In the summer of 2020, when many of us were inside with too much time on our hands, people were revisiting the game of beauty salons at home. During this period, some started documenting the phenomenon of realizing they had curly hair by way of the right styling steps.
While you can’t trick your hair into a completely different pattern without the use of heat styling tools, certain products can help refine your pattern and accent your curls. This is especially true among the cuspers on the wavy-curly 2c/3a pattern.
Image Source: @keilanihair
Wavy-curly hair is unique because you’ll find multiple curl patterns on a single head. While some curls may take the tight s-shape form, others will have a looser shape, like a spaghetti noodle you test for readiness. You can brush through curly-wavy hair on the first try without resistance.
The goal in styling this hair type may be to make your whole head uniform. Another is to encourage the hair to be more curly. While some key differences exist between wavy and curly hair, the curly-girl styling methods can greatly support 2C-3A wavy-curly hair types.
1. Get a suitable haircut for wavy-curly hair
Video Source: @curlyhairdaze
The correct haircut by a curl specialist will provide the structure your hair needs to attain more refined curls and uniformity across your head.
2. Condition with lightweight, curl-centric products
Image Source: @ohlalakeriting
Even coarse, wavy-curly hair will benefit from lightweight products such as the Pattern Lightweight Conditioner, which doubles as a co-wash. A light leave-in conditioner like Not Your Mother’s will keep your hair hydrated and protect it from heat styling without weighing it down.
3. Use a mousse
Image Source: @powerdomi
While most 3A+ curlies will opt for a gel to get a cast, wavy-curly hair doesn’t require much hold. A heavy gel will almost certainly weigh your hair down. Like Curlsmith’s Bouncy Strength Volumizing Foam, a volumizing mousse still offers hold. For a more affordable option, Aussie’s Headstrong Volume Mousse is also specifically formulated for fine or wavier hair.
4. Use your fingers or brush to make coils
Image Source: @curlywavypatty
Wrap a wet curl with your finger or brush to create ringlets. Depending on how much hair you wrap each time, you can make these smaller or larger. I find brushes like the Bounce Curl Defining Brush to be the most helpful, as you can brush through the ridges on the back of the paddle or use the handle to get the desired effect.
5. Create extra hold with a light gel
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As aforementioned, a hard cast will probably do worse than good, but for days, you may encounter curl-disrupting elements; a little gel-like Rizos Curls Light Hold Gel can protect from frizz without weighing down your hair. While on this step, be careful to coat your clumps rather than rake through them – doing so will break up the curls. Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control gel is a weather-specific option also designed to target frizz without using sulfates or parabens.
6. Diffuse with a heat protectant
Video Source: @kurlywavykaren
Diffusing can always help increase volume, but it can also cause heat damage. Wavy-curlies should especially proceed with caution and not diffuse too often or without a heat protectant. Spray your hair with the Mizani Style Shifter Society Heat Protectant Spray before diffusing. Try a flexible diffusing head, like the Shark FlexStyle Curl Defining Diffuser used in the video below.
Like all curly hair, wavy-curly hair can vary greatly in pattern from day to day. Have an adaptable attitude and make the goal to love your hair, curly or wavier, in its natural fluctuation.
