Waves are a popular style that makes hair look like little waves on the head. While this style works best on curly hair, you can create waves regardless of your hair texture. Waves take a lot of time, effort and hair products, but you can get this unique hairstyle in just a few months!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Starting the Waveforming
Step 1. Cut the hair until it reaches 2 cm in length
Visit the nearest barbershop to straighten all sections of hair. Waves should be formed when the hair is still short to get the effect of small waves in the end. Make sure the barber doesn't cut your hair shorter or longer, otherwise the waving process will be difficult.
You can thin the back of your head or near the side of your sideburns if you want, but waves won't form in those areas
Step 2. Wash your hair
Use the shampoo on your hair to lather to clean and moisturize it. Use warm water in the shower to soften your hair. Rinse out the shampoo and pat your hair until it's damp and doesn't drip.
If you can find one, buy a shampoo made specifically for wavy hair. You can use regular shampoo if you can't find it
Step 3. Apply a coin-sized amount of conditioner or pomade to your hair
Rub pomade or conditioner on your hands to heat it up before applying it to your hair. Spread the product on the hair thoroughly, apply to the scalp. This method helps keep the hair moisturized.
- If you use a leave-in conditioner, don't rinse it.
- Look for products designed to form waves on the head, such as curling oil.
Step 4. Use a boar bristle brush to comb the hair in a direction towards the floor
Brushing your hair can even out the curls on your head, creating the effect of small waves. Comb the front of the hair towards your face. Brush the back and comb the hair down using a stiff-bristled brush. Follow the direction of hair growth naturally for best results. Keep brushing your hair for at least 15 minutes to shape your hair.
Some brushes are specially made for shaping waves in hair. Look at the barbershop or the internet to buy one
Tip:
Divide the hair into 4 quadrants that form from the corner of the forehead and the point just behind the ear. This method can help you visualize the direction of brushing your hair.
Step 5. Wear a do-rag bandana for at least 30 minutes after brushing your hair.
Put on a do-rag bandana and tie the string behind your head. Twist the do-rag rope back in front to secure it before tying the knot behind your head. Wear do-rags to keep the waves in place.
- Do-rag bandanas can be purchased online or at convenience stores.
- You can also wear a tight stocking hat if you don't have a do-rag bandana.
Part 2 of 3: Shaping Hair
Step 1. Brush the hair waves in 4 sessions for 15 minutes every day
Divide brushing sessions throughout the day to form continuous waves. Do at least 1 session in the morning and 1 session in the evening before going to bed. Be sure to use a moisturizing product, such as conditioner or shea oil, every time you brush your hair to keep it soft.
- Remember to use a do-rag for 30 minutes after each brushing session.
- Brushing your hair a lot throughout the day can help form waves faster.
Step 2. Sleep in a do-rag so the waves stay in place
After the last brushing session of the night, wrap the do-rag around your head so that your hair doesn't shift as you sleep. Wear a do-rag throughout the night so your hair doesn't rub against the pillow or mattress.
- Wear a tight headband around it if you're worried about the do-rag coming off in the middle of the night.
- Sleeping without a do-rag can cause you to lose progress when trying to form waves.
Step 3. Allow the waves to grow for at least 3-4 weeks
Let the curls and waves grow for 3-4 weeks. Make sure you brush every day, otherwise your hair will be too frizzy and you'll lose the edge of the waves. Continue to moisturise your hair with a mild product, such as shea oil, otherwise product build-up may occur.
This process is known as “wolfing”
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Waves
Step 1. Get your hair cut at the barbershop every 4 weeks
Let the barber know you're waving your hair so the barber knows how to shave. Re-shave hair to 2cm length, leaving an extra 0.5-1.5cm at the top of the head so that the hair is thick enough to continue forming waves
You can thin your hair in the front, back, or sides if you don't want full waves for the whole head
Step 2. Continue to brush and moisturize your hair every day
Always use the product on your hair to keep it soft and healthy, even when the waves are well formed. Keep brushing your hair with a wave brush or boar bristle, and wear a do-rag so the waves don't slide out of place.
Tip:
You don't need any extra styling other than brushing because your hair can hold its waves.
Step 3. Wash your hair every other day
During the day, use shampoo and conditioner on your hair to keep it clean and moisturized. On the next day, only rinse hair in the shower. That way, the waves have enough time to set between each wash period.
Remember to brush your hair immediately after washing it to maintain the wave shape
Tips
- Waves can take 6 weeks to form. Don't be discouraged if you don't see it taking shape soon!
- If you don't brush your hair several times a day, no waves will form.
