How Can I Get Soft Waves Instead of Tight Curls?

Curling Iron

• One of the oldest methods of curling hair, a curling iron was used as far back as the Renaissance in order to create curls in hair that naturally did not form that way. However, if left in too long when forming the curls or if hairspray is applied, tight curls form instead of the gentle large ones. Separate 1/2-inch sections of hair and curl them around a heated, large barrel curling iron for about 10 seconds. The size of the barrel determines the size of curls, so choose a large one for large soft waves.
  
  

Braids

• Braiding makes hair wavy overnight, with less fuss than a curling iron and only sleep required. Wash and condition hair or simply wet hair that was washed the day before. Begin a simple braid at the back of the head, before the nape of the neck. Spray hairspray onto hair before beginning if you have straight hair. Sleep on the braid overnight and let out your hair the next day. Do not braid too tightly as that results in tighter waves.
  
  

Wavy Perm

• When thin, straight, lanky hair just will not comply with a curling iron or braid and simply goes back to being completely straight, you need a chemical means of creating waves. A wavy perm allows for hair to be chemically tightened into waves and also gives you control over how much wave you desire. Discuss this method with your hairdresser before beginning and provide her with reference photos so you can achieve the exact waves you desire.
  
  

Naturally Curly

• For those who have naturally tight, curly hair, braiding, using curling irons or other methods for creating soft waves do not work. A professional treatment at a salon is generally the only way to go for long term soft waves. Similar to a straightening treatment, a wash is applied to the hair to chemically relax the curls into soft waves. For a quick fix, try straightening hair and then gently curling it with a curling iron to achieve the desired waviness.