How to Get a Haircut for Waves?

To get a haircut for waves, the primary goal is to achieve a short, uniform length that allows the hair to lay down and form the wave pattern.

For achieving optimal waves, you will need to cut your hair down to a fairly short length—around 1 ½ inches. This specific length typically requires using a clipper guard between sizes #1 and #2, which correspond to 1/8 and 1/4 inches, respectively.

Here's a breakdown of the key considerations for your haircut:

Key Haircut Requirements for Waves

Getting the right cut is the foundation for training your hair into waves. It's not just about the length, but also the technique.

• Desired Length: The target length for effective wave formation is approximately 1 ½ inches. This length is short enough to manage and lay flat, but long enough to show the wave pattern as it develops.
• Clipper Guard Size: To achieve the ~1 ½ inch length, you'll typically need a clipper guard between size #1 (1/8 inch) and #2 (1/4 inch). The exact guard might vary slightly depending on the clippers and desired starting point.
• Cutting Direction: It's crucial to "be sure to have hair cut with the grain and not against." Cutting with the grain means cutting in the natural direction your hair grows. This helps lay the hair down flat right from the start, which is essential for training waves.

Why Cutting with the Grain Matters

Cutting against the grain lifts the hair away from the scalp, making it stand up. This is the opposite of what you want for waves. Cutting with the grain pushes the hair down in its growth direction, promoting that flat, brushed-down look necessary for waves to develop when combined with brushing and moisturizing.

Preparing for Your Wave Haircut

Before you head to the barber or attempt the cut yourself, consider these points:

1. Communicate Clearly: Tell your barber you are trying to develop waves. Specifically request a uniform cut to about 1 ½ inches, using a #1 or #2 guard depending on how short you want to start, cut with the grain.
2. Understand Guard Sizes: Different clippers can have slight variations, but generally:

   • 0: Bald/closest cut

   • 1: 1/8 inch

   • 2: 1/4 inch

   • 3: 3/8 inch

   • 4: 1/2 inch

   • And so on...
     You are aiming for a length achievable with a #1 or #2 guard when cutting with the grain.
3. Starting Point: If your hair is currently long, it will need to be significantly trimmed down first before using the guards for the final uniform length.

By ensuring your hair is cut to the appropriate short length, uniform across the scalp, and cut with the grain, you create the ideal canvas for starting your wave journey.