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Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Verna Meachum
The artistry of hair care can come with its own set of difficulties. Like any other uniquely patterned structure, it can require a lot of time, patience, and practice to get them how you like.
Once you’ve established your curl type and understand how to care for your mane, you’re left to sift through hundreds of products.
But for those with true and strong wavy curls, it can be hard to know what products are the best to achieve defined curls that retain their wave.
Get the best out of your wavy hair and put these formulas to the test to see if they deserve a spot in your curly girl hair care routine.
While shopping for hair products, you’ve probably noticed labels marketed towards “dry hair,” “fine hair,” etc.
But, what do these labels mean, and how do you know what category your hair type falls into?
Your hair type is determined by a number of genetic factors. No hair types are “bad,” they just require different cuts, styling techniques, and products to look their best.
It’s important to have an idea of your hair type in order to choose the right cut, style, and products for your hair.
Most people nowadays use a hair typing system as a guide, which can make things confusing. But, while the curly type system is not an end-all-be-all or one-size-fits-all guide, it’s a helpful place to start when trying to understand your hair.
Even if the hair typing system isn’t perfect, many individuals have discovered that this set of guidelines can be quite beneficial in assisting you in determining your curl pattern(s), as well as which products will work best for your hair.
Many times, our hair problems and bad hair days are simply caused by using the wrong products and techniques for our hair type.
Naturally Curly’s Curly Hair Scale focuses on curly hair as such;
Each hair type is classified into three subcategories that demonstrate the distinct patterns present in curly hair. The sub-classifications – from A to C – are based on the diameter of the wave, curl, or coil.
Most of us curlies will fit into one or more category/sub category, which is normal.
Wavy hair is classified as type 2 on the Curly Hair Scale. The wavy hair pattern is present in all types of hair textures, from fine to coarse.
The main difference between wavy and curly hair is that wavy hair has a definite S-shaped pattern, ranging from loose to tight with the texture ranging from fine to coarse.
Curly hair has a more defined spiraling pattern, from loose loops to springy corkscrews.
Thus, wavy curly hair is a type of curly hair that is more loose, with a less defined spiral pattern.
The Curly Girl Method (aka CG method), created by Lorraine Massey, is a set of guidelines for people with wavy, curly, and coily hair. It is a brand new way of thinking and caring for your hair.
The goal of the Curly Girl Method is to help you understand your hair and how to take care of it so that you can achieve healthy, frizz-free curls.
The Curly Girl Method is based on the premise that a lot of the hair products on the market contain ingredients that are bad for your hair, such as sulfates, drying alcohols, mineral oils, wax, and silicones.
According to Massey, these ingredients can cause build up, which can lead to frizz, tangles, and dryness.
Also, no shampooing with silicone based shampoos or conditioners when it comes to the Curly Girl Method.
Instead, curly girls are encouraged to use a cleansing conditioner (or co wash) to cleanse their hair. She suggests using water soluble products that disclose their ingredients, also avoiding synthetic fragrances in your products.
Another thing to avoid is using heat styling tools, as they can damage your hair over time.
If you can find the right sulfate free and silicone free products, and use them consistently for about two months, you will start to see a difference in your hair.
Your hair will be softer, more manageable and hydrated, and less frizzy.
The curly girl method is all about a three step simple process which is; cleanse, condition, and style.
To learn more about the curly girl method, you can get the book on amazon pretty easily.
Now that we know what wavy hair is and how to take care of it, let’s talk about wavy hair routines.
The first step in taking care of wavy hair is to understand what your hair needs.
Wavy hair is generally more dry than straight hair, so it is important to find products that will hydrate and nourish your hair.
There are a few different ways that you can style your wavy hair for maximum definition and curl clumping waves!
To do this, simply apply your styling product and gel to wet hair, then scrunch your hair with your hands to help define your waves. Once you have done this, you can either let your hair air dry or diffuse it.
This step happens right after you shampoo and condition your hair, and it’s done with your head upside down.
To do this:
This is a great way to preserve your wavy hair overnight. To do this, simply gather your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head, then secure it with a satin/silk scarf or scrunchie. In the morning, you can remove the scarf or scrunchie and shake out your hair.
Apply products to soaking wet hair. This will help your wavy hair to better absorb the product and will help define the waves.
Some wavies prefer to apply styling products on soaking wet hair, while others prefer to apply styling products to damp hair.
Some people prefer to apply the products while standing up, while others like them when their heads are turned upside down.
Get the best out of your wavy hair and put these methods to the test to see if they deserve a spot in your wavy hair care routine.
If you have wavy hair, you may sometimes feel like your curls are more of a bother than anything else.
