The Ultimate Wavy Haircare Guide For Every Length And Texture

Wavy hair can be a gift. Its natural movement, effortless body, and beautiful appearance make it one of the most versatile hair types. However, keeping your wavy hair in perfect condition, with added shine and lustre, doesn’t just happen on its own – it requires very specific care and styling to maintain its body and bounce and combat the dreaded frizz. 

From understanding your unique wave pattern to building a tailored haircare routine and mastering styling techniques, we’re here to help you achieve your best hair days every day.

WAVY HAIR: KEY TAKEAWAYS

Here are the essentials to keep your hair looking its best:

• Hydration is so important. Your wavy hair needs moisture to keep it healthy and supple.
• Use lightweight products for the perfect shine and definition without weighing waves down.
• Minimise heat styling. Use a heat protectant and choose tools with adjustable temperatures.
• Gently detangle hair when wet after a moisturising conditioning treatment and brush carefully when dry to avoid breakage.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to combat frizz all night long.
• Trim split ends regularly to keep hair looking fresh.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR WAVY HAIR TYPE

Not all waves are created equally. There are three main types of wavy hair – 2a, 2b, and 2c – and each of these is different from the others in terms of texture and haircare. 

• Type 2a waves: This is the most subtle type of wavy hair and often has minimal volume at the roots. Without the use of proper styling and products, this type of hair can easily lose shape.
• Type 2b waves: This wavy hair type has a little more volume at the roots and a firmer S-shaped wave than type 2a waves. It can also have a tousled appearance. Careful layering of the right products will enhance the appearance of type 2b waves.
• Type 2c waves: This is the wavy hair type that boasts the most natural volume. The shape of the wave is more defined and holds its curl more easily. However, we still recommend styling products to help define your natural waves.

Understanding your hair type helps you choose the best products and styling routines to enhance your waves. For more guidance, check out our Expert Guide to Hair Types.

How to identify your wavy hair type

To keep your waves looking wonderful, you need to know which type they are so that you can follow expert styling guidance and use the best products for your hair type. 

Follow these simple steps:

1. Choose a quiet time when you are not busy.
2. Wash your hair as usual (with shampoo and conditioner).
3. Do not apply any additional styling products.
4. Leave your hair to air-dry naturally.
5. When your hair is dry, look at a wavy hair chart.
6. Compare the waves on the chart to your hair and choose the one which is closest to your natural waves.

How to identify the texture of your wavy hair

Variations in the texture and thickness of your hair can also affect advice about the best way to care for it. The texture of your hair, or the thickness, simply means the width of each individual strand, so whether it’s fine or coarse. Do a simple finger and thumb test to check the texture of your hair: 

• Take a couple of strands of hair and run them through your finger and thumb. 
• If you can barely feel the hairs, it’s likely you have lightweight, fine hair.
• If the strands feel more noticeable between your fingers, and you can feel them rubbing together, your hair is more likely to be thick or coarse.

The density of your hair refers to the number of strands growing from each square inch of your scalp. Try this simple check to discover your hair’s density:

• Part your hair with a comb.
• If your scalp is clearly visible, you probably have low-density hair. 
• If your scalp is difficult to see through your hair, then this means a higher density hair type.

 Alternatively, if you have longer hair, the ponytail test is a simple way to assess the density of your hair:

• Secure your hair with a hair band. 
• With your thumb and forefinger, measure the circumference around the base of the ponytail. 
• If your finger and thumb close all the way round, it’s probably around a 1-2 inch circumference, suggesting low density hair. 
• If you can’t touch your thumb and forefinger together, it’s possibly 2-3 inches, which is mid-density.
• If your thumb and forefinger form more of a ‘C’ shape than a circle, and the circumference is 4 inches or more, then that means that your hair is high density.

HOW TO CARE FOR WAVY HAIR

Keeping your wavy hair looking luscious at all times is about maintaining a great routine and choosing products that suit your hair type and texture. Your waves are different to straight hair and need the perfect balance of hydration and protection to enhance their natural beauty, prevent frizz, and keep hair effortlessly healthy.

Choose nourishing shampoos and conditioners to lock in moisture:

Waves crave hydration to maintain a supple and defined look. Choosing a quality shampoo with natural ingredients allows you to cleanse your hair without stripping away the natural oils that help your hair lock in moisture. Always follow with a nourishing, moisturising conditioner such as Magical Remedy to keep your waves hydrated, gently scrunching it into your hair rather than rubbing it in to encourage wave formation and boost absorption.

For an extra boost, Magical Remedy is the ultimate 3-in-1 treatment that also works as a leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning mask. It hydrates, smooths and detangles wavy hair, combating frizz and enhancing your natural wave shape. 

