Growing up, I always wondered what had caused my hair to be so frizzy after brushing, so hard to work with, and overall, so completely dead. However, once I began to discover myself, I realized that I was not giving my hair the nourishment and products it needed. I believe that with the right products, you can easily transform your hair from being always frizzy, dry, and hard to work with, to unleashing your healthy natural wave or curl patterns.

This is my full wavy hair routine without any advertisements.

1. Spraying Hair With Water

Before I even start my routine, I always make sure my hair is wet. Since I have low porosity hair, I don’t completely soak it because too much water just sits on top and makes it harder for my products to absorb. Low porosity basically means the cuticles in your hair are packed tighter, so it takes longer to dry and can be harder for moisture to sink in. That’s why it’s important to know your own hair porosity; how wet your hair should be really depends on that, and it can make a big difference in how your routine turns out.

Image Credit: Ursula Castillo from Unsplash

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2. Applying Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioner is honestly one of the best ways to keep your hair moisturized. It locks in everything from the shower and makes a big difference in how your hair feels. I noticed that if I wanted my wave pattern to really hold, I couldn’t just use any leave-in; I needed one that was made for curls.

I usually switch between two depending on what my hair needs. If my hair feels really dry, I go for the EVA NYC because it gives me extra hydration. But when I want my waves to actually show and stay defined, the Camille Rose works way better. Over time, I’ve realized my hair doesn’t always need the same thing, so I just listen to it and use whatever works best that day.

3. Curl Mousse

Based on which curl mousse you use, it can really change the way your hair turns out after a wash. A good mousse doesn’t just sit on top of your hair, but it also activates your curls or waves and helps lock them into place. After I apply my leave-in, I go in with the Not Your Mother’s Curl Activating Hair Mousse and make sure to distribute it evenly.

I like to rake it through with my fingers and then scrunch so it really works into my hair. This step makes a big difference in how my waves dry because it gives them more shape and helps with frizz. Without mousse, my hair usually ends up flat or loses definition, but with it, my waves actually hold and look put together.

4. Styling Gel

In order for your curls to hold in place, you need a good gel that gives definition and long-lasting hold. The right gel makes a huge difference; it keeps everything in place while still letting your hair move naturally. I personally like using the Curl Talk spray holding gel because it’s lightweight, easy to apply, and doesn’t leave my hair feeling stiff or sticky.

After I’ve put in my mousse, I’ll go in with the gel to lock everything in so my waves don’t fall flat halfway through the day. It also helps with frizz, which is a big deal for me, especially on humid days.

Image Credit: Sam Lion from Pexels

5. Diffusing

I’ve noticed that diffusing really helps my waves dry in a defined pattern instead of just falling flat. It’s a total game-changer when I want my hair to look textured and put together. I usually start by flipping my hair upside down and scrunching while I diffuse, which helps encourage the wave pattern.

I also like to use a spray like the WOW Anti-Frizz Hair Protectant while diffusing. It keeps my hair smooth, adds a little shine, and helps my waves stay in place as they dry. Between diffusing and using a good spray, my hair comes out looking way more polished, with less frizz, natural movement, and a wave pattern that actually lasts throughout the day.

Find What Works for You

At the end of the day, I’ve learned that taking care of my hair isn’t about making it “perfect,” it’s about figuring out what actually works for me, is realistic and sticking to it. My routine might not look the same as someone else’s, but that’s kind of the point; everyone’s hair is different. For me, finding the right balance of products and steps has made my waves go from something I used to fight with to something I actually love having.

If there’s one thing I’d tell anyone trying to figure out their hair, it’s to be patient, experiment, and listen to what your hair needs. Once you do that, you’ll start to see the results you’ve been looking for.