Styling Tips for Wavy Hair
Here, how to tame that wavy mane into touchable tresses.
By Elizabeth Flahive
Did You Know...
Hair is genetically programmed to be straight, curly, or wavy, and it can change over time.
Get more hairstyle advice here:
Long Hairstyles,
Short Hairstyles,
Medium Hairstyles
Take this quiz to find the perfect perfume for you!
Hairstyle Handbook
long, wavy, normal, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
girl with long wavy brown hair
Rocker waves are easy if you use the right combination of products. First, work some dry shampoo through your hair, you\'ll get volume and soak up any greasiness.\r\n\r\nThen, use a little texture balm, warm it up in your palms and really work the product into your strands. Too much will actually weigh your style down so less is definitely more here.
\r\n\r\nFlip hair upside-down and scrunch hair using a spritz of spray gel. You don\'t want loads of frizz to take your look from sexy to sloppy.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n DRY SHAMPOO like Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleanser, $24.
\r\n\r\n\r\n SPRAY GEL like Frédéric Fekkai Spray Gel, $25.
\r\n\r\n WAVY SPRAY like Sally Hershberger Shagg Spray Styling For All Hair Types, $12.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long wavy dark brown hair
CONDITIONING MOUSSE like Dove Volumizing Body & Lift Mousse, $4.29.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with long straight black hair
Run an anti-frizz and leave-in conditioner through wet hair.
\r\n\r\nWrap your whole head in a towel to get rid of excess water without creating frizz.
\r\n\r\nAfter leaving your hair cocooned in terrycloth, unwrap your head and let everything air-dry the rest of the way. The result: Naturally sexy waves that are practically effortless.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nANTI FRIZZ like Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Anti-Frizz Cream, $2.99.
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Sexy Hair Concepts Healthy Sexy Hair Leave-In, $11.
\r\n\r\nSUPER ABSORBANT TOWEL like Aquis Microfiber Towel, $18.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long dark brown wavy hair
Go movie-star glam — and start with unwashed hair. If it\'s looking a little greasy, grab some dry shampoo and use a sprinkle on your roots.
\r\n\r\nSpray the rest of your hair with styling spray and roll halfway up with hot rollers, the bigger the better. Then while they\'re still warm, spritz with hair spray. Take curlers out immediately.
\r\n\r\nMake a deep side part and shake hair out so curls loosen. A little mascara and you\'re good to go.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nHOT ROLLERS like Conair Instant Heat Velvety Rollers, $29.99.
\r\n\r\nHAIRSPRAY like Ted Gibson Beautiful Hold Hair Spray, $19.50.
\r\n\r\nDRY SHAMPOO like René Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, $23.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, thick, wavy, relaxed, african-american, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
girl with wavy brown hair
Add bounce to a relaxed style by spritzing ends with a conditioning mist.
\r\n\r\nPut a few ceramic hot rollers in for three minutes, tops. Relaxed hair is delicate and you don\'t want to cause breakage with heat styling.
\r\n\r\nShake hair out and spray lightly with a setting mist.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nCURLERS like BaByliss Ceramic 20 Roller Hair Setter, $39.95.
\r\n\r\nCONDITIONING MIST like DevaCurl Mist-er Right, $17.95.
\r\n\r\nSETTING SPRAY like Matrix Biolage Thermal Active Setting Spray, $15.50.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, fine, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, blonde hair, sexy hair, hairstyles
blonde woman with straight shoulder length hair
Spritz a thermal protective spray through dry hair to prevent damage. \r\n\r\nUse medium-sized hot rollers and roll two-inch sections all the way up. Let rollers sit until they\'re nearly cool (about 10 minutes).
\r\n\r\nMist with a hairspray and unroll hair for voluminous curls that stick around.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n ROLLERS like BaByliss Ceramic 20 Roller Hair Setter, $39.95.
\r\n\r\n HAIRSPRAY like Got2B 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volume Hairspray, $5.99.
