Straight hair is sleek and stylish but sometimes you want to add a bit of a curve. Whether you have a blunt bob or a stacked teased pixie crop, adding waves can help your hair look fuller and more luscious.
Using curling cream, which is a secret weapon for those with naturally curly hair, can easily transform your stick-straight locks into gorgeous bouncy wavy tresses.
1. Use a Curling Iron
If you’re one of the many people with pin-straight locks who yearns for luscious curls, don’t worry—your trusty flat iron can help you achieve your dreams! In fact, the jack of all curl-creating trades is surprisingly good at creating a wide variety of styles. Get a perm, use a diffuser, air dry it, and even wash it less often.
Begin with clean, towel dried hair that’s been misted with a heat protectant. Then, divide your tresses into two-inch sections, or smaller if you have shorter locks. For full curls, you’ll want to take larger sections (which may require pinning the remaining pieces back).
Unlike when you use a regular curling wand or jumbo rollers, you’ll need to clamp down and move your flat iron quickly. “This technique requires a lot of speed, so be prepared to work quickly,” says Marjan. “It also helps to use a small, lightweight iron with a shorter barrel, which allows you to create more loose, beachy waves.”
The key to this style is the alternating “C” shapes that you’ll make along your strands. To do this, grab a section of hair and, with the iron held horizontally, pinch the middle and push up toward your roots to form a “C” shape. Then, continue to make alternating “C” shapes all the way down the strand, pinning each one in place with a bobby pin. When you reach the end of the strand, gently unwind it and let the curl fall away. Repeat the process on all of the pinned sections.
A spritz of volumizing spray at the roots and flexible hairspray all over are the finishing touches you’ll need to keep your full curls looking pristine all day long. For a more defined look, you can always run your fingers through the curls and re-twist them to give them a little extra bounce.
Another way to get beautiful beachy waves is to use a fishtail braid technique overnight. Then, when you wake up, remove the braid and gently comb out your waves with a wide-tooth comb. This will give your strands more texture and a more relaxed feel.
2. Apply a Curl Cream
A curl cream is a styling product that helps create a soft, defined texture for your curls. It also helps keep your curls moisturized and frizz-free. Whether you have tight 4C coils or loose 3A waves, a curl cream can make it easier for your scalp’s natural oils to reach the ends of each strand. It’s important to apply a good-quality hair serum in addition to using a curl cream to help protect your strands from the heat of your styling tools.
A good-quality curl cream will contain nourishing ingredients like glycerine and aloe vera, which will give your hair a healthy glow while providing flexibility and hold for your curls. It will also include smoothing oils like jojoba oil, which will reduce frizz. In addition, a curl cream with a light fragrance will help to make your hair smell good too!
To use a curl cream, start by washing your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Next, apply the curl cream to your wet hair from mid-shaft down to the ends of your strands. Use your fingers to rake and smooth the curl cream into your strands, being careful not to overdo it. After that, let your hair air dry or diffuse. You can style your curls with a hair sprayed with a texturizing spray to add more definition or a volumizing mousse for extra lift.
If you want to add more volume to your curls, you can separate them into a few sections and twist them into ringlets. This will give them a more structured look and will also allow you to pin up any unwanted stray hairs. To finish off your look, add a few spritzes of your favorite hairspray to give it some extra hold and a spritz of your signature perfume to smell amazing!
A curl cream can be a lifesaver for those with straight hair who are craving the beauty of luscious curls. It can help to elongate your strands, add a bit of bounce, and even create some waves for a more relaxed look. However, it is important to note that a curl cream will not completely transform your straight hair into curly locks, especially if you have very long or thick hair.
3. Blow-Dry
When it comes to styling your strands, blow drying straight hair is a great way to achieve a sleek, straight look. However, blowing out your hair can lead to dryness and frizz if you don’t follow the right tips. Luckily, with a little prep and the right hair products, you can get salon-quality blow dries at home.
The first thing you’ll need to do is wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your strands hydrated and frizz-free. While your hair is still damp, you can apply a leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum for added protection and shine.
Before blow-drying your hair, spritz it with a heat protectant spray to ensure you don’t cause any damage to your strands. After that, let your locks air dry or use a diffuser to encourage a natural wave. You can also try using a curling iron to add some more texture and volume to your strands.
When you’re ready to start blow-drying, section your hair into three or more parts and secure them with clips for easier access to each part of your hair. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends. When you’re done, make sure to comb through your hair and remove any clippings that are stuck in your strands.
For a super straight look, you can work with a blow dryer that has a narrow airflow nozzle. Use the low heat setting and blow dry your hair in small sections, focusing on areas that tend to frizz. You can also choose to use a paddle brush for a sleeker blowout or one with boar bristles, which will promote smooth strands and high shine.
If you’re going for a more voluminous, curly style, you can section your hair into four to six sections and two-strand twist each of them. Then, take a blow dryer with the medium heat setting and slowly work your way through each of your strands while angling the nozzle down towards your scalp. Once you’ve dried all of your strands, run a brush through them and apply a bit of pliable styling gel to the bottom of your hair for hold and control.
4. Style
A good hairspray is a must for anyone who wants to keep their waves looking luscious all day. Just be careful not to use a product that’s too heavy or formulated for straight hair, as this can weigh your waves down and make them look limp and undefined. Instead, opt for a lightweight, beachy hairspray like ARKIVE’s Prologue, which will help your waves look healthy and bouncy without feeling sticky or crunchy.
You can also add a finishing touch to your waves by scrunching them with your hands after they’re dry. This will give them a more natural, lived-in look and help your curls hold their shape longer. To keep your look smelling fresh, you can finish off with a spritz of hair perfume. Just be sure to avoid spraying it too close to your head, as this could irritate your scalp.
For a softer, more feminine take on waves, try the looser strands style that Sofia Vergara rocks. The casual, tumbling strands of her luscious hair are softened by the fiery red hue of her locks and balanced by well-placed highlights. To achieve a similar look, follow Richman’s steps from look #9, then twirl your hair into a loose bun and let it air dry.
If you’ve got a full head of natural waves, you can rock this edgy style with a sleek center part and a swipe of gloss on the lips. Just be sure to skip the bobby pins on one side of your hair for an asymmetrical look that’s perfect for date night. For a sexy twist on wavy tresses, accentuate your waves with a dollop of mousse or texturizing cream. Just be sure to spritz on a bit of sea salt spray first for extra body.
