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How to Style Wavy Hair: Tips and Techniques
Learn how to style wavy hair with expert tips for men and women. Discover techniques for short, naturally wavy, and all wave types with product picks.
Updated on May 19, 2026 | 4 min read
Jaclyn LaBadia, Davines Writer
Key Takeaways
What to Know About Wavy Hair
- Wavy hair (types 2A, 2B, 2C) each requires different styling techniques and products for the best results.
- Hydrating shampoos, leave-in conditioners, and curl-defining creams are essential for frizz-free, defined waves.
- Air-drying with the right products is often better for wavy hair than heat styling.
- Men and women can both achieve great wavy hair results with the right routine and product choices.
- Short wavy hair needs lightweight products and specific techniques to avoid weighing waves down.
In This Article
Wavy Hair 101
Understanding Your Wavy Hair Type
How to Style Naturally Wavy Hair: A Step-by-Step Routine
How to Style Short Wavy Hair
How to Style Wavy Hair for Men
Common Wavy Hair Mistakes to Avoid
Product Section
FAQs
Wavy Hair 101
While it might seem effortless, wavy hair has its challenges. Things like frizz, definition, and day-to-day texture inconsistency can complicate styling. So just like with curls, waves need a specific routine to look their best. Ahead, we’ll tell you how to style wavy hair, including the best products and wavy hair styling tips.
Understanding Your Wavy Hair Type
Wavy hair sits between straight and curly. It’s known as type 2 hair, and it's split into three different subtypes: 2A, 2B, and 2C. Each type has its own characteristics and behaves differently. Understanding your wave pattern is the first step to great styling. Let’s take a look.
2A hair
2A hair is the loosest wave pattern. It has a subtle, barely-there texture that straightens easily, and tends to lack volume at the roots. If this is you, avoid using heavy stylers that can weigh down your waves. Instead, choose a lightweight curl moisturizing mousse, like This is a Curl Moisturizing Mousse.
2B hair
2B hair starts flatter at the crown, with defined S-waves beginning mid-length. This type is thicker than 2A and requires a little more effort to straighten. The best products to style 2B hair are a curl defining cream or curl building serum, like This is a Curl Building Serum, to enhance natural waves without weight.
2C hair
2C waves are deep and defined S-bends that begin at the root and almost resemble corkscrews. This type is the most susceptible to frizz, so opt for a co-wash to avoid stripping essential moisture. Layering a leave-in conditioner, like LOVE CURL Milk, under a curl defining cream, like LOVE CURL Cream, helps lock in your wave pattern while adding hydration.
How to Style Naturally Wavy Hair: A Step-by-Step Routine
Once you’ve determined your wave type and product recommendations, it’s time to lock in your routine. It may take a bit of trial and error to nail your styling, but the steps are the same. This is how to style naturally wavy hair.
Step 1: Wash With a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Wavy hair requires more moisture than straight, because of its uneven cuticle structure, which makes it more prone to frizz and dryness. Choose a hydrating sulfate-free curl shampoo and curl conditioner, like the ones the the LOVE CURL line to gently cleanse. Sulfates are incredibly drying, and this duo works to restore moisture, keeping your natural waves soft, defined and healthy. And use lukewarm water - washing your hair with hot water is harmful to your waves.
Step 2: Apply Your Styling Products
Apply your styling products while your strands are still damp and primed to absorb and lock in moisture. Distribute your product (or products if you’re layering) evenly through your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Then scrunch the product into your hair with your hands from the bottom up.
Step 3: Air-Dry or Diffuse
The way your waves dry makes a big difference in your frizz factor. Plopping is a great technique to help your waves dry with more definition and less frizz. After applying your styling products, gently scrunch your hair with a t-shirt or microfiber towel and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before air drying or diffusing. Air dry by lifting at the roots and smoothing flyaways, before twisting sections and tucking the front pieces behind your ears. Or use a diffuser hair dryer attachment. Hover the diffuser around your head, gently shifting sections to dry the roots from different angles.
