It’s always fun to change up your hairstyle. Whether you’re doing it to “reinvent” yourself or you simply want to try something new, there seems to be no limit when it comes to fun options for your hair.
But we’re sure many of you can agree that going from super straight hair to any look with curls can be difficult (and frustrating). Sure, it might look curly for five minutes, but it always seems to fall flat. Luckily, we’ve found a few tips to help you naturally straight-haired ladies find a way to add some waves into your look!
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1. Beachy Waves
Who can’t relate to daydreaming of beach days and the amazing hair that comes with them? Alyssa Ashley Ames, hairstylist and salon owner of Hair Care N Design, shares a unique tip to help you get this look: “Instead of using a towel to dry your hair, use a tee shirt! The tee shirt helps keep the hair cuticles smooth and eliminates frizz rather than a towel which can be more rough.” She explains, “First, squeeze most of the water out of your hair, then use a sea salt spray, and finish by wrapping your hair up in a tee shirt to help soak up the rest of the water for a little while. This will help you get that wavy, beachy look!”
Innovative and simple, this is something all collegiettes are sure to appreciate with their busy lives!
2. Natural Looking Waves
Sometimes your curls will be difficult, refusing to hold their shape and falling out before the day is over. This calls for the help from some styling tools! Ames explains an easy way to give a more natural look to your curls. “Another option would be to use heat with a wand (if your hair is really hard to get curls to stay use a thin one),” she says. “Be sure to change the direction you curl your hair in every time you take a new piece. That will give you a more natural, wavy and messy look. Also, leaving the ends straighter keeps the style from looking too curly!”
This look is great for a night out with your girls! It looks effortless but will definitely turn heads. If you find your curls are looking too tight, don’t be afraid to curl them a few hours before you plan to head out. This will allow them to loosen slightly while your hairspray keeps them in place.
3. Quick Waves
It’s impossible not to appreciate the effort some girls put into their beauty routine every morning. You know, the girls who go to their 8 am class with flawless hair and makeup—props to you if you’re one of them! However, we know this isn’t the case for everyone, especially during a busy week.
Some days you need a quicker go-to look for killer wavy hair. Riccardo Maggiore, of Riccardo Maggiore Salons NYC, shares his insight on different ways to get wavy hair, starting with quick waves before class! Maggiore broke it down step by step so you can master this technique.
“1. Distribute a heat protectant and apply mousse or styling lotion evenly throughout the hair.
2. Braid the hair.
3. Spray hairspray or texturizer on the braid.
4. Run your flat iron over the braid as if you were straightening your hair.
5. Set with hairspray or texturizer.
6. Undo the braid and shape the waves with your fingers and set with a texturizing hair spray.”
Remember, it’s always super important to use a heat protectant spray before you use any tool with heat on your hair! This will help to prevent damage and keep your hair looking healthy.
4. Overnight Waves
If you could go to sleep and wake up with fabulous hair, wouldn’t you? We thought so. Prepare to have your dreams come true because Maggiore explained the simple process of how to get waves while you catch up on your beauty sleep.
“1. Distribute a heat protectant and apply mousse or styling lotion evenly throughout the hair.
2. Sleep in braids
3. In the morning undo braids and shape curls with your fingers and set with a texturizing hair spray.”
It’s that easy! Sleeping on damp hair isn’t always that enjoyable, but the beautiful waves the morning after will make this your go-to look for wavy hair. And don’t forget to use hairspray to help your hair look fabulous all day. Riccardo recommends Riccardo Maggiore Fortezza Extra Hold Hair Spray.
Don’t be afraid to give these tips a try if you want to flaunt a new, wavy look opposed to your naturally straight!