What is a wavy blow-dry?
A wavy blow-dry is a trendy and elegant hairstyle that gives your hair an undulating look, while maintaining a soft texture. This hairstyle is ideal for all occasions, whether it is a formal event or a casual night out with friends. In this article, we've gathered tips from Velecta® Paris to show you how to achieve a wavy blow-dry in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare your hair
Start by washing your hair with a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. Towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Next, apply a styling product to protect your hair from the heat from the hairdryer. It will also make the blow-drying process easier.
Step 2: Separate your hair into sections
Separate your hair into several sections and use clips to keep them apart. Start with the underside of the hair and work outwards to the top layer. Make sure each section is separated and secured in place.
Step 3: Dry your hair
Use a professional hairdryer or an ionic hairdryer and a round brush to dry your hair. Place the brush at the roots of your hair and sweep it through to the ends. Gently pull your hair to create tension and natural movement. If you're used to doing your hair early in the morning, we recommend using a quiet hairdryer so you don't wake up the whole household!
Step 4: Use a curling iron
Once your hair is dry, use a curling iron to create soft waves. Separate a section of hair and wrap it around the curling iron, starting at the roots and working towards the ends. Hold the curling iron for a few seconds before releasing it.
Step 5: Add the finishing touches to your hairstyle
Once you have curled each section of hair, use your fingers to separate and loosen the curls. Use some texturising spray to add texture and volume to your hair. You can also use a little hair serum to give your hair a softer and shinier look.
Tips for achieving a wavy blow-dry
- Use a heat protectant: before using a hairdryer, make sure you have a heat protectant to avoid damaging your hair. The heat protectant also helps prepare your hair for styling.
- Use a round brush: this is essential for a wavy blow-dry. Make sure you use a good quality brush that suits the length of your hair.
- Use a diffuser with your hairdryer for a more natural look. This device helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents frizz.
- If you don’t have a curling iron, wrap each lock of hair around the brush as you blow-dry: wrap the hair around the brush and gently pull outwards. This will create waves and curls in your hair.
- Use a curling iron: to create curls that are more defined, use a curling iron. Wrap each lock of hair around the curling iron and hold it for a few seconds before releasing.
- Use a texturising spray: to add texture and volume to your hair, use a texturising spray. Apply it to your dried hair and use your fingers to work it into your hair to achieve the desired look.
How to use a hairdryer to achieve a wavy blow-dry.
A hairdryer with a diffuser is an essential tool for creating a wavy blow-dry. A diffuser is an accessory that fits to the hairdryer’s air outlet. It allows the heat to be distributed evenly on the hair, minimising frizz, while maintaining hydration.
If you want to use a diffuser, first wash and towel dry your hair to remove excess water and apply a mousse or texturising spray to help create the desired waves.
Attach the diffuser to the hairdryer’s air outlet and set the device to a medium or low temperature, to avoid damaging your hair.
Let your hair fall into the diffuser and, as you dry it, make circular movements to create waves. Be sure to dry your roots, lifting the locks with your fingers.
Using the diffuser, continue to dry your hair until you achieve the desired volume and shape. Once you have finished, use a fixing spray to keep your hairstyle in place
Don’t forget to use a heat protectant to avoid damage to your hair and apply a texturising spray to create the desired look.
How to achieve wavy hair naturally
While a hairdryer with a diffuser is a great choice for creating soft, natural waves in your hair, there are several ways to achieve this without using heat or styling products. Here are some tips for achieving wavy hair naturally:
Plaits
Before you go to bed, wash and dry your hair, then separate it into several sections. Plait each section and use a hair band to hold the ends together. In the morning, undo the plaits and separate the curls with your fingers to create natural waves.
Tie your hair in a bun
Make a loose bun on top of your head and secure it with bobby pins. Leave it in place for a few hours, then undo the bun and separate the curls with your fingers to create natural waves.
Seawater spray
Spray damp hair with a seawater-based spritz, then scrunch with your fingers to create natural waves. Salt helps give hair texture, creating natural waves.
Ringlets
Take small sections of hair, then twist and tie each of them into a loose knot. Leave them in place for a few hours, then undo them and separate the curls with your fingers to create natural waves.
Styling mousse
Apply a small amount of styling mousse to damp hair and scrunch with your fingers to create natural waves. Mousse helps give hair texture and holds waves intact.
By using these tips, you can create natural waves in your hair without the need for heat appliances or styling products. Let your hair take a breather without having to compromise on having a trendy, wavy look.