How to encourage natural waves? 🌊

[Hb12]

My hair has a slight natural wave which I'd like to encourage and get looking 'glossier'. Until recently I've either had short hair, or kept it straight as when not straightened it can end up looking unkept without defined waves.

Is there a knack I'm missing?

Do you brush it after washing? Mine tends to be wavier without a brush. X

Lazy way - Tie it in a bobble on top of your head when a bit damp, spray hair spray, wait a few hours, wavy hair.

After shampooing tip your head upside down and "squish" in your conditioner. Rinse (still upside down) and then "plop" your hair (still upside down!).

For waves mousse is good but I've just discovered water based gel which is a really light hold. Some people use KY Jelly but I use a random ultrasound gel which i got when I got a microcurrent skin device.

About to go put kids to bed but will be back tomorrow!

Search for curly girl method hair. it covers waves too.

I have a few suggestions after managing to get my curls back after years of abuse to my hair. Look into the curly girl method, Shea moisture do great products designed for waves and curls. The hair masks are super good if you want more moisture and gloss. My hair went from waves to ringlets using them, there products are amazing. Also don't brush your hair dry only wet. Be careful about what products you put on, some even if they claim to be good for curls are actually really drying or heavy and will make you natural curl/wave pattern go.
Also you could try con washing which is skipping the shampoo and just using conditioner ( it still cleans it) shampoo really dries out curly hair, destroys the pattern and makes it frizz. If you really wanna use shampoo you can condition then shampoo then condition again. That way it won't dry them out! Finally I would dry your hair using a t-shirt rather than a towel as towels make your hair frizz too. Realise that's tons of info there! I have a very curly haired child too so had to do lots of research to control her mane.

Ps realise I kept referring to curls but waves are actually a curl pattern..you can search on Google to identify your wave/curl pattern which can also help when choosing what products to use!

Ooo also remembered another tip I like to do. Refresh your hair in the mornings with cold water and scrunch. Or use a water spray bottle with some leave in conditioner and spray on on the mornings to redefine your waves. Good luck!

Curly girl is great but still shampoo your hair - avoid silicone and avoid sulphate, maybe. Shea moisture superfruit complex and maui moisture hibiscus are great conditioners for wavy hair - moisturising but not at all heavy, both with a little protein. Shea and coconut oil are probably too heavy. Gel and/or mousse for styling. Apply to soaking wet hair, adding more water if it seizes up.

Salt spray is worth a try for waves.