Tailor your wash routine to your hair type

Understanding whether your wavy hair is dry or oily will allow you to create the perfect wash routine to keep your hair healthy and full of life. If you wash wavy hair too often, it can strip away precious moisture, while not washing often enough can create a build-up of products, weighing down your waves.

Oily hair has more natural oils and benefits from frequent washing (every 1-2 days) to get rid of excess oil. If roots get greasy quickly, try a lightweight conditioner and focus its application on the mid-length and ends.

Dry wavy hair thrives with less frequent washing (2-3 times a week) to retain natural oils. Use hydrating shampoos and CLOUD NINE’s Magical Remedy as a deep conditioning mask for extra nourishment. 

Sleep on silk

Create a nighttime haven for your wavy hair by switching to a silk pillowcase. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and causes friction, silk helps retain hydration and reduces frizz, breakage, and tangles overnight. This simple swap ensures you wake up with smoother, more defined waves.

HOW TO STYLE WAVY HAIR

Styling wavy hair doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these guidelines for a quick and easy, step-by-step wavy hair routine that will leave your natural waves looking gorgeous with minimal effort.

1. Gently squeeze out excess water – After washing, avoid vigorous rubbing with a towel, as this can cause frizz and disrupt your natural wave pattern. Instead, use a gentle plopping motion with a microfibre or soft cotton towel. The key instruction here is to be gentle.
2. Use a wet hairbrush on wet hair – Brushing wavy hair when dry can cause frizz and damage hair strands, breaking up the wave pattern. Instead, use the Wet Hairbrush on damp hair to detangle without snagging or breakage. 
3. Always use a heat protectant – Look after your waves when heat styling by applying Magical Quick Dry Potion before you style. Your drying time will be reduced by up to 50%, and the specially created formula protects your hair when using heat styling tools. This lightweight heat protectant also smooths frizz and enhances shine, leaving you with effortlessly smooth and sleek waves.
4. Use a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment – This is key to enhancing your natural waves while minimising frizz and heat damage. The Airshot Pro hair dryer’s diffuser attachment boosts your waves and defines curls through even distribution of airflow. For best results, read our expert guide to using a diffuser.
5. Use the perfect temperature for your hair type – Protect your hair from unnecessary heat damage by using the right heat setting for your hair when using heat-styling tools. Wavy hair can already be prone to moisture loss, making it susceptible to damage, and using a very high temperature can play havoc with the hydration of your hair. Discover your hair type’s perfect temperature by using the CLOUD NINE Temperature Calculator.
6. Brush gently – Too much brushing can create frizz, so use the Luxury Dressing Brush with soft nylon bristles to minimise friction and maximise shine. For thick, wavy hair, finger combing may work best to avoid separating the strands. If you have fine, wavy hair, a wide-tooth comb can help detangle it without disrupting the wave pattern.
7. Add a layer of shine with a nourishing conditioning treatment – For a glossy, frizz-free finish, smooth a pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy over styled hair. This lightweight formula enhances shine, seals split ends and helps maintain your waves throughout the day.

Discover 18 low-maintenance wavy hairstyles in our expert guide.

WAVY HAIR – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know what type of wavy hair I have?

There are three main types of wavy hair – 2a, 2b, and 2c. Each has unique characteristics. Identifying the type of wavy hair you have can help you choose the right products and styling techniques. The best way to determine your hair type is to wash your hair, let it air dry without product, and compare your waves to a wavy hair type chart. Check out our CLOUD NINE expert guide on hair types.  

What is the best everyday routine for wavy hair?

The key to a great wavy hair routine is keeping it simple and tailored to your hair’s specific needs. Start with hydration – use a shampoo packed with natural ingredients and a nourishing conditioner – followed by gentle detangling with the Wet Hairbrush while hair is still wet. Always use a heat protectant like Magical Quick Dry Potion before styling, and adjust your heat settings based on your hair type. Use the Temperature Calculator to find the perfect heat setting for your waves.

What is the best brush for wavy hair?

For wet hair, the Wet Hairbrush is the ideal choice to detangle without causing breakage. For dry styling, the Luxury Dressing Brush has soft nylon bristles that help smooth hair without adding frizz. If your waves are thick and prone to tangling, finger combing or using a wide-tooth comb can be a gentler option to maintain wave definition.

How can I reduce frizz in my wavy hair?

Frizz is one of the most common concerns for wavy hair, but it can be managed with the right products and techniques. Magical Remedy is perfect for boosting hydration and smoothing frizz. Use it as a conditioner or hair mask, or apply a pea-sized amount on dry, styled hair for a glossy finish. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase reduces friction and prevents frizz overnight.

Understanding how to tailor your hair care routine to your wave type and hair length will enhance your waves and boost your style confidence.

We’d love to see your wonderful waves. Tag @cloudninehair and share your tips for perfect wavy haircare on our socials: TikTok, Instagram or Facebook.