How To Create Waves

There are so many ways to style your hair into waves, from a sleek and polished look or something more relaxed and effortless. This guide will help you achieve the perfect wavy style while keeping your hair healthy and free from damage.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural waves or try something new, like adding texture to straight or curly hair, these styles are easier to achieve than you might think. Let’s take a look at how to create different types of waves, all of which can give your hair that gorgeous, head-turning texture.

HOW TO ACHIEVE WET-LOOK WAVES

The wet look has been a favourite among celebrities for several years, and it’s still going strong. Stars like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been seen effortlessly pulling off this slicked-back, shiny style. 

Now, it’s been taken to the next level with the ‘just stepped out of the shower’ look, adding a more natural, goddess-like finish to the ultra-sleek trend. Kim Kardashian was one of the first to rock this version of the wet look, and as always, when she starts a trend, we can’t help but want in on it.

Here’s how you can create this fresh-out-of-the-water look.

What you’ll need:

• Hair mousse or gel for hold
• Shine spray for that extra slick finish
• The 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro
• Wide-tooth comb
• Hair clips (for sectioning)

Step-by-step guide:

1. Always start with dry hair before using straighteners to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
2. Apply a generous amount of Magical Quick Dry Potion to protect your hair during straightening. 
3. Now, section your hair using clips and take the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to create soft, loose waves throughout the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair.
4. Once you’ve added waves, apply some gel or shine spray to give your hair that glossy, wet finish.
5. Finally, use your fingers to gently scrunch the ends of your hair, giving the waves a more natural appearance, and you’re ready to go.

HOW TO GET BIG BOUNCY WAVES

Big, bouncy waves are perfect when you want to add some serious volume and drama to your hair. This style is ideal for a night out, a special event, or even a day when you want your hair to make a statement. Celebrities like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez are known for rocking voluminous, glamorous waves that always turn heads.

What you’ll need:

• Magical Quick Dry Potion
• Volumising mousse
• The Curling Wand
• Round brush
• Hairspray

Step-by-step guide:

1. Begin with dry hair, and apply our Magical Quick Dry Potion to prevent any damage.
2. Add volumising mousse to your roots to help boost lift and fullness.
3. Section your hair and start wrapping it around the Curling Wand, working in large sections to create full, voluminous waves.
4. After releasing each section from the wand, let the curl cool in your hand for a few seconds to set the wave.
5. Once your entire head is curled, use a round brush to gently brush out the curls into big, bouncy waves.
6. Finish with hairspray to hold your waves in place all day (or night).

HOW TO CREATE BEACHY WAVES

Beachy waves give off that laid-back, effortless vibe like you’ve just spent a day by the sea. This style works well for both casual day looks and relaxed evening outings. Channel celebs like Chrissy Teigen and Jennifer Aniston, who often rock those natural-looking, beachy waves.

What you’ll need:

• Sea salt spray or texturising spray
• The Original Iron
• Hair clips for sectioning
• Wide-tooth comb or your fingers for styling

Step-by-step guide:

1. Start by spritzing your hair with sea salt spray to give it that perfect beachy texture.
2. Section your hair and use the Original Iron to create loose, natural-looking waves. For an authentic beachy look, vary the direction you twist the iron.
3. After waving each section, gently tug on the ends of your hair to loosen the waves for a more relaxed finish.
4. Once all the waves are in place, run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through your hair to break them up and create that windswept look.
5. Add more texturising spray for extra hold, and you're good to go.

Check out our guide on 4 Ways to Create Beachy Waves

HOW TO STYLE SLEEK HOLLYWOOD WAVES

Sleek Hollywood waves give off ultimate Old Hollywood glamour. These polished, structured waves are perfect for formal events, like weddings or red-carpet occasions. Think of icons like Marilyn Monroe or modern-day starlets like Scarlett Johansson, who have perfected this classic look.

What you’ll need:

• Magical Quick Dry Potion
• The Wide Iron
• Tail comb for your part
• Hair clips
• Shine spray or serum

Step-by-step guide:

1. Apply Magical Quick Dry Potion to dry hair.
2. Use the tail comb to create a deep side part – this is key to the Hollywood wave look.
3. Section your hair and begin styling with the Wide Iron. Instead of curling the hair tightly, gently guide the iron downwards to create smooth, S-shaped waves.
4. After styling each section, pin the wave in place with clips until it cools and sets.
5. Once your waves have set, remove the clips and gently brush through the waves to soften them, creating that polished Hollywood finish.
6. Finish with a shine spray or serum for a glossy, red-carpet-worthy look.

WAVES FAQS

How do I style naturally wavy hair?

To style naturally wavy hair, start by using a lightweight mousse or curl cream to enhance your waves. Scrunch the product into damp hair and let it air dry, or use a diffuser on your hair dryer for more defined waves – our Airshot Pro is perfect for the job. You can also twist sections of hair while drying to encourage more wave definition.

How do you make fluffy waves?

To achieve fluffy waves, use a volumising mousse and a large-barrel curling iron like the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand, which has a sericite-infused barrel perfect for creating gorgeous curls. After curling your hair, brush out the curls to loosen them, then gently backcomb the roots for added volume. Use a lightweight hairspray to keep the style soft and fluffy without weighing it down.

How do you add volume to waves?

For extra volume, start by applying a volumising mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots. When drying your hair, flip your head upside down to create more lift at the crown. Use our Curling Wand to create loose waves, then shake them out with your fingers to add even more volume and texture.

How do you make waves stay all day?

To keep your waves in place all day, start with a strong hold mousse or styling cream before heat-styling your hair. Use the appropriate heat setting for your hair type and finish with a good quality hairspray. For extra staying power, avoid touching or brushing your hair too much throughout the day. Check out our Temperature Calculator to help you work out the perfect temperature for your hair type.