Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
In this guide, we want to help you transform your wavy hair into beautiful curls. We use the fascinating Wavy Girl Method , a variant of the popular Curly Girl Method that is specially tailored to wavy hair .
If you follow the Wavy Hair method and use the techniques correctly, you can add bounce and volume to your hair, regardless of whether it is naturally wavy or even straight.
With the Wavy Girl method, you can sometimes reveal long , hidden waves or curls even in a seemingly straight mane .
But before we dive into the details of this method, let's first look at the basic basics.
What is the difference between curls and waves?
The difference between curls and waves lies mainly in the type and texture of the hair structure. Curls are defined spirals or ringlets , while waves have softer and less structured shapes .
Curls have more curvature and a greater amount of natural bounce. They can range from tight corkscrew curls to larger, voluminous curls.
Curly hair tends to be drier and usually requires more moisture and more intensive care to combat frizz and define the curls.
Wavy hair , on the other hand, has less pronounced curves and is more gently waved. Structurally, it is between straight hair and curly hair . The waves can occur in various degrees, from subtle S-shapes to larger, looser waves .
Wavy hair often has more shine and tends to be less dry than curly hair. However, it still requires special care to accentuate the waves and give them definition.
It is important to note that curls and waves have their own unique identity and there are many variations. The exact hair texture can vary from person to person.
Try to consider the individual needs of your hair and use the optimal care and styling methods for your hair type.
What is the Wavy Girl Method?
The Wavy Girl Method was developed to meet the specific needs of wavy hair . Wavy hair often requires different care than curly hair.
Naturally wavy hair often needs more support in curling , but less intensive care than curly hair.
Wavy hair, on the other hand, is usually thinner, less dry and straw-like than curly hair. Of course, the Curly Girl method can also be used on wavy hair, but it does not always work satisfactorily.
If you have problems with straw-like hair , we recommend the following article: SOS help for straw-like hair » 5 causes & 7 quick fixes
Wavy hair is structurally between straight and curly hair , so hair care products should be used that do not unnecessarily distort the natural waves. The straighter the hair, the lighter and less heavy the hair care products should be.
However, wavy hair still needs enough attention and care . However, products should not be used indiscriminately. Otherwise, wavy hair can quickly become greasy and the waves can pull down flat.
The natural oil of the scalp is distributed more easily through the lengths of naturally wavy hair than in curly hair. This is why wavy hair is generally less dry than curly hair and automatically requires less intensive care.
For natural waves, following the Curly Girl method can therefore lead to undesirable results, as the care products can be too heavy and the waves tend to become greasy more quickly.
Fortunately, the Wavy Girl Method offers exactly what wavy hair loves: a coordinated treatment that is not too heavy and cares for the natural waves in a gentle way.
Who is the Wavy Girl method suitable for?
The Wavy Girl Method is ideal for anyone who wants to maximize the natural potential of their wavy or straight hair. This technique not only helps to enhance the natural waves, but also gives them more volume and definition.
The method is specifically designed for the needs of people with wavy hair, unlike the Curly Girl method, which is more designed for curly hair.
By focusing on the special requirements of wavy hair, the Wavy Girl method achieves a defined and voluminous look.
This method is an adaptation of the Curly Girl Method and is designed to provide a customized care and styling routine for wavy hair.
Overall, the Wavy Girl method highlights the natural beauty of wavy hair and makes optimal use of its styling possibilities.
How to make wavy hair curly with the Wavy Girl Method
Hair preparation: In contrast to curly hair, you have a little more freedom when it comes to brushing your hair. Depending on your hair structure and wave texture, you can carefully detangle your hair with a good brush or comb.
However, pay attention to how your hair reacts. If you notice broken ends or your hair feels dry, we recommend brushing it when it is wet using a high-quality conditioner. This will protect your precious mane from stress and breakage.
1. Hair washing: Wash your hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to remove dirt and residue. Rinse thoroughly. In this respect, the Wavy Girl method is no different from the Curly Girl method.
2. Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of conditioner or rinse to the lengths and ends of your wet hair. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly.
Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly. This will close the hair cuticle and keep the moisture in the hair.
Co-washing with conditioner often only works semi-well on wavy hair, as wavy hair is naturally better moisturized by the sebum in the scalp. Co-washing can cause wavy hair to become too heavy.
3. Wring and dry: Gently squeeze excess water from your hair without rubbing. Then wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to absorb moisture and prevent frizz.
4. Apply leave-in product: Apply a leave-in product or hair mousse to damp hair to lock in moisture and define curls. Hair should be wet enough that it makes a "squish" sound when you work the leave-in in. Distribute the product evenly with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.
5. Styling product that holds the hair in place: To accentuate waves, a hair gel that holds the hair in place can be the perfect way to support your wavy hair. Without a "holding agent," the waves will quickly collapse again.
To avoid weighing down your waves, you should adjust the amount of product to your own hair size and density and make sure that the products themselves are not too heavy.
Scrunching: This technique involves "scrunching" your hair from the tips to the roots to encourage natural wave formation. Take a small amount of your favorite leave-in, cream or mousse and scrunch it into damp hair.
Gently press the hair upwards to activate and strengthen the waves.
6. Air dry or use a diffuser: Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry the curls. Avoid touching the hair while drying to avoid frizz.
Which products are suitable for the Wavy Girl method?
