Relaxed hair is beautiful and versatile, offering a sleek foundation for many styles. But who says relaxed hair has to be stick-straight all the time? Adding waves can transform your look, providing body, movement, and a touch of effortless glam. It’s also a fantastic way to extend your style between washes and reduce direct heat on your hair.
If you’re looking to break away from the straight look and embrace some gorgeous texture, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up nine easy wave patterns that are perfect for relaxed hair, helping you achieve stunning, bouncy locks with minimal fuss. Let’s dive into how you can get these beautiful waves at home.
1. The Classic Blowout Wave
This timeless look offers volume, bounce, and a soft, flowing wave that looks salon-fresh. It’s all about creating smooth, full-bodied curves rather than tight curls.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Medium to long relaxed hair truly shines with this style, allowing for a noticeable bounce and elegant movement. Shorter bobs can also achieve a voluminous, sophisticated look.
* Face Shape Suitability: This versatile style flatters almost all face shapes. The added volume around the crown can balance rounder faces, while softness around the jawline beautifully enhances square or heart-shaped faces.
How to Get the Look
* Begin with freshly washed, conditioned, and towel-dried relaxed hair. Apply a generous amount of heat protectant and a lightweight leave-in conditioner.
* Rough dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry, making sure it’s not dripping wet.
* Section your hair, starting from the nape of your neck. Take a medium to large round brush and use a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle.
* Wrap each section around the brush, directing the airflow from roots to ends. As you dry, gently turn the brush to create a bend or wave.
* For extra body and hold, pin each freshly blown section into a loose curl as it cools down.
* Once all sections are dry and cool, release the pins and gently brush through with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to form soft, flowing waves.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: A quality blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle, a medium to large ceramic round brush, sectioning clips.
* Products: A good heat protectant spray, a lightweight mousse or styling foam for volume and hold, and a shine serum for a glossy, smooth finish.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* Preserve your waves overnight by sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrapping your hair in a silk bonnet.
* Avoid excessive touching of your hair throughout the day, as this can lead to frizz and loss of definition.
* Refresh your roots with a dry shampoo if needed and use a light-hold hairspray for touch-ups.
2. Soft Beach Waves
Embrace a relaxed, sun-kissed vibe with soft beach waves. This look is all about imperfect, undone texture that’s effortlessly chic.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Best for medium to long relaxed hair. The length allows for that natural, elongated wave pattern.
* Face Shape Suitability: Particularly flattering for oval, long, and square face shapes, as the softness of the waves can soften angles.
How to Get the Look
* Start with dry relaxed hair. Lightly mist your hair with a heat protectant.
* Section your hair into manageable parts. Using a 1 to 1.5-inch curling iron or wand, take 1 to 2-inch sections.
* Wrap each section around the barrel, leaving the ends out for a more natural, less “curled” look. Hold for a few seconds and release.
* Alternate the direction of the curls (some away from your face, some towards) to create a more organic, textured look.
* Once all sections are waved, let them cool completely. Then, gently rake through your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to break up the curls into soft waves.
* Finish with a sea salt spray or a texturizing spray for that authentic beachy feel.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: A 1 to 1.5-inch curling iron or wand.
* Products: Heat protectant spray, sea salt spray, or a light texturizing spray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* After styling, don’t brush your hair too much. Simply scrunch gently.
* Use a light flexible-hold hairspray.
* Sleep in a loose pineapple bun on top of your head to preserve the volume and waves.
3. S-Waves with a Flat Iron
This technique creates sleek, defined S-shaped waves using a tool you likely already own – your flat iron! It’s perfect for a polished yet wavy look.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Works well on all relaxed hair lengths, from short bobs to very long strands.
* Face Shape Suitability: The smooth, uniform pattern suits most face shapes, adding an elegant frame to the face.
How to Get the Look
* Ensure your relaxed hair is completely dry and detangled. Apply a heat protectant spray generously.
* Section your hair. Take a 1-inch section and clamp your flat iron near the root.
