Building Waves: Strokes, Consistency, And The Perfect Formula

To get waves, you need to brush your hair in a specific way. The number of brush strokes depends on the type of hair. For example, if you have straight hair, you will need to brush it at least 50 times in the front, back, and on each side. If you have wavy hair, you will need to brush it about 50-60 times.

Wolfing: Letting your hair grow long while washing and brushing it to encourage the formation of waves

Wolfing is a technique used to achieve 360 waves. It involves letting your hair grow out while maintaining the wave hairstyle. The process lasts 4 to 10 weeks and requires a long length (about a 3 with the grain) to start. Going weeks without cutting your hair allows your waves to get deeper, and lets you correct your wave pattern.

During the wolfing process, it is important to keep up with your brush work and to lay down your hair. As new hair grows in, you want to train it to follow the 360-wave pattern. This can be done by brushing your hair several times a day, aiming for about 50 strokes on the top, back, and sides of your head. It is also important to use products with hold and to wear a durag at night to ensure your waves are maintained.

While wolfing, it is recommended to get a haircut every 2-4 weeks to get your waves cut in and trimmed. It is also important to wash your hair once a week so as not to undo the developing waves. When washing your hair, be sure to use sulfate-free shampoo to prevent drying out your hair.

The wolfing process can be difficult to understand as, although you may be in the wolfing process, you are not truly wolfing until about four weeks after your last haircut. This is because wolfing is abstaining from a haircut for an extended period, and it takes time for your hair to grow and learn the impression of your desired wave pattern.

Brushing: Using a wave brush to brush your hair away from the crown of your head

Brushing your hair is the most important step in getting waves. To get waves, you must brush your hair away from the crown of your head. The crown is the point on your head where your waves will originate. When brushing, start at this point and move the brush away.

When your hair is short, start with a soft wave brush and brush forward from the crown of your head toward your forehead 50 times. Make sure you cover the entire surface area of the front of your head for the best results. Brush your hair often and for long periods to force it into a wave pattern and reinforce that pattern.

Create waves in the back by brushing from your crown to the nape of your neck 50 times. Use a mirror to make sure that you're brushing every single section of your hair. Remember to brush your hair the same way each time.

Complete the regimen by brushing the sides of your hair toward your chin 50 times on each side. Angle the brush strokes downward slightly so that the brush is pointed toward your chin rather than your cheekbones.

Brush your hair at least three separate times during the day, if not more. The more you brush your hair, the faster your waves will appear and the more defined they'll be. Each time you brush your hair, aim to hit the 50-stroke mark on the top, back, and sides of your head.

Moisturising: Using a moisturising conditioner and pomade to lock in moisture and keep your hair shiny and wave-ready

Moisturising your hair is a crucial step in achieving and maintaining waves. Here are some tips to help lock in moisture and keep your hair shiny and wave-ready:

• Choose the right products: Select a moisturising conditioner and pomade that are free from sulfates and parabens, as these can dry out your hair. Look for products containing natural oils such as shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil, which are gentle and effective moisturisers.
• Deep conditioning: Use a deep moisturising conditioner or hair mask once a week to intensely nourish your hair. Apply the product to the ends of your hair first, then work your way up to the middle of your strands. Avoid putting conditioner on your scalp unless it is very dry.
• Avoid overwashing: Natural oils from your scalp help moisturise your hair. Overwashing can strip these oils away, leading to dry hair. Reduce the frequency of shampooing to once a week or less, and consider co-washing (using only conditioner) in between washes to remove grease and dirt without drying out your hair.
• Use a moisturising shampoo: When you do shampoo your hair, opt for a moisturising formula designed for wavy or curly hair. Look for ingredients such as plant oils and butter, which help seal in moisture.
• Seal in moisture: After washing your hair, apply a moisturising product such as a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to seal in the moisture. This creates a protective barrier that prevents water from evaporating from your hair too quickly.
• Protect your hair: Wear a silk or satin durag when sleeping to protect your hair and preserve moisture. Also, use a heat protectant before using heated styling tools to prevent moisture loss and damage.
• Drink plenty of water: Hydration starts from within. Drink ample water and eat water-rich foods to promote healthy, moisturised hair.

Durag: Wearing a durag to retain moisture and protect your emerging waves with a physical barrier

Durag: Protecting and Moisturising Your Waves

A durag is an essential tool for anyone looking to create and maintain waves in their hair. It is a type of headwear designed to secure your hair in place, but it also offers a wide range of benefits for your hair. It helps to retain moisture in your hair, preventing frizziness and dryness, and the fabric lays across the surface to encourage growth in the correct direction.

When to Wear a Durag

Wearing a durag at night is particularly beneficial as your hair is most susceptible to damage and breakage while you sleep. It is also recommended to wear a durag whenever you are not washing or brushing your hair.

How to Wear a Durag

To wear a durag, first place it on your head with the seam facing directly down the center of your face. Pull the fabric over your hair but not your forehead, positioning it just above the eyebrows. Then, pull the strings back and tie them in a knot or bow behind your head. Ensure the fabric is flat to avoid any marks on your skin and that the durag is not too tight, which can cause hair loss if done regularly.

Choosing the Right Durag

The type of durag you choose depends on the occasion, the results you want to achieve, and your overall outfit. Silk durags are one of the best options for creating and maintaining waves, but velvet, mesh, and satin durags are also popular choices. Satin durags are durable and shiny, making them a stylish option, while mesh durags are lightweight and breathable, ideal for working out in hot weather.

Cutting: Getting a cut every 2-3 weeks to keep your waves fresh and sharp

To keep your waves fresh and sharp, it's important to get a cut regularly. How often you get your haircut depends on the style you're going for and the current state of your hair.

If you're going for a precise and polished look, such as an Anna Wintour bob with bangs, you'll need to get your hair cut more frequently, around once every two to four weeks. This is also the case if you want to maintain a short style, such as a pixie cut or a contemporary crop. These short cuts tend to lose their distinctiveness and start to look overgrown quickly, so regular trims are essential to keeping things sharp.

If you have mid-length hair, you can go a little longer between haircuts. You should get a cut every eight to twelve weeks to keep your hair looking its best.

For those with long hair, you can wait even longer between haircuts. Long hair is more forgiving and doesn't need to be cut as often, especially if you don't colour or use heat on it. You can go anywhere from three to six months without a haircut if you have long hair. However, long hair can be more susceptible to breakage, so pay attention to your hair and get a trim when you notice split ends or more frequent snags.

If you're trying to grow out your hair, it's still important to get regular trims to prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft. Get a trim every twelve weeks, taking off between a quarter to half an inch, to keep your hair healthy as it grows.

In addition to the length of your hair, its texture also plays a role in how often you should get a cut. Those with curly hair can usually go longer without a haircut since curls can be styled in a way that hides the growth. You can go up to six months without a haircut if you have curly hair, but again, pay attention to the health of your hair and get a trim if you notice any damage.

On the other hand, those with fine or straight hair might need to get haircuts more frequently, around once every four to eight weeks. Fine hair is more susceptible to damage from hot tools and products, so frequent trims are necessary to keep it looking its best.

If you're rocking a set of waves, you'll want to get a slight trim every two to three weeks to keep them fresh and sharp. This will also give you a chance to get a clean lineup or a fade to level up your waves.

While these are general guidelines, the best way to know how often you should get a haircut is to seek professional advice. Find a stylist you trust and let them guide you on how often you should be getting a cut based on your unique hair type, texture, and style.

Frequently asked questions