The soft, tousled, and feminine waves are now the cool-girl staple for 2019, read on for the how to create the prettiest, tumbliest set of waves using every possible heat tool and hair hack known to the internet.
Flat-iron waves: Using a flat iron to create beach-y waves requires a swift flick of the wrist—and a bit of patience. To start, spritz dry hair with a heat-protectant spray to avoid burning your hair while you get the hang of the technique, then practice first without the flat iron plugged in.
Just separate a section of hair, wrap it once around the outside of an open flat iron before tucking the ends in between the plates, clamp, then slide the iron down the length of the section. Voilà! Easy waves without the stress of twisting your hair into a pretzel.
Dutch-braid waves: If you can make a braid, you can create these heat-free waves. On dry hair, create a three-strand Dutch braid (which is just like a regular French braid, except you cross the pieces under, rather than over, to get that 3D, popped-out effect). Braid straight down the center of your head to the ends, securing with an elastic band. Next, gently tug at the edges of your braid to fatten it up and loosen it. Sleep tight, then simply shake out the braid in the morning.
Hair-clip waves: On damp hair, roll two-inch sections of hair around your fingers, like you’re winding tiny hair rollers, before securing at the root with a few bobby pins.
The size of your loops is totally up to you, but the smaller they are, the tighter your curl will be. This process can take up to one hour, but results can last for several days. The next morning, start by taking out a few curls at a time, then fully brushing them out.
Donut waves: On dry hair, tie off your hair into a high ponytail using an Invisibobble (to avoid creases), then smooth a hydrating serum through the tail.
Next, grab a hair donut and place it over the base of your ponytail, before wrapping your hair around it, weaving strips over and under the donut. Secure your hair with two non-slip hair clamps, then hit the sheets. The next morning, unclamp, unravel, and shake what your mama (and this tutorial) gave you. Use your fingers to style.
Headband waves: Mist your dry hair with a salt spray (for added hold) and then brush it out to avoid tangles. Next, place a thick, cloth headband on the crown of your head, like a hat, and wrap one-inch sections of hair around the headband, picking up extra hair as you work (almost like a French braid).
Repeat this process on both sides of your head, using bobby pins to secure loose strands. Re-dampen your hair with another layer of salt spray and go to sleep (or let your hair set for a minimum of one hour). To finish, remove the pins and gently take down your hair one section at a time. Rake through your waves with your fingertips, then apply a light-hold hairspray if desired.