\r\n\r\n THERMAL PROTECTIVE SPRAY like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, $4.\r\n
Hairstyle Handbook
short, thick, wavy, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with short wavy hair
Work a rich leave-in conditioner through damp hair to smooth the cuticle.
\r\n\r\nSpritz in some spray gel to control puffiness and frizz and diffuse on a low heat.
\r\n\r\nTwirl hair around your fingers to shape curls in front for a more polished look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like TIGI Bed Head End Mender Leave-In Conditioner, $14.99.
\r\n\r\nSPRAY GEL like Clairol Herbal Essences Set Me Up Spray Gel, $3.99.
\r\n\r\nCURL SHAMPOOO like Samy Curls Shampoo, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, african-american, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with medium length wavy layered hair
Spritz a leave-in conditioning mist through dry hair to prevent damage and breakage.
\r\n\r\nWrap two-inch sections halfway up with hot rollers, rolling them back away from the face to create volume. Mist with a setting spray. After five minutes, undo rollers.
\r\n\r\nRun a tiny but of shine serum through your hair to work curls into softer looking waves.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Motions At-Home Nourish Leave-In Conditioner, $3.79.
\r\n\r\nHOT ROLLERS like Vidal Sassoon 60 Second Fast Heat-Up 20-Roller Hairsetter, $35.00.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SERUM like TIGI Bed Head Girl Toys Shine Serum, $14.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, wavy, thick, caucasian, 15 minutes, hairstyle, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with brown hair and long bangs
A combination of blow-drying and air-drying creates a great, balanced style. Use a little straightening balm and blow-dry heavier bangs so they lie straight. \r\n\r\nRun a little anti-frizz through hair and let the rest air-dry while you do your makeup.
\r\n\r\nShake hair with your fingers.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n STRAIGHTENING BALM like Redken Straight Hair Straightening Balm, $16.
\r\n\r\n ANTI-FRIZZ like Garnier Fructis Leave-In Anti Frizz Serum, $5.99.
\r\n\r\n SPLIT-END REPAIR like Clairol Herbal Essences Long Term Repair Leave In Split End Protector, $3.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with straight hair
Apply mousse to a boar bristle brush to get a more even and less sticky application. You\'ll get the volume without the frizz. \r\n\r\nApply a little shine serum to your palms and rub hands over the top layer of hair.
\r\n\r\nMake a deep side part and pull hair loosely over one eyebrow and then back so you get a dramatic sideswept effect.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n SHINE SERUM like L\'Oréal Serie Expert Shine Perfecting Serum, $20.
\r\n\r\n MOUSSE like John Frieda Luxurious Volume Mousse, $5.99.
\r\n\r\n BOBBY PINS like Scunci Salon Bobby Pins, $1.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, wavy, thick, caucasian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
laughing woman with short hair and black hat
If your hair tends to get frizzy at the roots and flip out at the ends, use that to your advantage and rock a hat-keeping all the visible style in your ends. Take a large dollop of mousse and run it through towel-dried hair. \r\n\r\nRoughly dry your whole head with a blow dryer.
\r\n\r\nTake a small-barrel curling iron and define face-framing bits. Then, after you put on your hat, rake your fingers through the curls to soften the look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n MOUSSE like Joico Firmwhip Design Foam, $16.
\r\n\r\n CURLING IRON like Remington Protect and Shine Curling Iron allows you to control the temperature settings so it never gets too hot, $16.99.
\r\n\r\n VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO like Phyto Volume Volumizing Shampoo, $24.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with wavy dark brown hair
A super-moisturizing shampoo and conditioner hydrates in the shower so you can use fewer products afterwards.\r\n\r\nGenerously work a prep spray or style primer through damp hair, to bring out your hair\'s natural texture and allowing it to air-dry almost perfectly.
\r\n\r\nUse a little shine serum to fight frizzy ends — the tiniest bit will do the trick.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nPRIMER like Sally Hershberger Supreme Head Style Primer, $24.98.
