I learned that I had wavy hair, not just frizzy hair, in high school, and I struggled. My waves looked stringy and fell without fail, to the point were I straightened, curled, or braided my hair everyday until I graduated college.
Recently, I decided to give it another try, and after much trial and error, I’ve finally found the right combination of products and techniques that give me the waves I used to dream about.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Loreal Everpure Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair
When I started my wavy hair journey anew, I didn’t think shampoo really matter, but it makes the biggest difference.
I learned I have high porosity hair, meaning my hair can get drier and needs help maintaining moisture. This combination works GREAT for my hair when I was struggling to find a shampoo that didn’t leave my hair dry and frizzy.
It makes my waves soft and free of frizz!
Leave-In Conditioner
The first step of my wavy hair routine begins when I turn the water in the shower off. For wavy hair, it is often recommended that we style our hair when is it soaking wet.
I thought this was ridiculous until I tried it, and had my best results yet.
So, with soaking wet hair, I first whip my head forward and back a few times to add volume.
Then, with my head tilted forward, I spray the Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Hair Primer and scrunch. Your hair should be so wet you hear a squelching sound! If it stops making that sound as you scrunch, use a mister to spray more water on your hair.
This stuff is great, and I have used it for years as a heat protectant, too!
A leave-in makes all the difference for my curls. I definitely notice they are less defined and frizzier when I forget to add it!
Mousse
My next step is a mousse! I put about a one second spray into my hand (so just a little bit) and then do the praying hands method to smooth it lightly over my hair. I then do some more scrunching!
Herbal Essences Curl Boosting Mousse
This mousse was recommended to me on TikTok awhile back as a good option for wavy girls, and I wish I could remember the first girl who put me on to it. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t leave my hair crunchy because of how wet it is when I style it!
Plop!
The next step in my routine is to plop my hair in a cotton shirt!
The first thing I do is lay my shirt on a flat surface, and flip my hair over in front of my face. I then lay my hair on the shirt almost accordion style right above the collar, with it laying on top of itself so it is scrunched up as it dries! Then, I tie the sleeves around the back of my head and fold the top portion over, securing it either with a headband or clip of some sort!
I typically plop for around 20-30 minutes.
In total honesty, it’s whenever the shirt falls off my head.
Option 1: Gel
The next step I added recently, and I do think it has made a difference!
When your hair comes out of the plop, it should still be damp. If not, add just a little water before this step.
On damp hair, I take just a little bit of gel (think a two-finger scoop) and spread that like I did the mousse over my hair. Then, I scrunch!
Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel
Personally, I find the type of gel you use doesn’t matter all too much as long as it isn’t something heavy-duty. I feel like this one is lightweight and doesn’t dry my hair out, so it is what I use on the days I add gel for better hold!
Option 2: Wave Spray
If I don’t want the super defined look that gel gives, I will often use a wave spray! Some days, I use them together, but it’s not necessary for my hair.
My absolute favorite wave spray that could honestly do this whole routine by itself is the Ouai Wave Spray.
This spray is a splurge, but listen to me and every other wavy girl on TikTok that says it is phenomenal. It is my special occasion spray and was the one wave product I took on my Italy trip.
Now, my daily wave spray is the Eva NYC Salt-Free Wave Spray.
For one, it smells great with a light lavender scent. But, I really feel that it reduces my frizz and defines my waves. It’s great for a day two or three refresh, as well!
I will say, the texture is a little thick for the nozzle, but I usually spray it on my hands first and apply it like a mousse or gel for better dispersion.
Refresh Days
Sometimes, I sleep well on my silk pillow case and don’t mess up my waves.
But if I do, I typically only need to go back in with water with a continuous mister. Water reactivates the product in your hair, and you can scrunch some definition back into your waves!
Sending love to the Wavy Girls!
I hope you can take my story as reassurance that your hair does not have to be frizzy forever! Our waves are so beautiful, and all it takes is the right amount of moisture, technique, and a little product to have your dream hair. It takes time, and it’s okay if a product that works for me doesn’t work for you.
The most important part is that we give our hair love and are treating it with care, like we do ourselves!
Take learning your hair’s favorite routine and products as an opportunity for self care, and a chance to love yourself in all stages, frizzy hair or not.
Morgan
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morgan (undone) 