Wavy Hair vs. Curly Hair: Testing the Styling Differences on My Curls!
What happens when I style my curly hair using a routine meant for wavy hair? In this portion of a multi-part series, I highlight differences
What happens when I style my curly hair using a routine meant for wavy hair? In this portion of a multi-part series, I highlight differences between what wavy hair needs vs. what curly hair needs, including styling techniques and the best products for each.
Many of my group coaching clients have wavy hair and struggle with hold, clumping, wonky-shaped waves, and longevity. Through helping them, I’ve learned more about how to get waves to their full potential.
Check out some examples of my wavy curly clients’ gorgeous hair below!
Coming soon will be part 2 of this wavy series, where I’ll be sharing some key differences when washing.
Key Difference: Wavy hair clumps better when styled soaking wet, while curly hair may benefit from damp styling for better product absorption.
Soaking wet styling to encourage wave clumps. I share below how I decrease dry time with soaking wet styling before diffusing.
Damp styling may work better for those who want more fullness and volume.
⚠️ Water content is going to depend more on desired volume/fullness. For volume, use less water. For clumping, use more water.
Key Difference: Less is more when it comes to maximizing hold. Wavy hair is easily weighed down, so it benefits from lightweight products with grit (depending on texture). Strong hold products prevent waves from falling out.
⚠️ Product weight and grit content is ultimately going to depend more on hair texture. Take my free quiz to find out what your hair’s texture is.
Key Difference: Wavy hair benefits from minimal manipulation, while curly hair may need more structured styling techniques.
For this routine, I styled upright. To prevent water from soaking my shirt, I wrap my hair towel around my shoulders.
Upright versus upside down styling is going to depend on things outside of your curl pattern, such as your density and your desired look. Low-density or thin hair may benefit from upright styling so you have more control over scalp covering and styling the back.
Sectioning is important for high-density hair, whereas lower density may not need to section.
It’s up to you whether if you apply your stylers before styling or after styling. Try either way and see which you like better.
Key Difference: Wavy hair needs special attention to hair placement in the diffuser to prevent misshapen curls, while curly hair may not struggle with this as much.
Key Difference: Wavy hair may benefit from leaving the cast in longer before scrunching it out and using a hairspray to retain structure, whereas curly may be able to scrunch it out right away and use an oil.
My results look very similar, but I was not necessarily trying to “make” my hair look wavy. Instead, I used styling techniques that would benefit wavy hair and skipped a lot of “spiraling” techniques that I typically do to enhance my curls.
If you have wavy hair, you could certainly still do coiling techniques but if you don’t have a natural spiral to your curls, they may not be worth your time. Instead, I wanted to focus on techniques that can really enhance S and zig-zag shaped wave patterns. I can definitely tell my curls are less coily and are more of a zig-zag shape. For my hair pattern, this would be considered “wonky” but for someone with waves, it would be nice and defined! It’s also a but more elongated compared to my curly routines which have more shrinkage. I still like how it turned out and it’s a fun way to switch up my look.
Join my new group coaching membership to connect with other wavy hair members, receive personalized help, and more.
✅ Weekly Live Coaching Calls – Get personalized advice & troubleshooting on our group calls.
✅ Guided Styling Sessions – Style alongside me in real-time, just like the livestream but I can see you and interact directly!
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✅ DM Coaching with regular check-ins.
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It’s like having me in your back pocket at all times. You’ll have continuous support to keep making progress!
Enrollment is open now through end of March. Spring program begins in April.
What happens when I style my curly hair using a routine meant for wavy hair? In this portion of a multi-part series, I highlight differences
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