Step 4: Finish and Seal
Once your waves are dry and a crunchy film has formed over them -otherwise known as a cast- it’s time to break it. Use your hands or a microfiber towel to gently scrunch your hair, breaking up any hair that clumped together while drying. Depending on how dry your hair is, add moisture and smooth flyaways with a smoothing hair oil like OI.
How to Style Short Wavy Hair
Styling shorter strands with waves might seem more daunting, but it’s really just as straightforward. Wondering how to style short wavy hair? Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturising conditioner, and follow with a lightweight curl product, like mousse. Avoid layering products on short hair so it doesn’t fall flat. After applying your styler, scrunch gently to encourage your natural wave pattern. Tilt your head side to side as it air-dries, to avoid a flat crown.
How to Style Wavy Hair for Men
Wavy hair isn’t just for the girls, wavy boys we see you too! When it comes to how to style wavy hair for men, it’s pretty much the same routine. Start by washing and conditioning with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Then apply a lightweight curl product and run your fingers through your hair to encourage its natural wave as it dries naturally. For a sleek look, comb hair oil through with an optional side part.
Common Wavy Hair Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding some common mistakes with your waves will help you embrace their natural pattern and maintain healthy hair. These are the dont’s when it comes to styling your wavy hair.
- Don’t wash your hair with hot water.
- Don’t over-wash your hair. Two to three times a week is enough for wavy hair.
- Don’t skip the conditioner after shampoo.
- Don’t use shampoos or other products with sulfates.
- Don’t let your hair dry before applying styling products.
- Don’t use too much or too little product.
- Don’t layer too many products.
- Don’t distribute styling products unevenly.
- Don’t forget to break the cast on your waves.
- Don’t use the wrong tools.
- Don’t brush your waves dry and break up the wave pattern.
- Don’t use a traditional towel instead of a microfiber one.
The Best Products to Style Wavy Hair
Knowing how to style wavy hair is essential. And whether you have type 2A, 2B or 2C waves, your product choices make all the difference. The best formulas for wavy hair offer moisture, strength, and frizz control and include natural oils, proteins, shea butter, and humectants, while being free of sulfates and heavy silicones. Enter Davines LOVE CURL, a complete line of wavy and curly hair products made from naturally derived ingredients, that hydrates, defines, and protects your natural wave pattern, while reducing frizz, enhancing elasticity, and giving your waves shape and bounce. Featuring shampoo, co-wash, conditioner, curl leave-in treatment and curl cream, LOVE CURL combines high-performance haircare with a deep commitment to sustainability, ethics, and design.
FAQs
How do I make my wavy hair look good?
Wavy hair needs a specific routine to look its best, and that starts with identifying your wave pattern. Then choose sulfate-free products that offer moisture, strength, and frizz control, and follow a wash, apply, dry and seal routine when styling, making tweaks accordingly for your wave type.
Should wavy hair be layered?
Yes! Layering wavy hair makes it easier to style and maintain, by removing excess bulk, avoiding blunt heaviness, and distributing weight strategically to reduce frizz and support body and movement.
How do you style wavy hair for men?
Style men’s wavy hair by washing and conditioning with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Then apply a lightweight curl product, running your fingers through to encourage a natural wave as it dries naturally. Comb hair oil through with an optional side part, for a sleek look.
What is the best way to style short wavy hair?
Style short wavy hair by washing with a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturising conditioner, and following with a lightweight curl product, like mousse. Then scrunch gently to encourage the natural wave pattern. Finish by tilting your head side to side as it air-dries, to avoid a flat crown.
How do I enhance my natural waves without heat?
Plopping is a great technique to enhance your natural waves without heat, while reducing frizz. After applying your styling products, gently scrunch your hair with a t-shirt or microfiber towel and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before air drying or diffusing.
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