\r\n\r\nMOISTURIZING SHAMPOO like Freeman Papaya Massive Moisture Shampoo, $3.59.
\r\n\r\n SHINE SERUM like L\'Oréal Studio Line Glossing Cream, $4.61.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, thick, relaxed, wavy, african-american, 30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with curly shoulder length dark brown hair
Use a small curling iron (holding it parallel to your head) and wrap small sections (about an inch) around the barrel for a glam, \'40s look.
\r\n\r\nDo your entire head, curling all the way up on one side of the part. Vary how much curl you get on the other side so you leave a bit of super-smooth roots on one side.
\r\n\r\nSpray your whole head with a setting spray and a bit of shine spray when you\'re done.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\nSMALL CURLING IRON like Revlon Studio 35 Professional Styling Iron, $6.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Sunsilk ThermaShine Detangling Shine Spray, $4.49.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SERUM like Motions At-Home Salon Smoothing Shine Serum, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long wavy dark reddish brown hair
First, give your hair a good helping of deep treatment and then, hop out for a moment and add a little heat with your blow-dryer.\r\n\r\nGet back in the shower and rinse. The heat amps up the benefits of the conditioner considerably.
\r\n\r\nThen, dry hair on a low heat to maintain the shine. Don\'t use a brush, expect when you get to the pieces in the front to help shape the waves.
\r\n\r\nClip hair back and then loosen by pulling hair out toward the front so you get that loose, \'40s pinup look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n DEEP TREATMENT like John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Binding Deep Conditioner, $5.99.
\r\n\r\n HAIR CLIP like Goody Hair Clips, $1.99-$4.99.
\r\n\r\n BLOWDRYER like Conair Full Size Dryer, $15.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, normal, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
girl with long wavy brown hair
Show off your layers by bringing out the wave in your hair. Switch to a clarifying shampoo to get rid of product buildup, which can weigh your natural texture down.\r\n\r\nRun a conditioning styling cream through your hair and let it air-dry while you get dressed, do your makeup and eat breakfast. Try not to touch your hair while it dries to avoid causing frizz.
\r\n\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n CLARIFYING SHAMPOO like Terax Latte Clarifying Shampoo, $20.
\r\n\r\n STYLING CREAM like Nexxus Smoothing Cream, $11.99.
\r\n\r\n ANTI-FRIZZ like Marc Anthony Anti Frizz Balm, $6.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long wavy dark brown hair
Get long, cascading curls with high shine. First, wash and deep condition so you get a healthy, glossy shine.
\r\n\r\nDry hair with a round brush. Then use a large curling iron and, alternating two-inch sections, roll hair around the barrel in one direction and then again in the other direction to create a ripple effect.
\r\n\r\nOnce you\'re done, spritz everything with an aerosol shine spray.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nDEEP CONDITIONER like Burt\'s Bees Hair Repair, $7.99.
\r\n\r\nCURLING IRON like Remington Digital Curling Iron, $25.00.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Biosilk Shine On, $15.50.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, normal, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, blond hair, sexy hair
woman with long dark blond hair
Show off beachy-blonde highlights with an easygoing, tousled look. A brightening shampoo to bring out your highlights, natural or otherwise, makes a huge difference. \r\n\r\nAfter towel-drying hair, spritz root to end with a salt spray to create natural, surfer-girl style. \r\n\r\nDab a little leave-in conditioner on the ends if they start to look fried or dry/dull.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n BLONDE SHAMPOO like John Frieda Sheer Blonde Shampoo, $6.49.
\r\n\r\n SURF SPRAY like Rebecca Bacon\'s Beach Bag Elixir, $25.
\r\n\r\n LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Warren Tricomi Pure Strength Leave-In Conditioner, $25.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, african-american, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long wavy dark brown hair
Run a shine spray through dry hair.
\r\n\r\nUse large rollers on the very ends of your hair and let them sit for five to ten minutes.
\r\n\r\nWork a silicone-based serum through the ends to pull the curls out, leaving the softest hint of a wave.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n
SHINE GLAZE like Frédéric Fekkai Salon Glaze, $28.
