Do you have wavy hair and never quite know how to manage it? Too straight to be curly, too frizzy to look tidy? Welcome to the wavy hair club! In this article, you’ll find tips and useful information to enhance your natural waves without fighting them every morning.
And no, you don’t need 15 products. Just the right ones. Promise.
Many people think they have wavy hair without realising that there are fundamental differences between a light wave and a structure closer to curls. Knowing your hair type helps you choose the right products, simplify your routine, and achieve increasingly defined natural waves.
Do you really have straight hair? 3 signs you might have wavy hair
You might have wavy hair without even knowing it. Here’s how to tell:
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Frizz is out of control
Excessive frizz isn’t typical of straight hair. It’s often a sign that you have dehydrated wavy hair. A good moisturising mask, such as the Frizz Dominator Mask by Esla Italy, can reveal the soft, natural waves hidden beneath the frizz. -
Puffy hair or ends that flip outwards
If your hair tends to puff up or the ends curve outwards, it’s probably trying to form waves. This is typical behaviour of undefined wavy hair. -
Your hair is unmanageable
Struggling to detangle, constant knots, broken combs? It’s not your fault, you might have wavy hair that isn’t being cared for properly. The solution is to adopt a routine suited to your hair texture.
Types of wavy hair: how to recognise your wave type
Wavy hair isn’t all the same! To recognise your wave type, you can rely on a widely used classification that divides wavy hair into three main categories:
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Type 2A: the waves are wide, loose and barely noticeable. The hair is fine and tends to lose volume easily, flattening at the roots.
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Type 2B: here, the waves start to define themselves better, forming a more pronounced “S” shape. The hair has more body but is also more prone to frizz.
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Type 2C: this is closer to the world of curls. The waves are thicker, more defined and voluminous, often rebellious and hard to tame!
Esla Italy’s advice: observe your hair when it’s wet and natural, without a hairdryer or brush. The curves that form indicate the true structure!
Wavy hair: mistakes to avoid in daily care
Managing wavy hair isn’t mission impossible, but it does require a bit of attention (and lots of love!). Often, behind dull waves, uncontrollable frizz, or zero definition, there are small wrong habits that can really make a difference.
Combing hair when dry
Yes, we know: the temptation to give your hair a quick brush is always there. But for wavy hair, it’s a real nightmare! Combing hair when dry breaks the natural wave shape. The result? Frizz, puffy hair and no direction. The golden rule? Comb only in the shower, with conditioner, and use a wide-tooth comb or…your fingers!
Changing your routine every week
It happens to everyone: you watch a TikTok video, discover a new miracle product, and change your entire routine. The problem? Wavy hair needs time to adjust to treatments. If you keep changing your haircare routine every three days, your hair will never have the chance to show real results. Choose a consistent routine and test it for at least two weeks before deciding if it works or not.
Using harsh or sulphate shampoos
Many traditional shampoos contain sulphates that do a lot of damage to hair. They strip away natural oils and dry out the scalp, leaving waves dry and dull. Wavy hair needs gentleness: choose a sulphate-free, moisturising shampoo, preferably specific for wavy or curly hair. A tip? Frizz Dominator is fabulous!
Ignoring night care
Do you sleep with your hair loose? Do you wake up every morning with flattened waves and frizz everywhere? Nighttime is a very delicate moment for wavy hair. Rubbing against the pillow, friction, humidity, all have an impact. The trick? Use a silk or satin pillowcase (much gentler on your hair) and try the pineapple method: a loose, high bun on top of your head that protects the wave’s shape. You’ll see the difference!
Drying with rough towels or direct heat
If you’re still rubbing your hair with a terry towel…you’re mistreating your waves. That innocent action creates friction, damages the cuticle and increases frizz. Better to use a cotton T-shirt or a microfiber cloth, gently blotting. And for drying? No hot blasts: better a diffuser on low heat or, if you can, natural air drying.
Haircare routine: how to do wavy hair?
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s look at an easy yet effective haircare routine to make your natural waves shine. You don’t need ten products or hours in front of the mirror. Just a few targeted steps, done consistently and with love.
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Shampoo: gentle, always
The first step is to cleanse the scalp without aggressiveness. Choose a sulphate-free shampoo with hydrating but lightweight ingredients. Gently massage the scalp (not the lengths!) and rinse thoroughly. The result? A clean base ready to receive the right treatment.
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Conditioner: light hydration
Conditioner is your ally for soft, tangle-free waves. Choose a hydrating but not heavy formula, with ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol, or light vegetable oils. Apply only to the lengths and leave on for a few minutes before gently detangling with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
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Leave-in: the secret step
After rinsing, don’t forget the leave-in conditioner. It’s the step that makes the difference: it seals in moisture, defines the waves, and reduces frizz. You can opt for a light cream or a spray, to be applied on damp, gently towel-blotted hair (never dripping wet).
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Styling: cream or mousse for dream waves
Now we’re getting to the heart of it! Depending on your type of wavy hair:
- If you have light waves (2A/2B), a mousse defines without weighing hair down.
- If you have thicker waves (2C), you can use a curl defining cream.
Distribute the product using the scrunching technique (that is, “crumpling” the hair from the ends upwards with your hands) and resist the temptation to touch your hair too much.
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Drying: low & slow
How you dry your hair can determine the success (or failure) of your routine. The best options are:
- Air drying: natural, zero stress.
- Diffuser on low heat: ideal if you want more volume and definition.
Avoid direct heat blasts and don’t keep running your hands through your hair while it dries: this is the quickest way to cause frizz.
How to refresh wavy hair in the days after
You’ve followed your routine perfectly, your waves look amazing… but the next day? They’re limp and flat? Don’t worry, it happens to all of us. Wavy hair needs a little help even on “day 2” (or 3!). Here’s how to do a quick refresh, no stress, no shampoo:
1. Water + leave-in (or a curl-refreshing spray)
The simplest method? Reactivate the wave pattern with a bit of water. You can use a spray bottle with just warm water or, even better, dilute a small amount of your favourite leave-in conditioner. Mist over the strands that have lost definition and gently scrunch with your hands.
2. Targeted touch-ups, not your whole head
No need to wet all your hair, just focus on the duller or frizzier areas. This lets you revive volume and shape in two minutes without starting from scratch.
3. A quick go with the diffuser (gently!)
Need extra volume? Use a diffuser on low heat and minimum speed to bring waves back to life. Just a touch of heat and hands off your hair while it dries.
4. Bonus tip: side part or half-up style
If your waves really aren’t playing along, try switching your part or going for a soft half-up hairstyle. Sometimes, a simple styling trick is all it takes to turn a “bad hair day” into an effortlessly chic look.
Wavy hair is your strength
Wavy hair isn’t a problem to tame, but a unique feature to enhance. With Esla Italy’s Wavy Hair products, a simple routine, and a bit of patience, your waves can become your best accessory.
Start taking care of your wavy hair today and let it speak for itself.
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