Your Easy Wavy Hair Routine

There's something effortlessly chic about wavy hair. It's a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, and it's perfect for those days when you want to look put together without spending hours in front of the mirror. However, maintaining those waves isn't always as easy as it looks. That's where a simple yet effective wavy hair routine comes in. Ahead, we’re sharing a step-by-step tutorial covering how to wash, style, and maintain your waves, with plenty of pro tips along the way.

1. Cleanse and Condition Your Hair

A successful wavy hair routine starts with the right shampoo and conditioner. It's essential to choose products specifically designed for your hair’s needs. For gentle cleansing and hydration (two things that tend to benefit wavy hair types), we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben Free and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben Free. This duo cleanses and locks in long-lasting moisture, leaving you with shiny, bouncy, and free-flowing hair.

When washing your waves, remember to use lukewarm water to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Focusing your shampoo on your scalp and letting it rinse through the lengths of your mane is also a key aspect of how to take care of wavy hair. With the exception of the occasional deep clean, you generally don’t need to apply shampoo directly to the lengths or ends as it can be drying.

2. Apply Leave-Ins and Detangle

After washing, a leave-in conditioner or lightweight cream can help lock in moisture and define your waves. If you’re prone to frizz, the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum is a great option.

To further prevent frizz, skip the traditional towel dry. Instead, use a microfiber towel or even an old cotton T-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water. These materials are great for wavy hair care because they’re gentler on your hair cuticle and less likely to disrupt your wave pattern.

While your hair is still damp, make sure to detangle it—you won’t want to brush through dry waves as you’ll likely lose a lot of definition. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently remove any knots, starting from the ends of your hair and working your way up.

3. Style Your Strands Into Defined Waves

There are quite a few answers to the question of how to style wavy hair. Here’s a breakdown of some classic options:

• Air-drying: Air-drying involves allowing your hair to dry naturally without the use of heat or styling tools, and this makes it the most gentle drying method. There are various techniques to enhance your natural texture while air-drying, such as using leave-in conditioners or curl-enhancing products. The key is to be patient and avoid touching your hair too much to prevent frizz.
• Diffusing: Using a diffuser, an attachment for your blow dryer, can speed up drying time and amplify your waves by distributing heat evenly. To minimize frizz, use the diffuser on a low heat and speed setting, and gently cup your hair with the attachment, lifting it towards your scalp.
• Scrunching and plopping: Scrunching involves gently squeezing your hair upward toward your scalp to enhance your curl pattern and volume while your hair is wet. Plopping is a technique where you wrap your damp hair in a T-shirt or microfiber towel, allowing it to dry in a compact form, which helps define your curls and reduce frizz.
• Using mousse, gel, or curl cream: These wavy hair products provide hold and definition. A lightweight mousse, such as the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, is ideal for wavy textures as it adds volume without weighing hair down.

3 styling tips for wavy hair types

1. Always use a heat protectant. To help prevent heat damage, make sure to apply a heat protectant any time you plan to use a hot tool (blow dryer, straightener, curling iron, etc.) on your strands. If you’re already dealing with damage, the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Hair Oil-in-Serum is a great pick. It helps protect against future damage, all the while reinforcing weak hair bonds and leaving hair feeling stronger.
2. Use a curling wand to enhance natural waves. Start by sectioning your hair and gently wrapping each section around a medium-sized curling wand, leaving the ends out for a relaxed finish. Alternate the direction of wrapping to create a more natural, tousled wave. Finish with a few spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray - Unscented to set your waves without stiffness.
3. Experiment with different heatless styling methods. Try braiding damp hair before bed for soft waves, or twist sections of hair into small buns to achieve spiral curls without heat. Alternatively, wrap hair around a sock or use flexi rods to create voluminous waves overnight.

4. Maintain Your Waves Overnight

Protecting your waves while you snooze is crucial for a hassle-free wavy hair routine. One method is to sleep on a satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps to preserve your waves. Alternatively, you can loosely tie your hair into a bun or high ponytail to prevent your waves from being squashed.

When you wake up in the morning, you can revive your waves with water and lightweight styling products. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair, which refreshes hair for restyling.

Next Up: 16 of the Best Haircuts for Wavy Hair

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris