products for wavy hair types includeOribe Curl Control Silkening Creme andMilbon Creative Style Wave Defining Cream.
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Let Your Waves Dry
You can opt to air dry or diffuse your waves. With the first method, Leake suggests splitting damp hair down the middle and wrapping hair into two buns. "Allowing the hair to dry this way is especially beneficial for hair types 2a and 2b because the hair will dry with soft but defined waves." Braiding damp hair loosely will create a similar effect.
You can use a diffuser when you are short on time. It will disperse heat effectively and add volume throughout without affecting the hair's natural wave pattern. "Always set the blow dryer on a low setting to help reduce frizz while drying and use heat protection when using any hot tools," Nazomi says.
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Protect Your Waves With Satin or Silk Products
Make sure your waves last by protecting them while you sleep. You can avoid putting tension on your hair and scalp by using a satin or silk scrunchie, pillowcase, and headwrap. This combination will ensure your waves hold their shape and keep frizz at bay.
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Refresh Your Waves
For day-to-day maintenance, keep your refreshing styling products light. Nazomi recommends a wave-friendly mist like Kerastase Refresh Absolu Luxury Hair Spray. Our experts also recommend gently combing or raking through your hair each morning to detangle your waves.
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Always Use Heat Protectant
Incorporating hot tools into your wavy hair routine can help add more definition or craft the exact waves you're after. However, you should absolutely be protecting your strands from heat damage with a heat protectant of your choosing. If you skip out on this vital step you could end up weakening your curl pattern and drying out your hair—both problems that go directly against establishing healthy, bouncy wavy hair.