Natural wavy hair has a unique appeal, but keeping it healthy and strong so that it has perfect, shiny waves can require special care. In today’s article, let’s take a look at the wavy hair routine, starting with washing, then moving on to styling and finally to the ideal blow-drying for wavy hair.
Before we get to the heart of the matter, and find out which tricks and steps to follow to achieve perfect, natural, shiny waves, let’s delve into two basic points that we recommend you consider beforehand.
1. Hydration and nutrition
As wavy hair, unlike straight hair, is more prone to dehydration, resulting in difficulty in maintaining definition and looking supple and shiny, it needs targeted hydration and nutrition.
Not only therefore by choosing products formulated for the purpose, rich for example in ingredients such as aloe vera, argan oil, jojoba oil and shea butter, but also through a balanced diet rich in liquids. Healthy hair, in fact, always starts from the inside.
Specific products for wavy hair
The second tip is to use products specifically for wavy hair. Precisely because of the differences that distinguish wavy hair from straight hair, as well as from tighter curls, wavy hair can show its best thanks to specially formulated products. These in fact provide moisture and nourishment, offer good definition and, last but not least, are light enough to avoid weighing down the waves.
Having patience and care when washing is the first step towards perfect, shiny waves. Here are a few tips on the subject.
Gentle shampoos
When washing wavy hair, it is advisable to choose a gentle shampoo that does not aggressively remove the scalp’s natural sebum. This means avoiding products containing aggressive sulphates as these can lead to excessive dryness and, as a consequence, stimulate higher sebum production as a defence response.
Washing technique
To wash your hair properly, there are a few simple steps to follow. The first is to make sure that the scalp and roots are well wet. This may seem trivial, but for those with a high density, i.e. a lot of hair, it is important to take this precaution. After wetting the head, you can proceed to apply shampoo to the scalp – avoiding applying it directly to the lengths so as not to dry them out.
Lastly, after gently rubbing the scalp with your fingertips, move on to the rinsing phase to be done carefully and patiently to ensure that any product residue is removed.
Conditioner and mask
After shampooing, applying a conditioner to the lengths and ends will help to moisturise and nourish the hair and also make it easier to untangle any knots. After rinsing off the conditioner, you can already move on to the styling phase.
Depending on your needs, however, you can also introduce a mask into your wavy hair routine to treat yourself to an even more moisturising and nourishing pampering.
This is the favourite moment of many people with wavy or curly hair: styling.
Light styling products
To facilitate the formation of perfect, natural waves, it is useful to apply specific styling products for wavy hair. These are designed to be light while offering good definition.
An example of a styling product for wavy hair is Just Waves: with its light hold, and thanks to the synergetic action of natural ingredients such as active Linseed and Chia Seed extracts, it helps reduce frizz and provides moisture to the waves while facilitating definition.
A little extra tip: to avoid a ‘weighed down’ effect, apply a little product to wet hair and then distribute it with a wide-toothed comb.
Styling techniques
After applying the styling product it is time to stimulate the waves to form even more by using a styling technique, specifically scrunching.
This consists of curling the hair in the palm of the hand, gathering it from the ends to the roots and then gently squeezing it out. This very simple movement will encourage the formation of waves.
Another technique you can try, either alone or in conjunction with scrunching for those strands that are more difficult to define, is finger coiling. It consists of encouraging definition by wrapping small strands of hair around your finger.
Styling Spray with light and invisible hold, enhances wavy hair by making it more defined and soft.
Antistatic wooden afro comb: detangles curls without breaking, pulling or stressing them.
Refresh Spray ready to use, quick application and immediate effect.
Drying is the last but not least step. In fact, incorrect drying could undo the splendid work done so far.
Blot gently
To towel-dry wavy hair and reduce excess water or the styling product used (in case you realise you have used too much), it is best to use a microfibre towel.
Why a microfibre towel?
Unlike a traditional cotton or terry cloth towel, it has a finer weave that minimises friction between the fabric and the hair shaft. This reduces the appearance of frizz. In addition, while absorbing excess water, it allows the hair to maintain an optimal moisture level in order to retain strength and be supple and shiny.
Air drying
Air-drying is ideal for achieving so-called beach waves, that natural, luminous wavy look with perfect waves. If time is limited, however, and you need to have your hair dry as quickly as possible, a hair dryer with diffuser is a great alternative – remember to use a low to medium temperature to avoid heat damage.
The diffuser allows you to distribute the heat evenly and thus achieve even definition without frizz.
By following these tips and applying the right styling techniques, you will be able to enhance your natural wavy hair and achieve perfect, shiny waves. But always remember that every hair is unique, so experiment and find the routine that best suits your needs!
Microfibre towel for plopping and microplopping, with practical pouch.
Ergonomic hair dryer with Air Ionizer Tech. Fast but gentle drying of curly hair. Lightweight and balanced design in black version.
