Wavy hair: the complete guide to well-cared-for, defined waves
Wavy hair gets more defined waves with gentle cleansing, just the right amount of conditioner, and gentle drying. FOAM's Ocean Waves cleanses the scalp, while Salted Swirl cares for the lengths with broccoli seed oil and sea salt. Apply a small amount of conditioner to wet hair, rinse thoroughly, and scrunch the waves into shape with your hands.
Wavy hair can be almost straight at the roots, with soft bends forming further down. On other days, its natural wave is more visible throughout the hair. The right care helps the lengths retain their movement without too much product taking over.
What is wavy hair?
Wavy hair forms soft S-shapes and is usually described as hair type 2a, 2b, or 2c. Type 2a has looser waves, 2b has a more defined wave pattern, and 2c has stronger waves that verge on curls. The pattern can vary across the head, and hair strand thickness also affects which care is right for you.
Why waves lose their shape
Too much product can weigh down waves, while dry lengths can easily become rough and frizzy. Rubbing with a towel and brushing dry hair can also disrupt the wave pattern. The key is to use the right amount of conditioning care and let your hair dry without unnecessary handling.
Ocean Waves: cleansing for wavy hair
FOAM's Ocean Waves is a shampoo bar for wavy and curly hair. It cleanses with a gentle, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut. Gently massage into the scalp and rinse thoroughly, without rubbing the lengths together.
Salted Swirl: softness without weighing down your waves
In FOAM's Salted Swirl, broccoli seed oil and sea salt come together in a formula developed for elasticity and shine. Broccoli seed oil is a plant-based oil extracted from broccoli seeds that softens the lengths and helps them feel smooth and manageable.
Sea salt is part of the conditioner formula for curly and wavy hair. Together with moisture-binding glycerin, it helps hydrate and prevent frizz. Salted Swirl is CGM-approved, silicone-free, and handmade in Sweden with plant-based ingredients.
Apply to wet hair after shampooing, focusing on lengths and ends. Start with a small amount, especially if you have fine strands that flatten easily. Gently detangle with your fingers and rinse thoroughly. Learn more about amounts and placement in our guide to conditioner for wavy hair.
Moisturize and give extra care when needed
Dry ends may need more care than the rest of your hair. Adjust the amount of conditioner where your lengths feel rough, instead of applying more product to all your hair. Read our guide to moisturizing wavy hair for more tips.
When your lengths need extra care, FOAM's DREAMY hair can be used as a solid hair mask. Let your hair's needs guide how often you use it. Find out more about extra care in our guide to hair masks for wavy hair.
Drying techniques for natural waves
After rinsing, scrunch the lengths upwards with your palms to gather the waves. Blot away excess water with a soft towel or T-shirt without rubbing. Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat and low speed.
Try to touch your hair as little as possible while it dries. Learn more about plopping, diffusing and air-drying in our guide to styling wavy hair.
Soft lengths and a light touch give your waves room to move on their own terms.
Complete routine for wavy hair
| Step | Product or method | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cleansing | Ocean Waves shampoo bar | Gently massage your scalp and rinse thoroughly |
| Conditioner | Salted Swirl conditioner bar | Start with a small amount on wet lengths and ends |
| Shape your natural waves | Scrunch the lengths upwards with your hands | Gather the waves without pulling on your hair |
| Drying | Air-drying or diffusing | Avoid rubbing or touching your hair too much |
| Extra care when needed | DREAMY hair solid hair mask | Focus on dry areas and adjust the amount |
Learn more about conditioning with our guide to conditioner for wavy hair, or find your technique in our guide to styling wavy hair.