Wavy Hair Routine for Beginners: A Step-by-Step 2A–2C Guide
Updated: Jul 26
If you're new to embracing your natural waves, the sheer amount of advice out there can feel overwhelming. Plopping, scrunching, microplopping — the terminology alone is enough to make anyone want to reach for a flat iron. Here's a simple, beginner-friendly routine that strips away the noise.
Step 1: Cleanse Without Stripping Your Waves
Wash with a sulfate-free formula and focus shampoo on your scalp only, letting the suds rinse through the lengths. Waves are more prone to looking flat and greasy than curlier types, so over-washing or under-washing can both throw off your pattern — aim for two to three times a week to start.
Step 2: Condition and Detangle in the Shower
Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends and gently finger-detangle or use a wide-tooth comb while the hair is fully saturated. This is the easiest time to remove knots without disrupting the wave pattern later.
Step 3: Apply Product to Soaking Wet Hair
Waves respond best when product is applied to dripping wet hair, not towel-dried hair. Work a lightweight oil through in sections, then scrunch upward toward your scalp to encourage the S-bend to form.
A little goes a long way with wavy hair. The Crown Care Therapy Oil works well in this step since it's lightweight enough not to weigh down looser wave patterns while still delivering moisture where you need it.
Step 4: Plop or Air Dry, Don't Rough-Dry
Skip the terry cloth towel. Either let your waves air dry undisturbed, or plop them in a microfiber towel or soft t-shirt for 10–15 minutes to remove excess water without creating frizz.
Step 5: Scrunch Out the Crunch
Once fully dry, lightly scrunch the hair with your hands to break up any cast and release soft, touchable waves.
Give It Two Weeks Before You Judge the Routine
Your hair needs time to adjust to a new routine, especially if you're coming from heat styling or heavier products. Stick with these five steps consistently for two weeks before deciding what to tweak.
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