Creating Messy Waves at Home

6 Tips for Perfect Textured Waves and Curls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving textured waves or curls that last can sometimes feel like a challenge—especially if your hair lacks texture or grip. The key to creating long-lasting, beautiful curls is all in the prep and technique. Here are my top hair styling tips for creating the perfect waves or curls using simple tools and products!

Tip 1: Start with Prepping Your Hair

Prepping your hair properly is key for creating long-lasting texture. There's nothing worse than trying to create curls with hair that's too slippery or lacking grip.

Start with wet hair and apply your favorite heat protectant spray to safeguard your hair from damage. Follow up with a protein spray to nourish and strengthen the hair. If your hair is naturally curly and frizzy, begin blow-drying it smooth. If your hair is naturally wavy or straight, dry it completely before curling to ensure the best results.

Tip 2: The Right Hairspray for Curling

Once your hair is prepped and dry, apply a light to medium hairspray to your hair. This adds some texture and hold without weighing your hair down.

When curling with a flat iron, the speed at which you move the straightener affects the curl. Move the straightener slowly for tight curls, and faster for looser waves. I personally prefer tighter curls, as they allow for more movement and flexibility, giving me room to personalize the style without worrying about the curls loosening too much.

Tip 3: Curl in Different Directions for Volume

When curling, be sure to alternate the direction of the curls. Curl some sections towards your face and others away from your face—always curl the front sections away from your face. This technique helps create a more natural, textured look, giving the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.

If you curl all sections in the same direction, the curls can end up connecting into one another, creating a sleek, uniform look. While this is beautiful, alternating directions gives more texture and volume.

Tip 4: Keep the Tips Straight for a Natural Look

While curling, consider leaving the tips of your hair straight in some sections. I love keeping the bottom section of my hair straighter, as it helps preserve length. This is also a great technique for your face-framing pieces, as it gives a softer, more relaxed finish.

Feel free to experiment and decide whether you want to keep the tips straight for all your curls or just for a few pieces—it’s all about personalizing the look.

Tip 5: Add Texture and Volume with a Texturizing Spray

Once you’ve finished curling, allow your hair to cool before applying a texturizing spray. This spray will give your hair grip, texture, and volume, helping the curls last longer and feel more full-bodied. After applying the spray, use your fingers to gently run through the curls or grab a wide-tooth comb to loosen them up for a more relaxed, beachy look.

Tip 6: Section Your Hair for Better Control

When brushing out your curls, I like to section my hair for more control. This allows me to personalize each curl and make sure I’m achieving the exact texture I want. Don’t be afraid to add more texturizing spray or hairspray as needed. Sometimes, you might need to go over a few curls again to perfect them.

Once you’ve achieved your lived-in curls or waves, be sure to tag Tees Hair Lounge on Instagram and TikTok to show off your gorgeous results!