Wavy hair: how to define, care for and be proud of your waves

Most women who have wavy hair complain that their hair is neither straight nor curly. According to Carol Borba, specialist in natural hair at the Deva Curl Academy (New York) and designer of women’s cuts at the Pivot Point Academy (Chicago), wavy hair has waves with an S-curve, which can be along the entire length of the strands or more subtle, just in length or tip.

However, more and more, there are products, techniques and solutions that make wavy hair more defined, hydrated and beautiful, giving wavy hair the option to keep their hair natural and beautiful. To know a little more about wavy hair, just check out all the tips below.

wavy hair types

There is a classification to indicate the type of curvature that the hair presents. This definition is made by number, starting from 1, being straight hair, to 4, which defines curly hair, followed by a letter that will specify the degree within the initial classification.

Wavy hair is classified by number 2 and subdivided into 2A, 2B and 2C. See below the characteristics of each type, according to Carol Borba.

• Type 2A: In this type, the ripples are super light. “The waves are almost imperceptible, from the end of the length to the ends, even being confused with straight hair”, quotes the specialist. This type of wavy hair easily loses its curl.
• Type 2B: Type 2B wavy hair has more marked waves. “The curls appear from the middle of the length to the ends”, specifies Carol. The root is smooth, but the length of the hair has defined waves.
• Type 2C: 2C curl can also be defined as pre-curls. “Because, depending on the finalization done, the stimulus of open 3A curls is achieved”, indicates the designer. The waves start at the root and are well marked up to the ends.

Difference between wavy and curly hair

• Wavy Hair: Wavy hair is characterized by having its S-curve and depending on the type, waves are present only in the length of the hair. The waves need to be stimulated and finished so that they appear and remain on the wires during the day, as wavy hair loses definition more easily.
• Curly Hair: Unlike wavy hair, curly hair has a spiral-shaped curl. The curls extend all the way through and it’s easier to define them and keep them curly longer.

Wavy hair can be confused with both straight hair and hair with lighter curls, however, to determine if your hair is wavy, just notice if there is curl, even if only at the ends, and if that curl is in S.

20 photos to make you love your wavy hair even more

Wavy hair, being neither straight nor curly hair, makes women afraid to assume it, as it loses definition quickly, tending to become voluminous and frizzy. However, see the photos below of women with their beautiful wavy hair and get inspired to take on your waves and look even more beautiful.

1. Gisele Bündchen was responsible for making wavy hair the favorite of many women

2. Empower yourself and feel like taking on your waves

3. The curling iron helps to make your waves more defined

4. Shakira has type 2C waves, with plenty of volume

5. Camila Coutinho’s threads are 2A, with waves only at the ends

6. In this hair, the waves are type 2B, with more definition

7. Nothing prevents you from having wavy hair the color you want

8. Beach waves style hair is perfect for summer

9. When finishing, your wavy hair can even have some curls

10. Enjoy your waves, regardless of the curvature it presents

11. If you are in transition, bet on short hair to take the chemistry away

12. Bulky wavy hair makes you a powerful woman

13. Combine with an accessory to look stylish

14. Wavy hair needs daily care to keep it defined

15. The less curly it is, the easier it is to lose curl throughout the day

16. Therefore, always use products to activate your waves

17. Wavy and colorful hair for an attitude look

18. The result will depend on how you finish

19. Love your hair the way it is

20. Because it was made to make you more beautiful

Wavy hair: how to define

Learn in the videos below how to create beautiful waves for your hair to be powerful. In the tutorials there are several techniques to make the wave the practical and easy way. Check it out and make your hair amazing.

Babyliss to have waves, by Thássia Naves

Blogger Thássia Naves teaches how to make wavy hair with a curling iron in five minutes. With dry hair and without dividing the strands, she takes medium locks and curls the hair with the clip open only at the ends of the hair. After babylissing all the hair, apply a setting spray and gently undo the curls, so that the waves are well defined.

Creating waves with a flat iron, by Estela Newbold

Another way to create waves is using the flat iron. Estela starts by dividing her hair into two parts and passes the flat iron strand by strand, creating curls. An important tip is to make the flat iron with the hair divided the way you like to use it. Finally, the youtuber doesn’t let go of the curls because her hair naturally waves.

Short wavy hair by Camila Coelho

Camila details in the video how she creates beautiful waves in her short long bob hair. To start with, she doesn’t use any product to give texture. The tip for short hair to look more beautiful is to use a curling iron a little smaller than the traditional one, so you can go around more. Finally, let your hair down and apply dry shampoo to add texture and a little hairspray to make your hair last longer.