\r\n\r\nROLLERS like BaByliss Ceramic 20 Roller Hair Setter, $39.95.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Alterna Spray Shine, $18.60.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair, brown hair
brunette with loose curly hair
Take advantage of your endless mane and go for loose, glossy waves. Start by blow-drying well-conditioned hair with a round brush so it looks silky.
\r\n\r\nTake the sides and back of your hair and roll them up using large hot rollers. Mist with setting spray and take out after only two to three minutes so hair doesn\'t look too done.
\r\n\r\nSpray top pieces (that are dried sleek and straight) with a shine spray and pull over and back, loosely. Fasten with a bobby pin and push forward to create some height in front.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nHOT ROLLERS like Conair Instant Heat Hair Setters, $21.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Biosilk Shine On, $13.
\r\n\r\nDEEP CONDITIONER like Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner, $6.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, wavy, thick, caucasian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with wavy shoulder length red hair
Wash hair with a shine-boosting shampoo and conditioner to get a little extra gloss in the shower. \r\n\r\nSpray a volumizer all over and then blow-dry hair with a round brush.
\r\n\r\nSet two-inch sections of hair with large Velcro rollers, allowing them to sit for at least 20 minutes. Remove rollers and mist entire head with hairspray.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n SHINE SHAMPOOO like Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo, $4, leaves hair 10 times silkier.
\r\n\r\n VOLUMIZER like Alberto VO5 Root Blast, $4, gives you a natural-looking lift at the root.
\r\n\r\n ROLLERS for a vavavavoomy style. Velcro rollers, $5.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, african-american, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with wavy black shoulder length hair
Spritz a thermal protective spray through dry hair to prevent damage and breakage.
\r\n\r\nUse a large curling iron and wrap 1-2 inch pieces around the barrel, holding the iron parallel to your head. Start wrapping from just above the middle of each section so your roots lie flat.
\r\n\r\nRun a tiny but of shine serum through your hair to separate curls so they look softer.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nTHERMAL PROTECTIVE SPRAY like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, $4.79.
\r\n\r\nLARGE CURLING IRON like Revlon Studio 35 Professional Styling Iron, $6.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SERUM like Motions At-Home Salon Care Smoothing Shine Serum, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long curly dark brown hair
Use a deep conditioner once a week if your hair is on the coarse side. \r\n\r\nRun a leave-in conditioner and a little mousse through your hair and rough dry it without a brush.
\r\n\r\nThen, use a large-barrel curling iron and randomly wrap a few sections. Rake your fingers through the curls immediately so they loosen up and look soft.
\r\n\r\nFlip your hair over and spritz with aerosol hair spray.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n LARGE CURLING IRON like Conair Hype Hair Instant Ultra-Hot Curling Iron, $15.
\r\n\r\n HAIRSPRAY like Got2B 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volume Hairspray, $5.99.
\r\n\r\n LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Africa\'s Best Organics Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner, $3.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, normal, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, blond hair, sexy hair
woman with shoulder length blond layered hair and bangs
Towel-dry hair vigorously and run conditioning styling cream through your hair and let it air-dry as you style your bangs. \r\n\r\nBlow-dry your bangs with a round brush, making sure they\'re completely dry.
\r\n\r\nRun a tiny dab of shine serum over bangs to add a little polish to the look. If the rest of your hair isn\'t close to almost dry, attach a diffuser and quickly dry the ends.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n STYLING CREAM like Pureology Nanoglaze Styling Cream, $33.
\r\n\r\n ANTI FRIZZ like Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Shine Anti Frizz Serum, $6.49.
\r\n\r\n DIFFUSER ATTACHMENTS like Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Diffuser, $8.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, thick, wavy, african-american, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with medium length wavy hair
Spritz a thermal protective spray through dry hair to prevent damage and breakage.
\r\n\r\nUse a large curling iron and wrap two-inch pieces around the barrel, holding the iron parallel to your head.
