Wavy Hair Woes: How Often Should You Really Brush?

How to Embrace Your Newly Discovered Wavy Hair

So you've just discovered your hair is wavy... Brilliant! You're probably wondering what to do next. After years of fighting with a straightener every morning, thinking that's just what everyone does, it can be a bit of a shock to realise your hair has a mind of its own. But we're here to tell you that wavy hair is absolutely gorgeous and incredibly versatile. With the right care and styling, you can have effortlessly chic, enviable waves.

Get ready for amazing charlie's hair and beauty! Photo by Trần Long from Pexels

At Charlie's Hair and Beauty, we've been helping our London customers embrace their natural texture for nearly 40 years. In our experience, the key is understanding your hair's unique needs and using products and techniques that improve your waves without weighing them down.

So if you're ready to begin your wavy hair journey, keep reading. We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from figuring out your wave pattern to styling your hair for maximum waviness. By the end, you'll be a wavy hair pro, ready to rock your natural texture with confidence.

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let's make sure you have the right tools and products. Here are the essentials:

• Wide tooth comb
• Microfiber towel or t-shirt
• Lightweight leave-in conditioner
• Curl cream or light gel
• Diffuser attachment for your hair dryer
• Silk pillowcase or scarf for sleeping

One product we absolutely swear by is the BSSET Original Curl Cream. It's brilliant for defining waves without any crunchiness or heaviness. And at just £8.99, it's an affordable option too.

Step-by-Step Guide

The secret is in the technique. Photo by Antoni Shkraba Studio from Pexels

1. Get to know your wave pattern

Wavy hair can range from gentle bends to defined S-shaped curves[4]. Most wavy hair falls somewhere between 2A (barely-there waves) to 2C (borderline curly)[2]. Figuring out where your hair lands on this spectrum will help you choose the right products and techniques.

To find your wave pattern, wash your hair with a sulphate-free shampoo and condition well. Then let it air dry without touching it. Once it's completely dry, look closely at the waves and see which description matches best.

2. Wash and condition for waviness

Choose a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Look for one with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera.

When you condition, focus on the mid-lengths to ends of your hair, as this is where it tends to be the driest. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, as any leftover product can weigh down your waves.

3. Apply styling products to wet hair

Your waves will look their best if you define them while your hair is still very wet. Flip your head upside down and use a wide tooth comb to gently detangle, being careful not to disturb your hair's natural pattern too much.

Next, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner from roots to tips. Then take a small amount of curl cream or light gel, like the BSSET Original Curl Cream, and rake it through your hair in sections. Be sure to coat each strand well, but don't use too much or your waves will get weighed down.

4. Dry your waves

The best way to dry wavy hair is to let it air dry as much as possible. Gently scrunch out some of the wetness with a microfiber towel or t-shirt, but don't rub or twist your hair, as this can cause frizz and breakage.

If you're in a hurry, you can diffuse your hair on low heat. Cup your waves in the diffuser attachment and hold it up to your head for 30 seconds at a time. Keep the dryer on low speed and avoid moving it around too much, as this can disrupt your wave pattern.

5. Scrunch out the crunch

Once your hair is 100% dry, it may feel a bit crunchy or stiff from the styling products. To soften it up, gently scrunch your waves with your hands, working from the ends up to the roots. This will break up any gel cast and leave you with soft, defined waves.

6. Protect your waves while you sleep

To keep your waves looking great between washes, it's important to protect them overnight. The best way is to sleep on a silk pillowcase, as this reduces friction and prevents tangles. If you don't have a silk pillowcase, you can wrap your hair in a silk scarf before bed.

In the morning, refresh your waves by spritzing them with water or a lightweight leave-in conditioner. Then scrunch them gently to reshape and restyle.

Pro Tips for Wavy Hair

Choose the right tools for your hair type. Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com from Pexels

• Deep condition once a week to keep your waves hydrated and healthy. We love the Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk Leave In Conditioner for a nourishing treatment.

• Embrace second (and third) day hair! Wavy hair often looks even better a day or two after washing. Just refresh with a little water and scrunch to revive your waves.

• Experiment with different techniques like plopping, pineappling, or the Curly Girl Method to see what works best for your unique hair. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, so have fun finding your perfect routine.

• Avoid heat styling as much as possible, as this can damage your delicate wave pattern. If you do use heat, be sure to apply a heat protectant first, like the Avlon Texture Release Thermal Protector.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Your hair can look this gorgeous too! Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

• Don't brush your waves when they're dry, as this will just make them frizzy and undefined. Detangle only when your hair is wet and use a wide tooth comb or your fingers.

• Avoid products with sulfates, silicones, or heavy oils, as these can weigh down your waves and make them look greasy. Stick to lightweight, water-based formulas instead.

• Don't touch your hair too much while it's drying, as this can disrupt your wave pattern and create frizz. Let your waves dry undisturbed as much as possible.

• Resist the urge to straighten your waves, even if you're having a bad hair day. Embrace your natural texture and learn to work with it, not against it. With practice, you'll have more good wave days than bad.

Conclusion

Another pro tip for perfect results. Photo by Venus Xu from Pexels

Discovering that your hair is actually wavy can be a game-changer. It opens up a whole new world of styling possibilities and allows you to embrace your natural beauty.

At Charlie's Hair and Beauty, we've been helping people care for their waves for almost 40 years. We know it can be a learning curve at first, but with a little patience and practice, you'll be a wavy hair expert in no time.

Just remember to be gentle with your hair, use lightweight products, and have fun experimenting with different techniques. And if you ever need personalised advice, pop into our Shepherds Bush shop and chat with one of our friendly stylists. We're always happy to help our customers find the perfect routine for their unique hair.

So go ahead and let your waves shine. With the right care and a bit of confidence, you'll autumn in love with your natural texture. Wavy hair is something to celebrate, and we're cheering you on every step of the way.

FAQs

What if I have damage from heat styling and bleach?

Don't worry, you can still embrace your waves! Focus on repairing the damage by using deep conditioning treatments and bond-building products. Avoid heat as much as possible and be extra gentle when detangling. With time and care, your waves will start to bounce back.

Can I still colour my hair if it's wavy?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use a gentle, ammonia-free colour to minimise damage. We love the Adore Semi Permanent Hair Colour for a low-maintenance option that's easy on waves.

How often should I wash my wavy hair?

Most wavy hair does best with washing every 2-3 days. You can stretch it longer if your scalp doesn't get too oily. On off-days, refresh your waves with a little water or dry shampoo at the roots.

What if my waves are inconsistent?

This is totally normal! Most people have a mix of wave patterns, with tighter waves underneath and looser ones on top. Just work with your dominant pattern and embrace the variety. Inconsistent waves are perfectly imperfect.

Can wavy hair get curlier?

Yes, with the right care and styling, your waves may start to coil up into more defined curls, especially if you follow the Curly Girl Method. But even if they stay wavy, that's something to celebrate too. All textures are beautiful!

There you have it! Come see us in store if you need any help finding the perfect products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use Charlie's hair and beauty products?

The frequency depends on your hair type and condition. Most people find that 2-3 times per week works well, but you may need to adjust based on your results.

What products do I need for i didn't know my hair was wavy... now what??

At Charlie's Hair And Beauty, we recommend starting with the basics and building from there. Our staff can help you create a personalized routine.

How long before I see results?

Most customers notice improvements within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Remember, healthy hair is a journey, not a destination!