Using a hair waver involves preparing your hair, sectioning it, and clamping the waver down the length of each section to create a crimped or wavy texture. Based on techniques shared, applying the waver vertically, holding for a few seconds, and moving down the strand section by section is an effective method, especially with larger barrels that cover more hair.
Getting Started: Preparing Your Hair
Before you begin wavering, proper preparation is key to achieving long-lasting waves and protecting your hair.
- Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Ensure your hair is completely dry. Wavering wet or damp hair can cause damage and won't produce the desired results.
- Apply Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant spray or serum. This creates a barrier that minimizes damage from the high heat of the styling tool. Distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
- Detangle: Brush through your hair to remove any knots or tangles, ensuring smooth passage for the waver.
The Wavering Process
Once your hair is prepped, you can begin styling.
Sectioning Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. The thickness of the sections will depend on your hair thickness and the desired look, but smaller sections generally produce more defined waves.
Applying the Waver
Work on one section at a time.
- Starting Point: Begin by taking a section of hair and placing it between the barrels of the waver, usually starting closer to the root (but leaving a little space to avoid direct scalp contact).
- Vertical Application: According to some techniques, you can try coming in vertically with the iron on your hair section.
- Clamp and Hold: Clamp the waver down on the hair section. Hold for a few seconds to allow the heat to set the wave pattern. The exact time may vary depending on the waver's heat setting and your hair type.
- Move Down: Release the clamp and come down for the next one along the same hair section. Overlap the top barrel of the waver slightly over the last wave you created to ensure a seamless pattern without crimp lines.
- Repeat: Continue clamping and moving down the hair strand until you reach the ends.
- Benefit of Big Barrels: What's nice about this barrel being so big too is that you cover so much ground, which can speed up the styling process, especially on longer or thicker hair.
Completing All Sections
Repeat the process on each section of hair until your entire head is waved.
Finishing Touches
Once all sections are waved:
- Allow the waves to cool completely before touching them. This helps set the shape.
- For a more relaxed, beachy look, gently run your fingers through the waves or lightly brush them out. For a more defined look, leave them as they are.
- Finish with a light hold hairspray to help keep the waves in place throughout the day.
Tips for Best Results
- Experiment with temperature settings to find what works best for your hair type. Finer hair typically needs lower heat than thicker, coarser hair.
- Practice makes perfect! The first few times might take longer, but you'll get faster and more skilled with practice.
- Consider the size of the waver barrel – different sizes create different wave patterns (larger barrels for looser waves, smaller barrels for tighter crimps).
Using your hair waver effectively involves preparation, proper sectioning, and applying the tool section by section while holding for a few seconds before moving down the hair strand. Applying it vertically can be one technique to try for different looks.