\r\n\r\nRun a tiny but of shine serum through your hair to separate curls so they look softer.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\nTHERMAL PROTECTIVE SPRAY like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, $4.
\r\n\r\nCURLING IRON like Revlon Studio 35 Professional Styling Iron, $6.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SERUM like Motions At-Home Smoothing Shine Serum, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, fine, wavy, african-american, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with medium length curly hair
Spritz a thermal protective spray through dry hair to prevent damage.
\r\n\r\nUse medium-sized hot rollers and roll two-inch sections all the way up. Let rollers sit until they\'re nearly cool (about 10 minutes).
\r\n\r\nMist with a hairspray and unroll hair for voluminous curls that stick around.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nROLLERS like BaByliss Ceramic 20 Roller Hair Setter, $39.95.
\r\n\r\nHAIRSPRAY like Got2B 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volume Hairspray, $5.99.
\r\n\r\nTHERMAL PROTECTIVE SPRAY like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, $4.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, normal, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long dark brown hair
For a sexy, sideswept look, work a texturizer through dry hair with a boar bristle brush.
\r\n\r\nSpray a little hairspray onto a vent brush and tease hair at the crown for a little extra height. Then grab that section and sweep loosely back to the side, fastening with a flower pin accessory.
\r\n\r\nMist entire head with a light hairspray to keep the sexy, tousled look working hard all night.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n
TEXTURIZER like KMS California Hair Play Texture Blast, $16.
\r\n\r\nHAIR SPRAY like Dove Advanced Color Therapy Hair Spray, $5.
\r\n\r\nSHAMPOO like Sally Hershberger Supreme Head Shampoo for Wavy Hair, $9.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, normal, wavy, african-american, 30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with dark brown bob
Work a texture cream through the ends of your hair. Take a flat iron and use a little heat at the roots so everything is straight and shiny.
\r\n\r\nUse a small curling iron on the ends to make them flip up a bit so you get a different sort of texture.
\r\n\r\nRun a shine serum through your hair for a more polished look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nTEXTURE CREAM like Sexy Hair Concepts Short Sexy Hair Slept-In Texture Cream, $15.99.
\r\n\r\nCURLING IRON like Revlon Studio 35 Professional Styling Iron, $6.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SERUM like Citré Shine Shine Miracle Anti-Frizz Serum, $7.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, wavy, thick, caucasian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair, brown hair
woman with curly red hair
Blow-dry hair straight so you get a smooth, silky finish. \r\n\r\nUsing various-sized hot rollers, roll up your entire head of hair (some all the way up, some only half way so you get a variety of textures and curls. Spritz with setting spray and let sit until cool, about 10 minutes.
\r\n\r\nUndo rollers and flip hair upside-down. Then, take a few front pieces and pull up and off to the side, fastening with a small bobby pin for a loose, sideswept effect.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n HOT ROLLERS like Conair Instant Head Hair Setters, $29.99.
\r\n\r\n SETTING SPRAY like Biolage by Matrix Thermal-Active Setting Spray, $15.49.
\r\n\r\nBOBBY PINS like Vidal Sassoon Bobby Pins, $1.29.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long wavy dark brown hair
Thick wavy hair will give you that incredible, movie-star bounce-and-gleam if you get long layers cut. \r\n\r\nCombine leave-in conditioner and styling cream for the perfect balance of hydration and control, comb through damp hair and air-dry.
\r\n\r\nRub a little shine serum in your palms and gather hair like you\'re making a ponytail so you evenly coat every strand.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Paul Mitchell Original The Conditioner, $16.
\r\n\r\n STYLING CREAM like Philip B Crème of the Crop Finishing Crème, $25.
\r\n\r\n SHINE GLAZE like Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, $6.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with long dark brown hair
Add volume to second-day, unwashed hair by running a curling iron through the ends.
\r\n\r\nWarm up a dab of texture pomade in your palms and then rake hands through your hair.
