Curl · February 17, 2015
Birchbox's Definitive Guide to Wavy Hairstyles
We can all agree on one thing in the Birchbox offices: We love waves. Our curling irons and styling wands at our desks are proof. But there was much debate as to how we define different types of waveswhat does a beachy one look like versus boho? After all the back and forth (is there even a difference?!) we decided to take a not-so-scientific office poll to settle what each wave really looks like, finally agreeing on five easy-to-achieve styles. Check a few of our favorite blogger tutorials to master each of the waves once and for all.
Hollywood Waves
Definition: The red carpet favorite of the bunch, these loose, glossy waves are usually worn with a deep side part, a behind-the-ear tuck, and five-figure designer gowns.
Method: Start by creating a deep side part with the end of a rattail comb (go as dramatic as youd like here!) If your hair is on the drier side, add a dime-sized amount of treatment oil or serum, NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Smooth Hair Oil for extra hydration. Remember, a little goes a long way and focus on applying from the mid-shaft to the ends. For those looking to add volume, use a little mousse, like Rene Furterer VOLUMEA Volumizing Foam, toward the back and crown of your hair.
Next, Hold a 1-inch curling wand vertically and wrap your hair away from your face. To get that signature "S wave, continue curling all of your hair in the same direction, then gently use a paddle brush (or your fingers) to break up the curls. Back comb at the roots for additional volume. Finish with a light-hold hair spray (we like [Bumble and bumble. Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray] (https://www.birchbox.com/product/20579) to make sure your waves dont fall flat mid-day.
Product: Complete the look with a lightweight hair oil like Krastase Elixir Ultime Nourishing Hair Oil to get that polished, high-shine finish.
Victorias Secret Waves
Definition: These bombshell waves regularly seen on VS Angels like Kendall, Gigi, and Adriana have the perfect balance of volume, bounce, and just enough deconstruction for major sex appeal.
Method: Hold your curling wand vertically and wrap small sections of hair around the base leaving the ends free. Curl all face-framing pieces away from your face, then alternate the direction of your curls throughout for a more natural effect.
Product: Prep your hair with a protectant like Oribe's Soft Lacquer Heat Styling Spray to prevent damage and boost shine. Break up your waves with a mist of Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume, and finish with the tried-and-true hair flip.
Beach Waves
Definition: Usually spotted seaside and on the L.A celebrity set, these effortless, textured waves are beloved for their ability to make minor tangles look fashionableand for reminding us that the beach is only a bottle of sea salt spray away. Want more info? Watch our help tutorial here .
Method: If you are lucky enough to have natural waves, you already have a headstart in the texture department. Those with straight hair should start with freshly washed hair and apply a dime-sized amount of hair cream, like Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream throughout. Next, section hair lengthwise and start to add mousse directly at the roots (try [Bumble and bumble. Thickening Full Foam Soft Mousse] (https://www.birchbox.com/product/20593) for extra volume.
Rough dry with a blowdryerour favorite is Sedu Revolution 4000i Hair Dryer using your fingers to comb through. Once dry, add in a mist (or two) of hair spray, then wrap pieces of dry hair around a 1-inch curling iron to give your waves more shape. Shake out at the root and head out for workor date night.
Product: Alternatively, spritz damp hair with a nourishing sea-salt spray like [amika Bushwick Beach No-Salt Wave Spray] (https://www.birchbox.com/product/38989). After diffusing your hair and creating more waves, finish with [Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Dry Oil Mist] (https://www.birchbox.com/product/38157) to add shine and take care of any flyaways for a polished-but-not-too-polished look.
Soft, Boho Waves
Definition: Beachy waves softer, less textured cousin, this free-spirited, brushed-through style is relaxed and touchable, often worn with a center part, no-makeup makeup (and sometimes a DIY flower crown).
Method: To create the soft finish that sets boho waves apart, wrap small sections of hair around a wide curling wand, letting each curl cool in your hand for a few seconds before moving on to the next section.
Product: Break up your waves by spritzing a moisturizing texturizer like R+Co Waterfall Moisturize + Shine Lotion throughout. For an even more deconstructed look, scrunch Amika got Grit Texture Paste through your ends.
Bedhead Waves
Definition: These purposefully messy, I woke up like this waves are the unofficial hairstyle of cool girls everywheretheyre often worn with second (or third, or fourth) day hair and plenty of dry shampoo.
Method: Former Birchbox staffer Lorelei has mastered the undone lookstart by spraying dry hair with a heat protectant like R+co One Prep Spray. Then wrap different a mix of 1- to 2-inch sized pieces of your hair around a curling wand (try the CHI Air 1-inch Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand), leaving out the ends.
Product: Mist your waves with a texturizer like OUAI Wave Spray and scrunch throughout to create the bedhead finish.