Have you ever thought that your hair, which looks straight when it’s wet, might be wavy when it dries? A lot of people only notice this after trying the curly girl method. They might think their hair is just playing a game of hide and seek with how it looks.
What seems like a disguise could be a hidden truth they haven’t discovered yet. This isn’t just wishful thinking or because of clever advertising; it’s a real thing that makes us rethink what we know about hair types.
I’ve learned a lot about hair from working in the beauty world, and I know the signs that show hair might be wavy. Your hair might have a secret: it could be wavy, but you haven’t realized it yet.
If you’ve ever questioned about your hair, you might already be part of the wavy hair gang without knowing it. Let’s find out more about what your hair is really like.
Wavy Hair Appearance
Wavy hair tends to showcase a loose, relaxed S-shape wave that varies depending on your hair’s thickness and how you style it. From barely noticeable to full-on mermaid beach waves, the range of appearance can be quite diverse.
If your hair often looks tousled or frizzy, and sometimes forms cute ‘S’ or ‘C’ shapes, you’re likely dealing with Type 2A hair. This type is characterized by fine hair with a barely-there wave that can occasionally give your hair a lively dance party feel. Wavy hair isn’t flat; it’s full of life, adding depth and a wow factor to your look.
Signs Your Hair Is Wavy
If you’ve ever wondered if your treasure might not be straight but wavy or curly, look for these signs. Following a curly hair routine could really benefit your hair. It’s not an exact science, but certain clues can help you spot natural waves. Observing how your hair behaves can reveal its true texture.
Hair Looks Wavy or Curly When Wet, But Straight When Dry
When your hair is wet, it often reveals its natural pattern. If you spot kinks or curls, it’s a sign that you might not have completely straight hair. Avoid brushing your hair right after a shower; this can make your natural waves or curls drop.
Instead, try combing your hair in the shower when it’s soaking wet, and then scrunch it into wet curl clumps. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. This method can help you discover if there are any hidden waves or curls. You may be surprised by how wavy or curly your hair is when you don’t brush it while drying.
Your Hair feels Dry, Frizzy, or Full of Flyaways
If your hair is often frizzy or feels like a mess, this could be a sign that it’s not just straight but actually wavy or curly. Frizz is more common in wavy and curly hair, especially under humid conditions. Instead of just tying your hair back in an attempt to keep it neat, try adding some moisture with a high-quality conditioner.
This helps to hydrate your hair and can turn those frizzles into soft, defined waves. Starting a curly hair routine might make a big difference in managing your hair.
Your Hair Get Bigger When You Brush It
If your hair gets bigger and poofier after brushing, especially when it’s dry, this is a common sign of waves or curly texture. When natural waves are brushed out, they often lose their sleek, smooth form and become messy.
This can make your hair look puffy at the ends and give it more volume and frizz. It’s easy for your true hair texture to stay hidden or camouflaged under all that poofiness. If you find your hair flicks out naturally, waves are likely trying to form.
Your Hair is Unmanageable
If you’ve tried loads of different conditioning treatments and still find your hair impossible to tame, it might not just be unruly—it could be wavy. Often, hairbrushes or combs break while trying to brush through hair that takes ages to detangle, sometimes even snapping the strands.
This doesn’t always mean your hair is extremely damaged; instead, its natural texture could be more complex and wavy than you realized.
Heat Doesn’t Make Your Hair Totally Straight
Have you noticed that even with blow drying or straightening, some sections of your hair refuse to straighten? Those stubborn kinks might disappear for a little while, but if there’s any moisture in the air, or you step in the rain, they reappear and all your efforts at straightening seem undone.
This could mean your hair has a wavy or curly texture that needs a different styling routine. Wavy hair often doesn’t stay straight for long, especially in humid conditions.
Your Hair Craves for Moisture
If your hair feels dry and unmanageable, it’s a sign that it craves moisture. Curly and wavy hair types are naturally drier than straight hair, making moisture essential. Only Curls products are designed specifically for this, being both moisturizing and nourishing. They help without being heavy or sticky, perfect for keeping your waves or curls embraced and healthy.
Tests to Identify that You’ve Got Wavy Hair
There are two methods to identify the texture of your strands one test is speedy while the other takes some time
1-Hour Test
To discover if you have wavy hair, try this simple one-hour test.
- First, wash and condition your hair as usual in the shower.
- After rinsing out the conditioner, gently scrunch your hair from the ends upwards towards the root to activate your natural waves—be careful not to rub too briskly to avoid causing tangles.
- Next, use a microfibre towel to blot-dry your hair,
- then apply a styling gel to the still-damp lengths.
- Let your hair dry naturally without touching it or using a brush while it’s drying.
- If your hair dries wavy, congratulations! You likely have wavy hair. This method gives quick results, but remember, it may hit or miss; have time to rewash and style your hair if the finished look isn’t what you’re after.
2-Hour Test
- Start by washing your scalp with a detoxifying or clarifying shampoo to remove any sebum and product build-up. This helps ensure that nothing interferes with your natural hair texture.
- Then, gently smooth the conditioner through your lengths, being careful to avoid the roots. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to spread the conditioner evenly.
- After that, rinse the conditioner completely, and gently squeeze the excess water from your hair using a clean microfibre towel or a cotton t-shirt.
- Next, without disturbing your hair or rubbing it roughly, lift it into the towel or shirt by leaning forward and letting your hair drop into it. This allows your hair to pile up in its natural pattern.
- If you have thick hair, keep it wrapped for about 20 minutes to let the fabric absorb most of the moisture; thinner hair may need only about 10 minutes.
- After your hair is about 80% dry, remove the fabric by leaning upside down and unwrapping your hair. Gently stand up, turn your head upright, and let your hair fall into place.
- If you notice that it dries wavy or appears curly, it’s a strong indication you have wavy hair.
Best Products to Use for Wavy Hair
To look after wavy hair in the best way, it’s crucial to use the right products that care for your natural waves and make the most of them. Avoid excess straightening and heat styling as these can lead to broken and damaged hair which becomes harder to manage.
Start by using Curls shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse, distance, and define your curls. If your hair is feeling dry or distressed, the Curls Deep Conditioner can help restore your hair and add a boost of moisture. Additionally, Scrunch our Curl Reviver Mousse through damp hair to ‘wake up’ and define your curls effectively.
FAQs
Do I Have Naturally Straight or Wavy Hair?
If your hair dries straight without a bend or curl, it is likely type 1, commonly referred to as straight hair. However, if it dries with a slight curve or an S shape, then it falls into type 2, which means you have wavy hair. For those whose hair dries with a defined curl or loop pattern, you fall into one of the more distinct curl types.
Is Wavy Hair Actually Curly?
The defining difference between the two hair types is how they form their shapes. Curly hair makes a full 360-degree spiral, forming a complete circle as it twists. In contrast, wavy hair tends to make more of an S shape, gently going from side to side rather than creating tight spirals.
Is My Hair Wavy or Am I Forcing It?
If your hair naturally flicks at the end or appears puffy, it’s a common sign of waves trying to form. Often, natural waves can be hidden or camouflaged under poofiness, especially if you tend to brush them out instead of defining them. If it seems easy for your hair to flick out, you likely have wavy hair, not just a temporary style.
Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.