Wavy hair can be difficult to style, and it can often appear frizzy or unruly. If you are looking for ways to make your wavy hair more curly, there are a few things you can do.
If your hair was affected by heat straightening tools or harsh chemicals, it produced loose wave curls.
Go for deep conditioning treatments and protein masques to revive your wavy locks back to its natural state.
Eventually, your damaged hair will shift into more wavy or curlier hair.
You can also train your hair with the finger coiling method.
You can also use a diffuser to help wavy hair become more curly.
For more tips on how to make your wavy hair curlier, check out this blog post.
It may be difficult to figure out which hair products are ideal for creating defined waves that keep their shape.
If you’re looking for the best products for 2a/2b hair, 2a/2c hair, or whatever combination of wavy texture you have, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite wavy hair products to help get you started and so that you know what to look for next time you are in the market for wavy hair products.
The proof is not only in the name but in the formula!
Made with Kakadu plum and Australian hemp seed extracts, Aussie Miracle Waves Hemp Conditioner offers wavy curly hair with ultimate softness and moisture while fighting frizz.
As a duel hydrator and definer, this gives your waves everything it needs without weighing curls down. Set yourself up for a great hair day with a texture-perfection product.
Keep your curly waves in check from moisture to length and everything in between with this Jessicurl Daily Conditioner.
Made with aloe and infused with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, this conditioner is designed to strengthen the hair for optimal length and nourishment.
Wavy curly hair is known for roller coaster seasons of growth, but this conditioner helps to prevent breakage and therefore retains the length you want to preserve.
When dealing with curly wavy hair, there’s no such thing as adding too much volume.
The Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask uses a bond-building technology that adds body and shine while also improving manageability.
Just one treatment can help you rebuild your curls for defined and healthier-looking waves that you’ll be proud to show off any time of the year.
Steer clear of split ends, frizz, and flyaways when you incorporate this mask into your routine.
For a more natural approach to achieving greatness for curly wavy hair, the Bounce Curl Ayurvedic Deep Conditioner focuses on formula as a priority.
Made with a clean list of natural and plant-based ingredients, this deep conditioner offers a clean path toward moisturized and smooth hair.
While still being lightweight, the benefits are undeniable with just one use. Even the peachy scent will make you feel like you’re doing something right for your waves.
You can use this as a regular conditioner or deep conditioner, depending on your needs.
Save some money by using ‘muse’ at the checkout.
When you have curl waves, it’s only a matter of time before humidity strikes. Keep your spirals free from frizz and frozen with definition with the Briogeo Curl Charisma Crème.
Infused with rice amino acids and avocado oil, this crème works overtime to help your curly wavy hair retain moisture and reduce frizz.
The added bonus is that this product has an extra creamy texture that is lightweight, so it doesn’t ever flake or feel sticky.
Let your curls work their magic!
Your waves deserve instant volume and texture when they need it most. The Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray offers a “light as air” approach to styling curls.
If you hate whenever your hair falls flat, create volume that lasts with a spray that doesn’t let you down. Especially if your hair rejects different crèmes or gels, try this product for better results.
Best of all, it doesn’t leave a waxy residue like other texture sprays and is a true game-changer for how you style.
Whether you like to incorporate braids or extreme body, you won’t be disappointed with this spray.
The Pattern Beauty Argan Oil Hair Serum is formulated with a remarkable blend of Argan Oil, Sunflower Oil, Castor Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Oil and Shea Oil.
This serum offers the ultimate nourishment for your curly wavy crown. With recorded results in just 14 days, exceed expectations for overall health and strength.
This carefully crafted serum narrows into the hair follicles, which is especially important for those who suffer from dryness and thinning stemming from various scalp concerns.
By helping to seal the hair shaft and prevent dryness, this product works in overload for curly wavy strands.
If you’re a curly girl with waves, you may be looking for new ways to bring your hair to new heights.
While still maintaining definition and shine, the Cantu Sturdy Double Lift Pick is a small win for every wavy-haired beauty.
Instead of using your fingers to fluff and volumize, causing friction and frizz, this hair tool elevates your style to create more body and the desired look you want to achieve.
Gently lift hair away from the scalp to form a rainbow effect of fullness and texture.
You can even refresh throughout the day without drying your hair out with constant touching.
Yes, wavy hair is a type of curly hair.
Wavy hair is curly hair.
Yes, 2a hair is considered wavy.
Yes, the Curly Girl Method can work on wavy hair.
Yes, gels are very good for wavy hair. Gels will help to define your curls and hold them in place. Here is a list of 25 best gels.
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