* Create an “S” shape by pushing the flat iron in one direction, then clamping and pulling it in the opposite direction a few inches down.
* Continue this motion down the entire length of the hair strand, creating a continuous S-pattern.
* Repeat on all sections. Once complete, gently shake out your hair or lightly finger comb for a softer finish.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: A flat iron with smooth plates (ceramic or titanium are great for relaxed hair).
* Products: Heat protectant serum or spray, a light-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* Use a strong-hold hairspray specifically designed for relaxed hair after styling.
* Avoid humidity by using anti-frizz products.
* Wrap your hair in a silk scarf at night to maintain the pattern.
4. Heatless Braided Waves
For those who want gorgeous waves without any heat, braided waves are a fantastic, overnight solution. They also protect your hair from heat damage.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Ideal for medium to long relaxed hair, as shorter lengths might result in less defined waves.
* Face Shape Suitability: This soft, natural wave pattern complements all face shapes beautifully.
How to Get the Look
* Start with damp, clean relaxed hair (not soaking wet, but about 70-80% dry). Apply a light leave-in conditioner or a styling cream.
* Part your hair as desired. Depending on the wave size you want, create two to four loose French braids or standard three-strand braids. For looser waves, make fewer, larger braids. For tighter, crimp-like waves, make more, smaller braids.
* Braid all the way down to the ends and secure with a soft hair tie or elastics.
* Allow your hair to air dry completely, preferably overnight. Ensure your hair is 100% dry before unraveling.
* In the morning, gently undo the braids. Use your fingers to separate the waves, avoiding brushing to maintain definition.
* Finish with a light serum for shine and to tame any frizz.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: Hair ties or elastics.
* Products: Leave-in conditioner, light styling cream or mousse, anti-frizz serum.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* Ensure your hair is fully dry before unraveling the braids for the best results and longevity.
* Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
* Refresh waves by lightly misting with water and re-braiding for a quick touch-up.
5. Pin Curl Waves
Pin curls are a classic technique that creates bouncy, retro-inspired waves with impressive staying power. They’re a heatless method that delivers definition.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Works well on short to medium relaxed hair. Longer hair can use larger sections for bigger waves.
* Face Shape Suitability: Excellent for adding volume to flatter round faces or softening prominent jawlines on square faces.
How to Get the Look
* Begin with damp, relaxed hair that has a light setting lotion or mousse applied.
* Section your hair, starting from the front or crown. Take a small, 1-inch section of hair.
* Smooth the section and wrap it around your finger (or two fingers for a larger curl) to form a coil or circle.
* Carefully slide the coil off your finger and secure it flat against your scalp with a bobby pin or a duckbill clip.
* Continue this process until all your hair is pinned up.
* Allow hair to air dry completely, or use a hooded dryer on a low setting for faster results.
* Once dry, carefully remove all the pins. Gently brush through the curls with a soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to transform them into soft, elegant waves.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: Bobby pins or duckbill clips, a fine-tooth comb for sectioning.
* Products: Setting lotion, styling mousse, light hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* Use enough setting lotion to give the curls memory.
* Ensure curls are completely dry before unraveling.
* Sleep with a silk scarf tied firmly but comfortably around your head.
6. Roller Set Waves
Roller sets are a traditional method for creating smooth, voluminous waves or curls. Different roller sizes yield different wave patterns, making this a versatile choice.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: All relaxed hair lengths can benefit, from short bobs to long locks. The roller size will determine the wave size.
* Face Shape Suitability: The customizable nature of roller sets means you can tailor the volume and curl pattern to flatter any face shape.
How to Get the Look
* Start with freshly washed and conditioned, damp relaxed hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a light styling mousse or setting lotion.
* Section your hair. For waves, use medium to large rollers (velcro, magnetic, or perm rods for a tighter wave).
* Take a section of hair, comb it smooth, and wrap it around the roller from tip to root, ensuring the ends are tucked neatly. Secure the roller.
* Continue until your entire head is covered with rollers.