\r\n\r\nFlip hair over and blast with a cool shot of air from your dryer. The result: Sexy, polished bedhead strands.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nCURLING IRON like Conair Satin Finish Ceramic Curling Iron, $19.99.
\r\n\r\nTEXTURE POMADE like Pantene Pro-V Texturize! Defining Pomade, Texture & Shine, $4.49.
\r\n\r\nHAIR DRYER like Chi Turbo Hair Dryer, $135.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, normal, wavy, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
girl with long wavy brown hair
Use an overnight conditioning serum-getting ready in the morning will go a lot faster. Just rinse your hair in the shower (skip shampoo and just give your scalp a good massage).
\r\n\r\nThen, apply a styling cream — thanks to the overnight deep conditioning, your hair will be so much more manageable.
\r\n\r\nA long, layered cut allows your hair to air-dry brilliantly — no heat-styling needed. So you get great style and healthier locks.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nOVERNIGHT TREATMENT like Ted Gibson Replenish Goodnite Hair Serum, $200.
\r\n\r\nSTYLING CREAM like Kérastase Creme Nutri-Sculpt\r\n, $29.99.
\r\n\r\nANTI FRIZZ like Dove Therapy Frizz Control Taming Cream, $4.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, normal, wavy, asian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with wavy hair
Wash hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner for dry/damaged hair — you get the benefits of a conditioning mask without weighing your hair down.\r\n\r\nRun a straightening balm through your hair and let it air-dry.
\r\n\r\nOnce it\'s dry, use a tiny dollop of mousse and scrunch into the midshaft for a face-framing tousled look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n SHAMPOO like Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo, $6.99.
\r\n\r\n STRAIGHTENING BALM like Faroux Systems Straight Guard Styling Cream, $13.99.
\r\n\r\n MOUSSE like Samy Mucho Mousse, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with wavy hair
Wash hair with a curl-enhancing shampoo/conditioner — a great way to bring out your natural wave. \r\n\r\nThen, rake a leave-in conditioner and tiny bit of styling gel though your hair with your hands. Scrunch and pile hair on top of your head and clip with little claw clips.
\r\n\r\nTake hair down 10 minutes later and let it air-dry loosely.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n CURL CONDITIONER like Deva Curl Conditioner, $37.
\r\n\r\n LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like TRESemmé Detangle Leave In Spray, $4.79.
\r\n\r\n STYLING GEL like Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel, $20.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with wavy hair
Coarse hair needs a great cut to keep it from getting unruly and puffy. Go for something that works with your natural wave and gives you a great overall shape. \r\n\r\nSpritz towel-dried hair with a conditioning spray. Then, add a wave-enhancing mousse and scrunch lightly.
\r\n\r\nLet hair air-dry completely for best results.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n \r\n CONDITIONING SPRAY like Back To Basics Sunflower Leave-In Conditioner, $11.99.
\r\n\r\n WAVE SPRAY like Frédéric Fekkai Wave Creating Spray, $19.50.
\r\n\r\n MOUSSE like Sunsilk Captivating Curls Mousse, $3.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
Two brunettes with long wavy hair.
Use a super-moisturizing shampoo-thick, textured hair needs more moisture than most. Wrapping your hair in a warm towel can make the conditioning more intensive without actually using twice as much product. \r\n\r\nRun a curl cream through your damp and newly hydrated locks.
\r\n\r\nUse a diffuser on medium heat to kick-start the drying. Diffuse until hair is half-dry. Air-dry the rest of the way while you get ready.
\r\n\r\nOnce hair is dry, go back in and use a large-barrel curling iron on three or four two-inch sections.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n CURL CREAM like MOP C Curl Curl Defining Cream, $14.95.
\r\n\r\n DIFFUSER like Infiniti by Conair Diffuser, $15.
\r\n\r\n CONDITIONER like Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner, $12.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, red hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
redhead with wavy hair
Go from wavy to curly in no time. Start with a few spritzes of heat-protectant spray — it\'ll save you from damage and help the style hold. \r\n\r\nUsing a large-barreled curling iron, wrap hair from the midshaft to the ends around the barrel. Do your entire head.
