Once your wavy hair is completely dry, enhance its natural texture and hold with lightweight styling products.
Here's a breakdown of how to style dried wavy hair for defined, lasting waves:
Styling Products to Use
- Lightweight Mousse: Scrunching in a lightweight mousse after your hair is dry helps define the waves and provides hold without weighing the hair down. Look for alcohol-free options to prevent dryness.
- Sea Salt Spray: Sea salt spray adds texture and a slightly tousled look. Spray it lightly throughout your hair and scrunch to activate the waves. Be mindful of overusing it, as it can lead to dryness.
- Lightweight Gel: A light hold gel can provide definition and frizz control. Apply a small amount to your palms, rub them together, and gently scrunch into your hair.
- Curl Cream: While technically a styling product often applied to damp hair, some lightweight curl creams can be used sparingly on dry hair to tame frizz and define waves. Use a very small amount to avoid a greasy look.
Styling Techniques
- Scrunching: This is a fundamental technique for wavy hair. Flip your head upside down and gently squeeze your hair upwards towards your scalp. This enhances the natural wave pattern.
- Plopping (Micro-Plopping on Dry Hair): While plopping is usually done on wet hair, a similar technique called micro-plopping can be used on dry hair to encourage wave formation. Gently cup sections of your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt and squeeze upwards.
- Twisting/Pinning: For more defined waves in specific areas, twist small sections of your hair and either let them air dry or lightly diffuse them. Alternatively, pin the twisted sections to your head and release them when dry.
- Diffusing (Cool Setting): If you have time, use a diffuser on the cool setting to gently dry and enhance your waves. Avoid using high heat, which can cause frizz and damage. Hover the diffuser around your hair, or gently cup sections and lift towards the scalp.
- Refreshing: If your waves fall flat throughout the day, you can refresh them by spritzing your hair with water or a moisturizing spray and scrunching.
Important Considerations
- Hair Porosity: High porosity hair tends to absorb products quickly, while low porosity hair may be prone to buildup. Adjust the amount of product you use based on your hair's porosity.
- Hair Density: Thicker hair may require more product for hold and definition, while finer hair needs less to avoid being weighed down.
- Product Build-Up: Using too many products can lead to build-up, making your hair look dull and heavy. Clarify your hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up.
- Avoid Over-Touching: Once you've styled your hair, avoid touching it too much, as this can disrupt the wave pattern and cause frizz.
By experimenting with different products and techniques, you can find the perfect styling routine to enhance your natural waves and achieve your desired look on dry hair.
