You’ve spent years calling your hair straight, but there’s just one teensy problem: It never actually stays straight. It gets frizzy after brushing, forms random bends when you let it air-dry or suddenly develops a mind of its own the second humidity hits.
Sound familiar? You might have naturally wavy hair without even realizing it. And once you figure out your hair’s true texture, you can start working with those waves instead of constantly trying to smooth ’em.
Let’s find out if your strands have some hidden waves—and learn how to bring them out.
See the signs
Your hair may not be forming full-on curls yet, but chances are, if it’s hiding secret waves, there will be signs.
Is your hair always super puffy or frizzy (the urge to pull out the straightener every morning is *real*)? That could be dry waves begging for moisture. If the ends of your hair naturally flip out or your hair becomes a literal cloud when you brush it, that could also be waves trying to form. And, ofc, if your hair has a slight S shape when it dries or is wet? Major wavy green flag.
Wash and scrunch
To find out for sure, start by washing your hair like normal. Add in a little leave-in conditioner once you get out of the shower, and skip the brush (yup, you heard us right). Instead, get the water out by scrunching your waves.
Cup a section of your hair in your palm, lift it toward your scalp and gently squeeze. Repeat all around your head, working from the ends up. This helps remove some of the excess water that can weigh down your waves (if you have a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt, use that to scrunch with).
Let it dry
After you wash and scrunch, leave your hair totally alone while it air-dries (or, if you have a diffuser attachment, diffusing your hair with a blow-dryer works even better). Once your hair’s all dry, take a good long look in the mirror–if your hair is pretty much anything but pin straight, we’ve got news…you’ve got wavy hair! Sure, it may not be perfect yet, but in time, it will be.
Remember, this isn’t a full routine, so your waves won’t be at their max potential when you’re done–our only goal here is to figure out if you have natural waves in the first place.
Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t turn out just right. If it dried with any wave at all, try buying a product or two to help your waves out the next time.
Find your routine
So, you’ve unlocked your secret hair texture–what next? Time to give those waves some TLC.
Start simple: After washing your hair, apply a lightweight mousse or curl cream to damp strands, then scrunch upward from your ends to encourage your waves to form. (Fine hair? Try mousse. Thicker, drier strands probs prefer a more moisturizing cream.)
Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat and speed. Once your hair is dry, gently scrunch out any leftover crunchiness with your fingers. You can also add a dab of hair gel for extra hold. (Psst: If your waves feel greasy or weighed down, use less product.)
Looking for more hair care tips? Check out our other articles below…
🎀 Your next hair switch up, for your BTS consideration
🎀 Your summer haircut, inspired by your fave on-screen gals
🎀 Get ready to be your squad’s resident braiding expert
Images:@itsgretawilson