\r\n\r\nMist everything with a little shine-boosting hairspray and pull out curls so they look varied and imperfect — a.k.a. natural.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n CURLING IRON like Remington Digital Curling Iron, $24.99.
\r\n\r\n HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY like Joico Thermal Styling Spray, $14.96.
\r\n\r\n SHINE BOOSTING HAIR SPRAY like Got2B Laminating Shine Hairspray, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with long hair
The easiest updo is the kind that\'s only half up. Make a side part. \r\n\r\nTake a front section on either side and twist it back so it stays very loose in front.
\r\n\r\nGather the two sections together in a twist in the back and clip with a small, embellished barrette.
\r\n\r\nSpritz a little shine-spray all over to finish the look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n SHINE SPRAY like Bumble & Bumble Big Shine Spray, $40.
\r\n\r\n HAIR FRAGRANCE like Got2B Styltini Root To Tip Silkener, $5.99.
\r\n\r\n STYLING CREAM like Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti Humidity Styling Cream, $3.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with long hair and bangs
Treat the roots and bangs like you\'re on a mission to straighten. Blow-dry with a round brush and use a flat iron too. Leave the area from mid-strand to your ends damp and untouched by heat stylers. \r\n\r\nMist the rest of your head with a leave-in conditioning mist.
\r\n\r\nScrunch your hair to help form the curls and allow to air-dry for the right mix of sleek and wavy.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n STRAIGHTENING BALM like Rusk Str8 Anti-Curl Lotion, $10.95.
\r\n\r\n LEAVE-IN MIST like Motions At Home Leave-In Conditioner, $2.99.
\r\n\r\n SPRAY GEL like Herbal Essences Set Me Up Spray Gel, $3.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with long straight hair
Second-day hair is super sexy because your natural oils are restored and just the right amount of natural wave has come back. \r\n\r\nTouch up the top layer of your hair with a flat iron but don\'t overdo it so your style looks deflated. Use the iron sparingly and only to work out any unsightly kinks.
\r\n\r\nRun a bit of styling cream mixed with a dab of texturizer through your hair. Flip your hair over and blast it with a little heat from your blow-dryer to activate the product. You\'re left with tousled perfection.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n CONDITIONER like Thermasilk Volumizing Conditioner, $7.59.
\r\n\r\n STYLING CREAM like Pureology Nanoglaze Styling Cream, $33.
\r\n\r\n WAVE-ENHANCING CREAM like Charles Worthington Big Waves Definition Cream, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, thick, wavy, african-american, 30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles
brunette with medium hair and bangs
Start with your bangs and spray them down with a little water mixed with leave-in conditioner.
\r\n\r\nDry them using a small round brush so you get a little oomph right at the ends. Spritz with shine spray.
\r\n\r\nDry the rest of your hair without using too much product. You want the rest of your hair to look a little more matte than your bangs.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nSMALL ROUND BRUSH like Goody Tufted Round Brush, $3.99.
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Alberto VO5 Detangle & Shine Restoring Daily Leave-in Conditioner, $3.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Matrix Color Smart Reflective Shine Spray, $14.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, normal, wavy, african-american, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with straight medium length hair
Refresh your straight style by taking a shine serum and running it through your hair.
\r\n\r\nUse a flat iron on pieces in the front, pulling each section down and toward your chin to create a face-framing shape. Keep the heat setting at a medium level so you don\'t cause damage.
\r\n\r\nSpritz with a setting mist to fight flyaways.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nSHINE SERUM like Motions At-Home Salon Smoothing Shine Serum, $5.99.
\r\n\r\nFLAT IRON like BaByliss Ionic Flat Iron, $85.
\r\n\r\nSETTING SPRAY like Matrix Biolage Thermal-Active Setting Spray, $15.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, normal, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, blonde hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
blonde with wavy hair
Finger-comb through dry hair to get a little volume and separation. \r\n\r\nMist hair with spray gel to give separation, texture and hold.
