Wonderful wavy hair may be the stuff of styling dreams for many men and women. However, tracing the line between frizzy and fabulous can be a little daunting.
How can tousled tresses be tamed and treated to keep them looking lovely? What super styling tips apply best to hair with natural body and texture?
Here are eight practical ways to care for wavy hair.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Shampoo Sparingly.
Wavy hair, whether permed or naturally curly, tends to be thicker and coarser than finer, straighter locks. As such, wavy hair may require less frequent shampooing to avoid dried-out tresses. Shampooing on alternate days is usually enough.
What sort of shampoo is ideal for wavy hair? Most often, a gentle shampoo (such as those labeled for everyday use) is suitable for keeping wavy hair clean. A thorough rinsing, of course, is critical for wavy hair.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Condition Carefully.
Wavy hair should be conditioned after every shampooing to prevent split ends from dried-out hair. A light conditioner, applied all the way to the ends of the hair, is ideal for wavy hair.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Style Strategically.
After shampooing and conditioning, wavy hair may benefit from an additional styling product (such as a mousse or hairstyling gel), applied sparingly. Products containing alcohol are best avoided for styling wavy hair.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Delight in Diffusers.
Basic blow drying can wreak havoc on wavy hair, sending locks into a frizzed-out spin. Most hairstylists recommend using a diffuser attachment on an electric hairdryer or allowing wavy hair to air dry naturally for best styling results.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Ban the Brush.
Wavy hair is best styled with a large-toothed comb, a hair pick or even bare fingers – to keep curls intact without creating a static-filled fuzzy frizz.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Pick a Part.
For most facial shapes, wavy hair tends to look best with a side part, or even a slightly off-center part, rather than a simple center part. The asymmetrical part helps wavy hair to frame the face in a pleasing manner, rather than creating two bushy curtain-like locks on either side.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Aim for Accessories.
Hair accessories can add interest to wavy hairstyles – at least, for women. From barrettes to combs to claw clips, stylist accessories usually work well with wavy hair.
Caring for Wavy Hair: Select a Suitable Stylist.
Textured, wavy hair requires a skillful hairstylist for the best results. A great haircut, particularly with well-styled layering, is a wavy-haired-head’s best friend. Often, short-short haircuts and longer styles are the simplest to maintain.
Medium-length wavy hair can present challenges for styling. Shoulder-length hair has plenty of volume without the weight of longer hair, so this can require defter daily styling.
With appropriate hairstyling products, professionals and practice, those with wavy hair can produce dramatic, attractive results.
