I can totally relate to this problem being in the wavy hair zone with mid back length hair.
No complaints! I love my waves the way they are, but I can’t totally ignore the hard work I have to put in behind maintaining their look!
Yes I know it’s a wavy hair problem that nearly 70% of the wavy haired people have to face and that is…..
Hair is wavy when it’s wet but straight when it dries!
Wanna know my secrets to setting my waves right after every shower?
Let’s read on……
Table of Contents
- Why is my hair wavy when wet but straight when dry?
- 9 Ways to maintain the wavy texture of hair even after drying
- 1. Apply a strong gel to hold those waves
- 2. Do not brush your hair when wet
- 3. Apply dry shampoo
- 4. Leave in conditioners can be too heavy for your waves
- 5. First condition and then shampoo
- 6. Apply a non sticky serum or mousse to hold moisture and the waves both
- 7. Apply hair spray to hold the waves
- 8. Avoid shampoos and conditioners with oils in them
- 9. Add a protein mask in your hair care routine
Why is my hair wavy when wet but straight when dry?
There are many types of wavy hair, one that’s very wavy with a lot of bounce, one that has loose waves, one that has waves that’s near to straight and the one that is wavy down the length only.
Now different hair types will have different problems and the ways are completely different to solve each problem and that’s hair type specific!
But the problem where wavy hair dries out straight is mostly due to having loose waves and heavy hair. Let’s look into it in details:
- Loose waves need a lot of maintenance and they do not hold the waves naturally
- When the hair is very thick and heavy, it weighs down the hair to the extent that the waves straighten while drying
- Dry hair also cannot hold the waves due to lack of moisture because moisture is what binds the hair into its shape
- When the length of hair is too much, it again puts pressure on the waves which then straightens due to the pull pressure of the hair length
- Using too much of heat also dries the hair that leads to straightening of the waves
- Using the wrong shampoo and conditioner can also be the reason behind losing your waves
- You must be combing your hair hard while drying it out after a shower. The brush strokes in this case break the wave pattern and your hair becomes straight
- You might be using conditioners that contain too much oil. Heavy products are meant for curls and not waves. The heaviness of the hair products might be weighing down the waves into a straight pattern
9 Ways to maintain the wavy texture of hair even after drying
Don’t just ponder over the thought of not getting those gorgeous waves and wondering if those could be really yours.
You too can get those licious waves even when your hair dries with these amazing hacks:
1. Apply a strong gel to hold those waves
Hair gels are no nutrition for your hair and should not really be used too much. But using them once or twice a week (not touching the scalp) will not harm your hair to a great extent. Strong hair gels will help to hold your waves.
Semi-dry your hair with a diffuser and apply gel by gently scrunching your hair with it. Do not brush. Let your hair dry completely naturally and then you can use a gentle brush for wavy hair.
2. Do not brush your hair when wet
Brushing your hair when wet can ruin it’s natural texture and the ability to hold waves. Combing opens up the bonds that hold the waves and this straightens your hair. So once your hair is completely dry only then should you brush your hair.
3. Apply dry shampoo
When you need a quick fix to get back those waves, apply dry shampoo and scrunch your hair softly. Dry shampoo will eliminate any oiliness from the hair and refresh your waves.
4. Leave in conditioners can be too heavy for your waves
Leave in conditioners are for curly or straight hair but they are too heavy for wavy hair especially when you need to hold your waves. The leave-in conditioner will weigh down the waves into a straight texture.
5. First condition and then shampoo
Applying conditioner after shampoo can retain excess moisture into the hair and that can weigh down your waves. But as your hair needs conditioning, apply it prior to shampoo and see the difference in your waves.
6. Apply a non sticky serum or mousse to hold moisture and the waves both
Too dry hair can also loosen the wave bonds in your hair. So, applying a light non-sticky serum or a mousse can help retain your waves.
7. Apply hair spray to hold the waves
Hair spray works like gels but without that sticky feeling. Just grab a bottle of hairspray (one that’s used by stylists to hold on hair styles) and spray on your hair before they are completely dry after the shower. Your waves won’t move until you shampoo the next time.
8. Avoid shampoos and conditioners with oils in them
Oil is too heavy for wavy hair as I have mentioned before. So if your shampoo or conditioner has oil in them, then it’s a complete no for your wavy hair.
See also: Why Does My Hair Appear So Oily When I Straighten It?
9. Add a protein mask in your hair care routine
Egg white is a great source of protein for the hair and protein helps to rebuild the hair structure by making your hair stronger. You can add egg white to any of your favourite hair masks and apply it. You can see the difference from the very first use!
See you soon!
Say bye bye to straight hair with these amazing tips and embrace your new licious waves for a lifetime!
Hope I could help you with your waves and if so, do stay tuned for more exciting hair care tips and styles. Till then…..
Keep it simple, keep it fashionable!
