6 wavy hair mistakes you need to know

Too much washing strips your hair of its natural oils. These oils are crucial for keeping your waves moisturised and frizz-free. Without them, your hair becomes dry, brittle, and prone to frizz.

Fix It: Stick to washing your hair twice a week. Use a sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of essential moisture.

Thick creams and oils weigh wavy hair down. Instead of bouncy, defined waves, you’ll end up with hair that looks greasy, limp and flat. Wavy hair needs lightweight products that enhance its natural texture without suffocating it.

Fix It: Opt for lightweight gels or mousses. These products provide definition and hold without adding unnecessary weight.

Brushing wavy hair when dry is one of the quickest ways to destroy its natural pattern. The friction from the brush breaks up the waves, causing frizz and turning your hair into a poofy mess.

Fix It: Only detangle your hair when wet and saturated in conditioner. This gives your hair slip and prevents breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work through any tangles. Once your hair dries, resist the urge to brush—let your waves be.

Your hair absorbs products best when it’s wet, locking in moisture and helping to define your waves. Skipping this step leads to frizz and uneven wave patterns, as the hair dries without proper hold.

Fix It: Apply your styling products while your hair is soaking wet. Scrunch the product into your hair to encourage wave formation. Then air dry or diffuse to lock in the shape.

If you’re using gel or mousse for definition, you may notice a crunchy or stiff feeling once your hair is dry. Skipping the "scrunch out the crunch" step reduces soft and bouncy wave appearance.

Fix It: Once your hair is dry, scrunch out the crunch by lightly clapping your hair with your hands. This breaks the product cast. Leaving you with soft, defined waves that will still hold their shape.

Washing your hair with hot water might feel relaxing, but it’s harmful to your waves. Hot water strips away the natural oils that protect and moisturise your hair. It can also irritate your scalp, causing discomfort and damage over time.

Fix It: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead. Lukewarm water is gentle on your hair and scalp. This helps retain moisture while still cleaning effectively. For an added boost of shine, do a final rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and enhance wave definition.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll help your wavy hair look its best.