* Sit under a hooded dryer until your hair is completely dry, or allow to air dry overnight. Ensure your hair is fully dry to prevent frizz.
* Once dry, carefully remove the rollers. Gently separate the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to form soft, bouncy waves.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: Medium to large hair rollers (e.g., velcro, magnetic), sectioning clips, hair net (for sleeping or hooded dryer).
* Products: Leave-in conditioner, setting lotion or mousse, light finishing spray, shine serum.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* The key is to ensure the hair is 100% dry before removing rollers.
* Use a strong-hold setting lotion for longer-lasting results.
* Wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf or use a silk bonnet.
7. Flexi-Rod Waves
Flexi-rods are excellent for creating spiral waves or soft, defined curls that bounce. They are also a heatless method, making them kind to relaxed hair.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Best for medium to long relaxed hair, as shorter hair might be harder to wrap around the rods smoothly.
* Face Shape Suitability: The vertical nature of these waves can elongate the face, making them great for round or heart-shaped faces.
How to Get the Look
* Begin with damp (not wet) relaxed hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a light styling foam or mousse.
* Section your hair into manageable parts. The size of the section will determine the tightness of the wave – smaller sections for more definition, larger for looser waves.
* Take a section of hair, comb it smooth, and wrap it around the flexi-rod starting from the ends, rolling up towards the root.
* Bend the flexi-rod to secure it in place against your scalp.
* Repeat until all your hair is on flexi-rods.
* Allow your hair to air dry completely, preferably overnight. Alternatively, use a hooded dryer on a low setting.
* Once fully dry, gently unroll each flexi-rod. Use your fingers to separate the waves to your desired fullness. Do not brush.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: Flexi-rods (various sizes), sectioning clips.
* Products: Leave-in conditioner, styling foam or mousse, light oil for shine and frizz control (after separating).
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* Apply products evenly to ensure consistent wave formation and hold.
* Make sure hair is completely dry before removing rods to avoid frizz.
* Sleep in a satin bonnet to protect the waves.
8. Twist-Out Waves
While often associated with natural hair, a twist-out can create beautiful, soft, voluminous waves on relaxed hair, offering a different kind of texture.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Best for medium to long relaxed hair, providing enough length for the twists to unravel into waves.
* Face Shape Suitability: Adds volume and width, which can be great for balancing longer or more narrow face shapes.
How to Get the Look
* Start with damp, clean relaxed hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a rich styling cream or mousse.
* Section your hair into 8-12 sections (more sections for more defined waves, fewer for looser).
* Take a section and divide it into two strands. Twist these two strands around each other from root to tip, ensuring they are firm but not too tight.
* Secure the end of each twist with a small hair tie or simply twirl the ends.
* Allow hair to air dry completely, ideally overnight.
* Once fully dry, gently unravel each twist.
* Use your fingers to separate the waves, fluffing at the roots for volume. Avoid brushing to maintain the wave pattern.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: Small hair ties or elastics.
* Products: Leave-in conditioner, moisturizing styling cream or mousse, light oil for separating twists.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* Ensure your twists are not too loose or too tight – a medium tension works best.
* Let your hair completely dry before unraveling.
* Use a light spritz of hairspray once the waves are styled to hold them.
9. Deep Wave Curls
For a glamorous, uniform wave pattern, deep wave curls are a showstopper. This look is achieved with a specialized three-barrel waver or a deep crimper.
Who It’s For
* Suitable Hair Length: Medium to long relaxed hair works best for showing off this distinct pattern.
* Face Shape Suitability: The dramatic nature of deep waves can beautifully frame oval, heart, and square face shapes.
How to Get the Look
* Ensure your relaxed hair is completely dry and detangled. Apply a heat protectant spray thoroughly.
* Section your hair. Take a 1 to 2-inch section of hair.
* Place the section of hair between the plates of your three-barrel waver or deep crimper.
* Hold for a few seconds (check your tool’s instructions for recommended time) and then release.
* Move the tool down the hair strand, aligning the top barrel with the last wave crest you created, to ensure a continuous pattern.
