How to Build the Perfect Hair Care Routine for Wavy Hair?

There’s something effortlessly stunning about wavy hair. People love it for its versatile styling nature, as it can be dressed up or down—making it ideal for days you wish to look put together. You don’t even need to spend hours in front of your mirror to look that way. 

But here’s the catch: when it comes to wavy vs curly hair, the routine is not exactly the same. Wavy hair often needs a lighter touch and balanced definition and volume, while curls demand heavier products. That’s why finding the proper wavy hair routine can feel a little tricky.

So today, we’ll discuss how you can maintain your effective wavy hair care routine, from washing to styling tips, and more. Excited to explore? Just stay along!

Cleansing for Volume

Wavy hair comes in the least dry category among all the curl types. That’s why they develop more oil on the scalp and need frequent washing, too. And yes, you have to cleanse them properly for volume.

Follow these washing tips and tricks to maintain your volume:

Tip #1. Get a Hydrating Shampoo

Textured hair needs more moisture compared to straight hair. Always choose a nourishing, lightweight shampoo and conditioner with a hydrating formula to cleanse your hair.

Waves are also prone to dryness and frizz, so you can’t just choose any product carelessly. So a no-buildup shampoo is essential to aid in detangling and boost hydration.

Tip# 2. Cleanse and Prep Properly

Done with buying a quality volumizing shampoo? Now, it’s time to know how to cleanse your hair with it. Begin by wetting your hair using a shampoo and rinsing it.

Only use lukewarm water during the process. Exception for occasional deep clean, you don’t usually need to apply shampoo directly to the ends or lengths, as it can be drying.

Tip #3. Caring Steps After Shower

To keep your waves intact after a shower, it’s recommended to use a cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel for drying the hair. Scrunch your wavy hair upwards while drying.

That way, you can squeeze excess water without pulling on your hair, which is likely to happen with a regular towel. Once your hair is damp, you’ll notice natural curls again.

Tip #4. Protect Hair Between Washes

If you want to ensure that your waves’ volume is maintained until the next wash, protect them while you sleep. A small bonnet or a satin scarf is ideal to keep them safe.

Besides, you should consider a second round of cleansing in case of significant buildup. Free your hair from the weight of buildup to achieve bouncy, wavy locks.

Conditioning for Soft Waves

Wavy hair always shines when it’s defined, soft, and frizz-free. But how is it exactly possible to keep it shining? Well, a conditioner for waves is the secret to achieving that look! 

Here’s how to do it right:

• Choose the Right Conditioner for Waves

Opt for a hydrating conditioner that includes nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut water, or shea butter. This will smooth your hair cuticles and keep your hair soft.

• Follow the Right Conditioning Process

After shampooing your hair, apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers for detangling tips and distributing the product evenly all around.

• Add a Leave-In Conditioner for Extra Care

Need more definition in hair? Don’t forget to finish with a nice leave-in conditioner. Believe me, a lightweight cream or spray works best to control frizz and increase softness.

• Try Deep Conditioning Weekly

Even when your hair is not very dry, try deep conditioning treatments every week. It’ll highly strengthen your strands and keep the waves healthy, especially if you’re into heat styling.

• Don’t Skip the Final Water Rinse

Use cool rinse water at the end of the wash to seal the cuticle and the shine. Just don’t miss this step if you want more definition and smoothness in your waves.

• Avoid Overdoing the Conditioner

Don’t overdo the hair with conditioner. Too much can make your hair start shedding, so stick to a moderate, coin-sized amount for short hair and a bit extra for long lengths. 

If you follow every step in the right manner, you can also prevent your hair from breakage while keeping the natural volume.

Managing Frizz Without Losing Volume

After washing and cleansing, the next step is drying it properly. Using a diffuser to squeeze water out of hair is an important step in frizz control for wavy hair. Or else, you can let your hair dry on its own before you prep for styling.

Need more hacks to manage your frizzy hair? Here’s what you need to know:

1. Keep your dryer on low to medium speed and heat.
2. Use a diffuser attachment when you’re drying your hair.
3. Hold the diffuser upwards and only take small sections every time.
4. Do not brush or wash your curls or waves every day.
5. Try using milder shampoos and moisturizing conditioners.
6. Use a frizzy and dull hair bundle of premium quality.
7. Apply a lightweight serum with natural ingredients.
8. Humidity protection is essential when you are in the sun.
9. Use your fingers to release the waves gently while styling.
10. Cut down on blow dryers and straighteners if possible.
11. Do not touch your hair unnecessarily after washing it.
12. Go for glycerine-free products to reduce the frizziness.
13. Switch to a styling technique that doesn’t stress you
    

Daily Styling Routine

Knowing how to style wavy hair correctly is mandatory to make the most out of your curls. So if you’re ready to get your dreamy wavy hair in no time, try following these styling tips right away:

1) Use a Heat Protectant

Make sure you apply a heat protectant before you go out to prevent heat damage. And yes, opt for heatless waves whenever you can instead of using a curling iron or a straightener.

However, if you’re dealing with heat damage already, consider a hair repair oil-in-serum to for more protection. This will reduce further breakage and make hair strong.

2) Opt for a Curling Wand

If you struggle to give up heating curlers despite your best efforts, a curling wand for styling might be your best bet. First, section your hair and wrap each section gently.

A medium-sized curling wand is ideal for moderate hair. Leave the ends for a relaxed finish, and then alternate the wrapping direction for natural styling waves and spray it in the end.

3) Experiment with Heatless Methods

Braid your damp hair before you sleep for soft waves, or else, you can twist some hair sections into small buns to get spiral curls without even heating it. Amazing, right?

Apart from this, you can try wrapping hair around the sock or use good flexi rods to create volume in your waves overnight. Remember, heatless methods can never go wrong!

4) Switch to Lightweight Styling

Choosing lightweight products is as important as following air-dry tips. Consider a light styling mist for volume and a glossy finish in your waves.

Don’t overload your hair with intense, heavy products. Always keep it simple and let your real wave pattern shine. Plus, apply the hair products to soaking-wet hair only.