Soft and natural wavy hair that lasts? Here’s how.

Keeping soft and defined wavy hair in the days after washing is a goal for many people. However, natural waves require specific care to avoid losing volume and definition. The good news is that with the right tips, it’s possible to maintain them soft and defined without stressing the hair. In this guide, we will explore simple techniques, practical tips, and useful products to enhance your natural texture to the fullest.

Before we dive into how to revive natural waves, it’s important to remember that the washing phase is the first crucial step to achieving natural and elastic waves. As we discussed in the article Natural wavy hair: tips for perfect and shiny waves, choosing the right products for wavy hair, both for washing and styling, is a key element.

But what about after wash day? How to revive wavy hair? Reviving wavy hair is very simple. Let’s see how to do it.

• Lightly mist your hair with a spray bottle filled with water.
• Apply a wave-specific spray, such as Just Waves, distributing it evenly using the praying hands technique (slide your hands together down the lengths like in a prayer).
• Proceed with scrunching: gently crunch the strands in your palm, bringing the tips towards the roots to reactivate the natural wave movement.
• Let it air dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser on a medium-low heat setting.

If you’re short on time, for an even faster refresh, try the Refresh Magic Curl: thanks to the synergistic action of its natural ingredients like avocado, apricot, sunflower, coconut oil, and aloe vera, it will revive your waves in just a few minutes! Mist it directly onto dry hair, use the praying hands movement to distribute, and then scrunch to enhance definition.

Who said that to get perfect waves you need to subject your hair to high temperatures with curling irons or straighteners? There are numerous methods to create soft and defined waves without compromising the health of the hair. Let’s see what they are.

• Plopping: It is a drying method that helps stimulate the definition of both wavy and curly hair and reduces frizz. But how does it work? After washing and applying a lightweight styling product, lay a microfiber towel on a flat surface. Bend your head down and let your hair “rest” on the fabric, so it naturally “crunches.” Then, wrap the towel around your head like a turban and let your hair dry.
• Hair Rollers: Roll sections of hair around hair rollers and let them air dry to achieve voluminous and defined waves without heat.
• Braids: Creating two or more braids, depending on the desired definition, allows you to get soft and natural waves with little effort. Braid the hair and leave it in place for a few hours. Once the braids are undone, use your fingers to open the curls and reveal soft and natural waves.

Lastly, but not least, the most appreciated styling techniques by the curly and wavy hair community:

• Scrunching technique: After applying the styling product, gently crunch your hair in the palm of your hand, starting from the tips towards the roots, to encourage wave formation.
• Finger Coiling: Wrap small sections of hair around your finger to shape more defined waves, ideal for the less wavy areas.

Before sharing the final tips for making wavy hair last longer, it’s useful to delve into the importance of correct application of styling products. Although it might seem like a secondary aspect, the application technique is crucial because wavy hair has unique characteristics that require special attention.

• Apply a small amount of product: Wavy hair tends to lose volume and become weighed down easily. It’s advisable to opt for lightweight products and limit the amount applied to keep the hair light and voluminous.
• Avoid the roots: To avoid weighing down the roots and compromising volume, apply the styling product focusing on the lengths and tips.

Raking or Praying Hands: To evenly distribute the product along the lengths, you can use two effective techniques. With raking (run your fingers through the hair as if you were combing it), you ensure the product penetrates well into each strand. With praying hands (join your hands together as if you were praying and gently slide them along the lengths), you distribute the product evenly without affecting the definition of the waves. Both methods will help you achieve a uniform and natural result.

• Quick and light touch-ups: When they begin to lose definition, do a quick refresh with your favorite styling spray.
• Nighttime routine: To maintain definition and prevent damage, such as from friction with the pillowcase, don’t forget our tips for protecting your hair at night.
• Regular hydration: Keeping your waves defined and soft also means keeping them hydrated. So, based on the specific needs of your hair type, incorporate a moisturizing and nourishing mask into your wash hair routine: your waves will last longer!

We’ve seen that achieving and maintaining soft and natural waves is possible and easy with the right care. However, always remember that there is no universal rule that works for every hair type. So experiment to find the perfect combination for your hair! With a little patience and care, you’ll be able to showcase shiny, defined waves that highlight your natural beauty.