* Continue this process until your entire head is covered in deep waves.
* Once all sections are done, let your hair cool completely. Gently run your fingers through to slightly separate the waves, if desired, or leave them more defined.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products
* Tools: A three-barrel waver or a deep crimping iron.
* Products: High-quality heat protectant spray, a light-hold hairspray for finish, and a shine serum.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer
* Apply a strong-hold hairspray after styling to lock in the deep waves.
* Avoid over-combing the waves, as this can flatten the pattern.
* Sleep with a satin bonnet or carefully pin curl large sections of your deep waves to preserve them overnight.
General Hair Care for Relaxed Hair
Maintaining the health of relaxed hair is paramount, especially when introducing new styles and techniques.
Daily Maintenance
* Moisturize Regularly: Relaxed hair tends to be drier. Use a daily leave-in conditioner or a light hair oil to keep it hydrated.
* Protect at Night: Always sleep with a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent breakage and frizz.
* Gentle Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle, always starting from the ends and working your way up.
Product Picks for Waves
* Heat Protectants: Absolutely non-negotiable for heat styling. Look for sprays or serums that offer high-temperature protection.
* Lightweight Mousses/Foams: Provide hold and volume without weighing down relaxed hair.
* Setting Lotions: Essential for heatless styles like roller sets and pin curls, giving memory to the waves.
* Anti-Frizz Serums: Keep your waves smooth and shiny, especially in humid conditions.
Styling Dos and Don’ts for Relaxed Waves
Do’s:
* Do always apply heat protectant before using heat tools.
* Do allow your hair to cool completely after heat styling or roller setting before touching or separating the waves.
* Do invest in good quality tools that have even heat distribution.
* Do use silk or satin accessories for night time protection.
* Do cleanse and condition your hair properly before styling.
Don’ts:
* Don’t use excessive heat, which can cause damage and breakage on relaxed hair.
* Don’t brush through freshly formed waves too aggressively; use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
* Don’t style on wet hair with heat tools, as this can cause steam damage.
* Don’t neglect deep conditioning treatments to keep your relaxed hair strong and supple.
* Don’t overload your hair with too much product, which can lead to buildup and weigh down waves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Waving Relaxed Hair
* Over-Processing: Ensure your relaxer touch-ups are spaced out properly to maintain hair integrity. Damaged relaxed hair struggles to hold styles.
* Incorrect Product Usage: Using products meant for natural hair (which are often heavier) can weigh down relaxed waves. Opt for lightweight formulas.
* Styling When Hair Isn’t Dry: Whether it’s heatless or heat styling, hair must be completely dry for the waves to set and last. Damp hair leads to frizz and weak waves.
* Skipping Heat Protectant: This is a major mistake that leads to heat damage, split ends, and weak hair that can’t hold a style.
* Not Setting the Style: Allowing waves to cool or fully dry without disturbance is crucial for them to set and last.
Occasion Styling with Waves
Waves on relaxed hair are incredibly versatile for any occasion.
* Casual Everyday: Soft beach waves or heatless braided waves are perfect for a relaxed, easygoing look.
* Work or Professional Settings: The classic blowout wave or S-waves with a flat iron offer a polished, sophisticated appearance.
* Evenings or Special Events: Deep wave curls, defined pin curl waves, or a luxurious roller set can elevate your look for formal gatherings, adding glamour and sophistication.
* Seasonal Styles: Lighter, more airy waves are great for spring and summer, while more defined, voluminous waves can suit cooler months.
Key Takeaways
* Relaxed hair can beautifully embrace a variety of wave patterns, offering versatility and style.
* Both heat and heatless methods are available, allowing you to choose based on your preference and hair health goals.
* Proper hair care, including moisturizing, heat protection, and gentle handling, is crucial for maintaining the health of relaxed hair when styling.
* Experiment with different techniques and products to find the wave patterns that work best for your hair length, texture, and desired look.
* Don’t be afraid to switch up your style; waves can refresh your relaxed hair routine and keep you feeling fabulous.