How to Get Waves for Beginners

Waves is the only men’s hairstyle I know, that you cannot walk to a barber you want waves. The only help you can get from a barber is getting the initial haircut and tips on how to do it. To get the waves, you have to do it yourself at home, and that’s the beauty of it. 

In this article, I will take you through how to get waves. 

How to Get Waves for Beginners

1. Get a Haircut

The first thing to do when starting the wave’s journey is to get a haircut. The haircut will depend on the type of waves you want. Do you want 180, 360, 540, or 720 waves? The most popular wave is the 360 waves that cover the entire head. 

After deciding on what waves style you want, then choose a suitable style. Some of the most popular waves styles include fade + waves and taper + waves. 

If you are unsure of the right style or hair length for waves, ask your barber. Typically, you need one and a half inch long hair. 

2. Get The Right Supplies

When starting the journey, there are several wave supplies that will help you in making and maintaining the waves. They include:

• 2-3 wave brushes (soft bristles, medium-hard bristles, and hard bristles brush)
• Wave shampoo and conditioner
• Durag or stocking cap
• Wave Pomade
• Wave cream

The different brushes are for different waves stages. 

3. Brush Your Hair

This is the do-or-die step. It’s where magic or mess happens. 

Waves is all about training the hair to form waves by brushing. Before starting the process, make sure your scalp is healthy. If after the haircut you realize you have dandruff or the scalp is itchy, remedy these issues using the right products. 

Start by thoroughly washing the hair using waves shampoo and start brushing. In addition to applying a wave cream, apply a wave pomade but do it in moderation – too much of it can lead to an itchy and greasy scalp. 

When it comes to brushing, use the soft bristle brush for low-cut hair and a medium or hard bristle brush as the hair grows. Brush your hair often, at least 100 times throughout the day, and apply pressure when brushing. Remember to brush the waves in the direction of your natural wave pattern.

After every brushing session, apply petroleum jelly to your hair to help lay it down. After brushing wear a durag to help define the waves further.

3. Moisture Your Waves

Brushing can tamper with your hair follicles, so keep your hair moisturized. This will also help to maintain the new pattern. Applying pomade will also help to hold and maintain the waves. 

4. Keep The Waves Clean

Washing your waves properly is vital. It is best to wash and condition them after 2-3 days. To clean your waves, dampen your hair, apply a wave-specific shampoo and start brushing the hair in the direction of your waves. 

Rinse the hair with warm water, then towel dry it, pressing it in the direction of the waves. You can either tie the durag to hold your curls as they dry or continually brush the hair until it’s dry.

5. Keep The Durag On

Having a good wave cap or durag is essential in the development of waves. You don’t want to lose the waves by exposing them. Choose a comfortable wave cap or durag with the proper compression and consistency. It should also be easy to adjust and long-lasting. The best durags are made of silk, but you can get a velvet one if the silk one is a bit expensive.

Wrapping Up

Waves is a favorite hairstyle for many black men. Achieving and maintaining them is challenging, but you can do it with the proper routine, tools, and hair products. BRUSH your hair, keep it moisturized and invest in a good durag, and in time, you will be showing them off.