A different wave...

In most of the shoots that I do, especially when it comes to beauty editorials, I prefer models who have nice and soft wavy hair. Creating a “tidy mess” is what makes this image work. The soft wavy hair looks very nice and sexy. If you go to a salon and the hairstylist can give your hair nice and soft big waves just by using his blow dryer and his brush, then you are guaranteed that this kind of wave will last longer. If you want to do it yourself, it will take a lot of work depending on the length and thickness of your hair. It can take you about an hour and a half to achieve this look.

But if you don’t have the time to go to a salon, follow the “Get the wavy look” steps as a guide for you.

You have to start with the right products if you have to fix your own hair. Using the right products means starting with your shampoo and conditioner. In choosing the right shampoo, you’ll know it if the shampoo is the right one for your hair when while you’re rinsing your hair, it does not feel dry and tangled up. You should still be able to run your fingers through your hair even with just your shampoo. Try Pantene Pro-V shampoo (named as one of the best hair products by Allure magazine, October 2008 issue). When you apply your conditioner, it instantly becomes super soft and you can easily run your fingers through your hair under the shower. Biolage conditioner, still according to Allure, is both thickening and thirst quenching. Combine these products together and I promise you, you will be able to achieve this look on your own.

Next step, after shampooing, make sure to use only one product before drying your hair. Using a lot of products will make it harder for you to style your hair because they will weigh the curls down. Sebastian’s Potion #9 is a favorite product used by professionals on Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Aniston. It’s a leave-on conditioner and also a styling product in one so it leaves your hair soft and healthy looking. It doesn’t weigh the hair down, it actually makes your hair soft and bouncy. 

Now, before you blow dry, you need to section first your hair. This will help you make blow drying easier and more effective. Once you’re done, use your curling iron. I recommend you purchase either the Vidal Sassoon (the thick gold curling iron) or the Babyliss brand. Both brands are available in all Watsons pharmacy and Rustan’s department stores. Using the right tools will help you recreate this look successfully. I repeat, section your hair first before starting. After doing your first curl, leave that section curly, don’t run your fingers through it and continue on doing the rest until you have curled your hair entirely. When you’re done, all you need to do is to lightly run your fingers through your hair. Then give it a bit of shake and you’re all set! It will just give your arms quite a bit of a workout but once you have achieved this look, you can clearly see that it’s well worth it!

I like this “clean mess” simply because it looks effortless. Little do they know how much effort is put on this wavy look to make it as soft and bouncy and natural looking as possible. This is the best-kept secret why this simple but undeniably sexy look works so well on every woman of any age. If you’d rather have a professional do it, then I have narrowed down below the best salons that can actually do it. Trust me, one day, when you’re out on a trip and you have an important event to go to on a holiday when salons are closed and you only have your iron to depend on, it will be nice to be able to actually look good with nice big waves that you did on your own. So, enough with just pulling your hair back when you feel helpless fixing it, practice doing the wave and show off your crowning glory.

Get the wavy look:

1. Start with shampoo that is suited for your hair type. Moisturizing shampoo for dry hair and color treated hair.

2. If your hair is oily, you don’t need to use conditioner. Use a shampoo that is suited for your hair.

3. If you have dry and color treated hair, make sure to use a conditioner with a formulation that is for dry or color treated hair.

4. Don’t over apply products on your hair before drying it. If you do, it will be harder to manage it as your hair will be weighed down.

5. If your hair is dry and color treated, try using Sebastian’s Potion #9 on wet hair before you start drying your hair. This product is a leave-on conditioner and will help make your hair healthy and very soft.

6. Another product to try is Bed Head’s Uptight. Just spray this product on damp hair.

7. Make sure to dry your hair with a brush first before using your curling iron.

8. Always remember that sectioning your hair is very important. Comb the section first before starting to use the curling iron.

9. Start with one section, make it about as thick as your two fingers. Start from the tip of your hair then roll it up.

10. Be very careful that your ears won’t get burned from the hot curling iron.

11. Wait just a few seconds before loosening the curling iron to release the hair.

12. Lightly run your fingers through your curly hair.

13. Shake your head to give body to your hair.

Best salons to get nice waves:

1. Henry Calayag Salon: G/F, The Residences at Greenbelt, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City (799-1888)

2. Propaganda Salon: 3/F, Greenbelt 1, Makati City

(0917-8306515)

3. Fix Salon at the Podium (633-1557)