Curling your hair with a sock, by Niina Secrets

If you want to make your hair wavy, without using a heat source, watch this video and learn how to make waves with stockings. It is possible to do this technique with damp hair or with dry hair, and with damp hair the wave will be more defined. Twist your hair and tuck it into the sock. Leave your hair like this for a few hours and then let it go. The result will be stripped-down beach waves.

The techniques presented are very easy and possible to do, just have the right instrument. For amazing waves, there’s no need to expose your strands to the heat, just follow the tips above and rock.

15 cuts for wavy hair

A well-cut hair makes your waves gain shape and definition. “The wavy ones can abuse layers, the more layers, the more movement and definition”, suggests Carol. Cut and razor cuts depend on the thickness of the hair.

“The ‘Curly Bob’ (asymmetrical ascending forward) is one of the most requested cuts for short hair”, points out the specialist. For medium and long hair, the cut called ‘Waves Cascade’ creates well-distributed layers, giving shape and a lot of movement. Here are some cuts to inspire you.

1. Short layered cut with a longer front is stylish

2. Even in a very short cut it is possible to create layers

3. Add bangs to make the cut look original

4. Layers to give movement and activate your waves

5. The straight base is super hot

6. A very traditional cut for those who are classic

7. The wavy fringe is possible for those who do not dispense with this detail

8. The long bob is the preferred cut for women who want medium hair

9. There is no need to exaggerate the layers, if you prefer a straighter cut

10. For those who have 2A waves, you can even bet on a cut without layers

11. Long hair also allows for straighter cuts

12. Bangs and straight cut for stylish 2A hair

13. To bring your waves to life, bet on layers

14. The more layers, the more volume, movement and curl

15. The cut also favors wavy hair

The length and type of cut should first make you happy. The tip is, the more layers, the more waves, volume and definition. Look for an expert who will guide you to the best cut for your hair type, face and curl.

hairstyles for wavy hair

Take advantage of the waves in your hair to create wonderful hairstyles. Or if your hair is straight, curly or frizzy, invest in techniques to have wavy hair for a special occasion. Check below a selection of 15 beautiful hairstyles to inspire you.

1. Longer hair is chic and can be worn at night events

2. The loose hairstyle enhances your waves and is perfect for any occasion.

3. The half-up adds charm with its natural waves and an accessory

4. The messy, flowery bun is perfect for country parties

5. Waves make the simplest hairstyles super sophisticated

6. Ponytail with a voluminous top is perfect for being a bridesmaid

7. Old Hollywood Hairstyle Gets You Ready for Any Gala

8. Bet on the boho bun to get married in the countryside

9. Waves and braids are perfect for any beach event

10. For a more relaxed party, invest in simple hairstyles

11. A braided bun makes you romantic

12. The hair on the side is versatile and can be used in parties day or night

13. To make your waves more charming, add an accessory

14. Curled hairstyles look more beautiful on wavy hair

15. The wavy loose strands add a special touch to any hairstyle

Wavy hair makes it easy to create charming and sophisticated hairstyles. Take advantage of your natural waves to create beautiful hair that can be used from casual events to the most glamorous parties.

How to care for wavy hair

There are several care needed to make your wavy hair amazing. For Carol Borba, it is important to keep hydration up to date. “This way, it is possible to combat frizz more efficiently and facilitate definition.” The tip for the waves to last is to caprichar in the submission. “Always combine a leave-in with a fixing product,” suggests the specialist.

Below are some videos that will help you when taking care of your waves. Check it out and put it into practice.

How to take care of wavy hair, by Natália Biazzi

Natália gives tips on what should be done to take care of wavy hair and have well-defined waves. For her, the main secret is to find the products that work best on her hair. The youtuber also suggests what you need to do to maintain hydration, reduce frizz and preserve curls.

Hair routine for wavy hair, by Larissa Scanavini

Having a care routine is essential for any type of hair, but wavy hair has some specifications that are detailed in the video by youtuber Larissa. It is important to pay attention to the chosen products that should keep your hair hydrated, but without weighing it down or leaving it oily.

Winter Care by Ingrid Gleize

In winter, frizz, so present in wavy hair, tends to appear more and, therefore, it is necessary to take care of it differently and properly, as Ingrid shows in the video. Moisture is essential…