The New-Wave Guide to Caring for Wavy Hair

Not quite straight and not quite curly, wavy hair is one of the most versatile hair textures out there, allowing you to go perfectly polished one day and surfer-girl the next. You can wear it au naturel, smooth it out with ease and even encourage it to hold a curl, but how do you get the best out of your wavy hair? It all comes down to knowing your hair type.

So, keep to decode exactly what kind of wavy hair you have, the haircare products that suit you, and tips that will transform how you style those dreamy waves, no matter your look. Wave hello to your new routine...

THE NEW-WAVE GUIDE TO CARING FOR

There are four different hair types your locks can fall into:

- 1 is straight

- 2 is wavy

- 3 is curly

- 4 is coily

So, let’s talk about type 2. Within this category, there are three levels of wave, from fine and loose to coarse and tight, and they each require special care to look their best. Here’s the lowdown…

TYPE 2A

This type of wave is fine, loose and sometimes thin. It veers into straight territory, making it easy to style sleek, if you like, or scrunch into a more defined curve. Just make sure that, if you’re dealing with 2A waves, you stick to lighter styling products so as not to weigh locks down. Light foams, milky serums and texturizing spritzes work best.

TYPE 2B

These S-shaped waves and can be thicker in texture than type 2A, meaning they’re more defined. However, they’re also prone to a little frizz around the crown area. To enhance their beachy texture, reach for hydrating masks and shine-boosting mousses that help to tame, add a luminous glow and boost volume through the roots.

TYPE 2C

Verging on curly, this type of wavy hair is tighter than the others, and sometimes thicker and coarser. To balance it out, we recommend sweeping it into a deep side parting that shifts some of the weight. Mid-length and long hairstyles are also better suited to a 2C wave, as they pair perfectly with all that extra texture and volume.

BEST PRODUCTS FOR WAVY HAIR - YOUR HEROES

Now you’ve decoded your wavy hair type, discover the care and styling products that enhance their curved shape, whether you’re looking to pump up the moisture or add some extra volume.

1. THE SHAMPOO

Opt for a lightweight, shampoo with no added sulfates, like Nutricurls Shampoo for Waves, which gently removes impurities and nourishes locks without dragging them down. For waves that require more moisture, alternate with the Nutricurls Cleansing Conditioner for a co-washing cleanser that helps to define every curve.

2. THE CONDITIONER

While the Cleansing Conditioner allows you to wash and go without the need for a hair mask, you may want to follow up the Nutricurls Shampoo for Waves with the Nutricurls Detangling Conditioner for Waves & Curls. Use it every time you lather up to eke out any knots and tangles, then thoroughly rinse for lightweight, softly-defined waves that feel beautifully nourished.

3. THE FINISHER

When you need a moisture top-up, try misting Nutricurls Milky Waves through locks. The lightweight, leave-in spray makes hair more manageable without adding weight – an absolute must if you want waves to hold their curvy shape. Spritz it through damp hair after washing or - if dried, styled strands crave extra hydration - spray it into the palms of your hands and smooth through the mid-lengths to ends.

4. THE STYLERS

2A waves tend to lack volume, so give them some plumping power with EIMI Soft Twirl 72h Anti-Frizz Foam for a dose of definition that feels ultra-lightweight. It’s the perfect styling fix for fine, thin locks.

HOW TO MAKE WAVY HAIR STRAIGHT

If you have type 2A waves, getting locks straight is as easy as using a heat protectant spray and straightening iron. However, 2B and 2C waves may need a little more cajoling to go smooth and sleek. To get the look start by prepping hair with your Nutricurls shampoo and conditioner, then smooth 2-5 pumps (depending on hair length) of EIMI Flowing Form styling lotion through mid-lengths to ends. Mist EIMI Thermal Image heat protector over the top to safeguard strands against heat styling, then grab a large, round brush and blowdry locks with the nozzle pointing down the hair shaft so that the cuticle lies flat. Once hair is completely dry, mist on another layer of EIMI Thermal Image before straightening in sections.

HOW TO MAKE WAVY HAIR CURLY

For those who can’t get enough of their curves and want to turn them into curls, the kind of look you achieve will come down to how much existing movement you have. Follow your hero hair routine above, then grab our curl-enhancing gel-cream, EIMI Nutricurls Curl Shaper Cream, and apply it to damp locks before scrunching as you dry with a diffuser. If you have 2A waves, you’ll then want to section hair off and use the ghd Curve Soft Curl Iron all over. You’ll get an ultra-polished curl effect that locks in place when you mist with EIMI Stay Firm. 2B and 2C waves should have got plenty of texture from blowdrying with the gel-cream, which can then be enhanced by using the curling tong only where more definition is needed.

Now you know how to style and care for your waves, get some color inspiration. You’ll find endless looks and trends on the @WellaHairUSA and Pinterest feed. Happy browsing!