For curls, products that provide the hair with plenty of moisture and nourish the curls deeply make sense. Wavy hair, on the other hand, benefits from a hair care routine with lighter products that do not undo the natural waves, but rather promote the wavy hair structure and support the formation of curls.
Here are some of our absolute hair care favorites that are perfect for caring for and styling wavy hair:
Shampoo: The Perfect Match Superfruit Shampoo by Les Secrets de Loly is a real vitamin bomb with a good cleansing effect that makes your wavy hair shine.
Conditioner: The fragrance-free CURLSMITH Shine Conditioner looks great on any hair type and pampers your waves with moisture while giving them a silky shine.
Leave-in: The Breahni Weightless Detangler glides effortlessly through the strands and leaves the hair ultra-soft and nourished.
Hair gel: If you are looking for a holding gel that does not make your waves fall out, you will find what you are looking for in the wonderfully light and vitamin-rich Les Secrets de Loly Boost Curl Styling Gel .
Curl Mousse: The Weightless Whip Volumizing Foam from Fix My Curls is enriched with rice proteins and effectively protects your waves from breakage while its light formula provides plenty of volume.
Hair mask: The fruity African Citrus Superfruit Radiance hair treatment from Flora & Curl makes your waves shine with papaya oil and mango butter and increases the bounce of your hair.
FAQ
How to enhance natural waves and activate curls?
Activating curls is not as difficult as you might think. It's all about supporting and enhancing the natural texture of your hair. Here are some steps you can follow to strengthen your natural waves:
Hair care: The first step is to take good care of your hair. This means regularly using moisturizing and nourishing products.
When your hair is sufficiently moisturized, the natural wavy or even curly hair structure can be enhanced and highlighted much more easily.
A deep conditioning mask once a week can also help maintain the moisture balance of your hair.
Use styling products: Use nourishing leave-ins, light curl creams or curl mousse to transform your waves and create curls.
Apply the product to wet hair and work it in to encourage natural curl formation. Avoid combing through the hair or handling it too harshly to avoid destroying the curl structure.
Avoid heat by drying gently: Finally, dry your hair either in the air or with a diffuser attachment to maintain the natural shape of the curls.
Avoid blow-drying your hair without a blow dryer attachment and using strong airflow, as this can break up the curls and cause frizz. Too much heat can weaken your waves and strip them of moisture, leaving your hair dull and brittle.
Plopping: This method involves "plopping" your hair into a cotton towel or t-shirt to help maintain the natural shape of your waves and reduce frizz.
After applying your styling product, put your hair in the towel or T-shirt and tie it around your head. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes or overnight. For more information on the subject, you can take a look at our guide: The Plopping Method: Plopping curls made easy.
Micro plopping: Micro plopping is also very suitable for wavy hair. With this quick version of plopping, after applying the styling products, you gently press the moisture out of your hair using a microfiber towel or T-shirt. That's it! :)
At the same time, any excess product that has not been absorbed by your hair is removed. This way, you can prevent your waves from becoming too heavy, isn't it great?
Overnight hairstyles: There are several styles you can wear overnight to enhance your waves. These include braids, buns, or "pineapple" (a high, loose ponytail). These styles will help shape and hold your waves while you sleep.
Use these tips to activate curls and make the most of your natural hair type. Remember, patience is key - it may take some time to find the perfect routine that helps your waves reach their full potential.
How do I style my wavy hair?
Get inspired by these three creative styling ideas that work perfectly with wavy and curly hair:
Beach Waves: This look is perfect for a casual day at the beach or a relaxing summer day. You can use a salt spray to create texture and highlight your natural waves.
Spray it on damp hair and scrunch your waves to give them shape. Let your hair air dry to achieve the natural, carefree beach wave look.
The moisturising Pink Himalayan Salt Hairspray from Innersense Organic is perfect for accentuating your beach waves.
Wavy ponytail: A high or low ponytail is a stylish and practical way to style your wavy hair. Start with damp hair and apply some styling mousse to create volume and texture.
Then gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Let a few strands fall out to create a casual, imperfect look.
The ultra-light Airy Volume Foam from Pretty Curly Girl ensures voluminous hair and is your styling buddy for all kinds of wavy hairstyles.
Half-Updo: This hairstyle is a great way to keep wavy hair out of your face while showing off its beauty. Simply pull the top hair back and secure it with a clip or hair tie.
You can also twist or braid the pulled back hair into a small bun to give the look a little more character.
Our go-to when it comes to non-weight-bearing gel is the Les Secrets de Loly Boost Curl Styling Gel with a moisturizing water base and lots of provitamin B5
Conclusion
The Wavy Girl Method proves to be an effective way to unleash the hidden potential of your wavy hair ! You can artfully transform your wavy mane into defined curls and celebrate the natural beauty of your hair structure.
If you combine the right care and styling products for wavy hair with the right techniques to enhance the curls, you can take your natural waves to a new level.
The natural texture of the hair is enhanced by the Wavy Hair method until curls are created and the hair gains a lot of bounce.
In addition, the Wavy Girl method helps your hair to have a healthier structure because it relies on the use of hair-friendly products and the minimization of heat styling.
With the Wavy Girl method you can make your curls shine and give your natural waves bounce and bounce. So what are you waiting for, the Wavy Girl method is waiting for you! :)