The best tools and products for achieving waves in your hair (and making them last)

None of these products were sent to me.

Before I start, I'll make it clear that I'm not a hairdresser, or even a hair expert - I'm a total amateur, but over the last 12-18 months, I have found myself wearing my hair in waves more often than straight. I think since getting it balayaged, it shows the blend of colours better when it's waved (although I do love smooth, sleek hair too). It has taken me some time to be able to achieve waves that I am happy with, so I thought that I'd share what I use with you, in case any other total novices want to try to create some waves in their hair over the festive period. Remember - I'm no expert........

I have already shared the shampoos, conditioners and treatments that I use here, here and here. I think that having my hair in good condition is important and a good starting point, before I add waves. My hair is naturally dry, frizzy and has a kink in it. I have fine hair, but a lot of it, so it's hard work to get it fully dry, before adding waves, but this is very important, because if it isn't completely dry, no style will hold and the frizz will creep back in!

I begin by using Color Wow Dream Coat, which doesn't weigh the hair down, but eliminates all frizz. I use this before blowdrying my hair (I use the Dyson Supersonic, which is totally worth the hype - post here) and I must mention that it's very important that you completely rinse your conditioner or mask out of your hair, or else your hair will be heavy.  I blast dry my hair, and then dry it section by section, to make sure it's smooth. I will sometimes use a small amount of oil before drying, if my hair needs cutting, and I need some extra help in taming the frizz.

Hair waved with GHD Straightener (remember, I said that I'm not great at doing the back of my hair!)

Depending on the size of waves that I want, I will either use my GHD Platinum Styler or my Steampod 3.0, which has wider plates. I find that I reach for these more often than my GHD Wave Wand, for some strange reason, as that should be easier to achieve the waves with. I find that when I use a straightener, I can smooth my hair before waving it, and it looks neater, but maybe if I practice with the Wave Wand more, I'll get better. 

Hair done with Steampod, for wider waves.

If I want very casual waves, I'll use the Steampod, as the waves will be wider, and look more beachy. If I use my GHD, the waves are a little tighter, as the plates are narrower, but either way, they will drop after a while. I personally don't have any layers in my hair, so without using some product, the waves will only last 1-2 days, however with the right products, I will get 3-4 days from them.

It's important to have patience, and to take the hair section by section, starting with the bottom layer, and then taking maybe one inch pieces of hair (if using the GHD, more can be used with the wider plates), running the straightener down around a third of the piece of hair, then flicking it over and keeping the hair taught, without pulling it. When you let go, you will have a wave, which you can twirl around with your finger, and repeat. I put a fine layer of hair spray on each layer, before moving on to the next. At first, it seems like it will take forever, but it does get easier, the more frequently you do it. I personally always curl my hair away from my face, but I know that some people like to do it in both directions, so that it doesn't look too uniform.

I personally struggle with the back of my hair - I feel that I'm not very co-ordinated and am afraid of burning myself and when I look in the mirror, it can be tricky as it looks unnatural, as it feels as though you're going in the wrong direction! A tip a girl in my local salon gave me was to tie my hair up in a high pony tail, and then just curl the lengths, as you aren't curling right to the root anyway. That can be a good starting place.

Once, I have finished doing all of my hair, I comb through with a wide tooth comb and then use Colour Wow Style On Steroids Performance Enhancing Texture Spray. I find that this holds the style and adds texture, without weighing it down too much. I can also add more of this on day 2/3 hair, if necessary. It also brushes out easily. I usually like to finish with a tiny amount of oil or shine spray, but not too much, or it will break the waves down.

Like I said, I'm no expert, this is just how I do things, and I like that it adds more volume, compared to when I have my hair completely straight and sleek. I think that one of the new cordless straighteners would make the job even easier, but I'm reluctant to spend more money on one at the moment!

Do you add waves to your hair? Have you any tips that you think might help me (or others in the comments below!)? I'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.