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How to enhance your natural waves

  • 1. Use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
  • 2. Post-wash care
  • 3. To blow-dry or not to blow-dry…
  • 4. Refreshing your natural waves
How to get all-day waves

If you’re blessed with natural waves, they might look great on wash day, but turn from fabulous to frizzy by day two. Or you have gorgeously wavy hair in some areas, but it’s pin-straight in others.

Whatever’s standing in the way of your dream hair, we’ve got the lowdown on enhancing your natural waves with the power of TRESemmé and your trusty styling tools. Just follow these steps to beachy waves that last.

1. Use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner

Wavy hair is notoriously prone to frizz and dryness. That’s why it’s important to ensure your hair is nourished and hydrated.

TRESemmé Effortless Waves Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to cleanse and moisturize naturally wavy hair. With Jojoba Oleo Essence™️ and Pro Style Tech™️, and no sulfates or parabens, this powerful combo is ideal for leaving your waves shiny and defined.

Stylist tip: Once you’ve washed your hair and are ready to get out of the shower, give your hair a blast of cold water for as long as you can stand it. Cold water closes your hair cuticles following a warm wash, so your hair dries smoother and shinier. As a bonus, a chilly blast is a great way to wake yourself up in the morning!

2. Post-wash care

Rather than rubbing your wavy hair with a bath towel after washing, pat it to release excess water – ideally with a microfiber towel. Then, use a wide-toothed comb, not a hairbrush, to get rid of any tangles or knots. This will prevent damaging your hair strands, which are particularly vulnerable when wet, to avoid frizz.

Use your fingers to shake out your freshly-combed hair, then scrunch upwards with your hands to unveil those waves. Spray TRESemmé One Step Wave Spray evenly through your mid-lengths to ends, then twirl small sections of hair between your fingers to enhance your natural waves.

Stylist tip: While you have conditioner in your hair, comb it through with a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles and knots and evenly distribute the conditioner through your mid-lengths and ends.

3. To blow-dry or not to blow-dry…

…that is the question. Air-drying is, of course, better for your hair as it avoids exposing it to damaging heat. If you wash your hair the night before and sleep with it in pigtails, you’ll wake up with ready-made waves. If your hair’s particularly thick, you may find it’s still wet in the morning, so you’ll have to reach for the blow-dryer anyhow.

Whether it’s a matter of being quick on a busy morning or having thick hair that simply doesn’t dry in a reasonable amount of time on its own, blow-drying is sometimes unavoidable. Just be sure to remember your heat defense spray before you switch on the heat to avoid damage. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Defense Spray is your perfect companion. Infused with marula oil and keratin, it’s designed for smooth, frizz-free hair that’s nourished and protected from heat styling.

For waves with plenty of volume and texture, add a diffuser attachment to your blow-dryer. Tilt your head either upside down or to the side and start drying from the ends. Holding the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to your head, keep scrunching your waves while you dry. Keep going until your hair’s about 75% dry and let the rest air-dry on its own.

If you find that your waves are a bit unruly once they’re dry, you can use a curling iron here and there to enhance your waves where they need it most.

4. Refreshing your natural waves

Freshly-styled natural waves may look great the first day, but can grow frizzy or limp by day two. Resist the urge to take a shower and start again; you can easily refresh your waves in just a couple of minutes.

All you need is your TRESemmé One Step Wave Spray, which works just as well to reignite your waves on dry hair as it did when your hair was wet. Just spritz and scrunch, and your natural waves will be magically enhanced once more.