\r\n\r\nPull one side loosely back, keeping hair in front of your ear-this should look undone and almost messy.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n SPRAY GEL like Pureology Spray Gel AntiFadeComplex, $20.99.
\r\n\r\n ANTI FRIZZ like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Cream, $5.99.
\r\n\r\n CURL SHAMPOOO like Samy Curls Shampoo, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
Brunette with medium length wavy hair.
Comb a conditioning mousse through damp hair. Layer an anti-frizz on top. \r\n\r\nBlow-dry combing fingers through your hair-thanks to the product cocktail, your hair will behave even though you\'re not pulling it straight with a brush.
\r\n\r\nUse a little more anti-frizz wherever you notice flyaways.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n ANTI FRIZZ like John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Leave In Conditioning Spray, $5.99.\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n CONDITIONING MOUSSE like Dove Volumizing Body and Lift Mousse, $4.29.
\r\n\r\n LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Alberto VO5 Daily Weightless Leave-In Conditioner, $4.89.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, normal, wavy, caucasian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with short layered hair
Run a wave-enhancing texture cream through damp hair. \r\n\r\nTwist small sections around your finger and then wrap your head in a towel. Unwrap in 5 minutes and allow hair to air-dry the rest of the way.
\r\n\r\nWhen hair is completely dry, spray on some shine.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n WAVE/TEXTURE CREAM like Short Sexy Hair Bulked Up Texture, $17.96.
\r\n\r\n ABSORBANT TOWEL like Aquis Microfiber Towel, $16.99.
\r\n\r\n SPRAY-ON SHINE like Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Spray, $10.50.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with wavy hair
If you want a quick way to modify a frizzy look, spritz hair with spray gel and rake fingers through hair. \r\n\r\nGather hair in a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, securing with a small elastic. Then twist the hair, secure the impromptu chignon with large bobby pins, allowing the ends to stick out.
\r\n\r\nPull a few pieces out in front if you want a slightly more undone appearance.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n SPRAY GEL like Matrix Biolage Bodifying Spray Gel, $16.99.
\r\n\r\n SHAMPOO like Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo, $2.49.
\r\n\r\n BOBBY PINS like Scunci No Slip Grip Bobby Pins, $3.29.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
two brunettes with long wavy hair and bangs
First thing\'s first: Get shiny sideswept bangs. Run a styling cream through and dry immediately, making sure you pull the brush down and to the side as you go, training the bangs to stay put. \r\n\r\nComb an anti-frizz through your hair (use a brush to make sure you really distribute the product).
\r\n\r\nBlow-dry sections in back with a round brush to smooth out the look. Then, dry the front pieces by combing them through with your fingers so you get that great, sexy wave.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n STYLING CREAM like Rusk Str8 Lotion, $10.95.
\r\n\r\n ANTI FRIZZ will tame flyaways without weighing down fine hair with Neutrogena Triple Moisture Smooth Shine Anti Frizz Cream, $7.39.
\r\n\r\n ROUND BRUSH like Earth Therapuetics Radiant Round Brush, $8.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, caucasian, 15-30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with long layered hair and bangs
Getting the right combo of straight and wavy textures is easy if you have the right cut. \"A few layers throughout makes styling so much easier,\" says NYC stylist Ted Gibson. \r\n\r\nUse a volumizing spray all over. \"People always think of volume at the top, you want it in the back and on the sides as well,\" says Gibson.
\r\n\r\nRun some serum through bangs and blow-dry but don\'t flat iron them — it\'ll make the look too severe compared to the rest of your wavy-ish texture.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n WAVY HAIR SPRAY like Frédéric Fekkai Tousled Wave Spray, $23.
\r\n\r\n VOLUMIZING SPRAY like Alterna Life Volume Spray Mousse, $21.
\r\n\r\n SHINE POMADE with Modern Organic Products Separation and Shine Pomade, $12.99.
