Get ready for an affordable, easy hair routine for wavy hair! This follows the curly girl method, so feel free to share it with both your wavy friends and curly friends! I detail how to use each product for each wash day, and also the other treatments to do less often (like a hair mask!)
Yet again stealing these words were from a different hair routine: As a wise wavy once said, “It takes way longer to write out how I apply the products than it does to actually apply them.” Truth. Don’t be scared by how long this looks! I’m trying to give the most comprehensive information possible!
Note: I prefer to wash my hair at night, but I wrote a section for morning tips too.
note: **this shampoo contains amodimethicone, which is NOT like other silicones. This one does not coat the hair in the same way as other silicones. However, I will provide an alternative below that is completely cone free, keep reading!
First of all, hooray for us! The curly and wavy hair community have absolutely pushed companies to create more sulfate free and silicone free options at a great price point. This option by Aveeno is no exception. The line that caught me was “oat as the first ingredient.” Most shampoos/low-poos have water or maybe aloe vera juice as the top ingredient. So to see this “colloidal oat extract” as the top ingredient got me to try it. And I’m so glad I did! Between that and the amodimethicone (a-cone as it’s often shortened to), my hair feels smooth and soft.
Alternative: If you really, really want to stay away from A-cone, another gentle shampoo option is the Odele Smoothing Shampoo.
How I Use: Basically, I use the Aveeno Rose Water & Chamomile Blend Shampoo as a “normal” shampoo. While the name doesn’t say it, this IS a low-poo because it’s sulfate free! Low-poos are very user friendly if you are just starting your natural hair journey. I use about a quarter size amount and lather into my scalp. Don’t lather into your ends or they will get dry. This shampoo (low-poo) lathers very well and is quite cleansing. If you use water soluble silicones you’ll have no trouble rinsing those out. I wash my hair twice most times to be sure all product is out. I fully rinse in between. I also focus on my scalp this entire time, and don’t intentionally put any shampoo onto the lengths of my hair. As your rinse the shampoo out, the ends get very gently cleansed. The scalp is where build up actually occurs, so that’s where to focus.
To make this clear to any new readers, no this isn’t sponsored. I just like using full product lines.
How I Use: First things first I will use a little of this conditioner to detangle my hair (with my fingers) and rinse completely. I detangle all the way up to my roots, and this part of conditioning takes me less than a minute. This must be rinsed out quickly or the hair gets weighed down. The I do the “real” conditioning. I use the “squish to condish” method, and I’m not sure exactly who to credit this technique to (if anyone knows please tell us below and I will edit this). But basically, you flip your head over and “squish” your conditioner into your hair by scrunching it into soaking wet hair. I then let this conditioner sit on my hair while I do all the rest of my non-hair shower stuff. Then, to rinse out, I switch the water to room temperature/cool, change the water setting to a less aggressive water pressure, flip my head over, and rinse out while detangling/scrunching… I actually change my water settings so that a little bit of the conditioner stays in the lengths of my hair. Approximately 95%-98% of the conditioner is removed. Then I move onto the next step….
IF there’s only ONE product you take away from this hair routine, let it be the Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Simulator. The name doesn’t lie, this stuff is MAGICAL. It makes the hair soft, enhances waves, and calms frizz. It’s a holy grail that I’ll repurchase over and over.
How I Use: Once my hair is rinsed, I stay flipped over and lightly scrunch about 3 pumps into my hair. Keep in mind I have coarse, thick hair that is below my chest. Start with less as you test out the product and build up to your perfect amount with each wash. This curl activator also has good slip, so if your hair is tangly, rake the product through (if your hair has a very light wave, rake very gently or you’ll pull out the waves!). Then I immediately get into the next step…..
Once I’ve got the UFD Curl stimulator in, I twist my hair into the turbie twist. I think this actually helps my waves form into more ringlets/waves. Then, I go to bed. Yep, I do my hair at night 9 times out of 10. Keep reading if you take morning showers!…
If you MUST shower in the morning…..
Leave your hair in the turbie twist for at least 20 minutes. This is a great time to do your skincare routine (click here for my skincare faves!) and/or makeup. Or try to wrangle your two toddlers and huge Australian shepherd (or is that just me?!). Then, get your hair to 80% dry. You might leave your hair in the turbie twist longer, or scrunch it with a regular microfiber towel (or tshirt), or diffuse. Personally, I don’t like to spend the time diffusing – remember those toddlers? – but if that’s your thing go for it! I love the Xtava Black Orchid because it is HUGE. Check out this set that includes a dryer and the black orchid. Just don’t move onto the next step until your hair is *at least* 80% dry, but NOT fully, 100% dry. You want a little give and for there to be good chunks of waves to use a product with hold, and you want to do this before the frizz starts.
Ah yes, back to this holy grail. That’s right, this routine contains TWO holy grail products! The Herbal Essences Totally Twisted is my favorite mousse. It offers a good hold but without getting crunchy. p.s. If you DO notice crunch, wait until the hair is 100% dry then scrunch your hair while it’s dry!
How I use: I take my hair out of the turbie twist. For me if I sleep overnight, my hair is about 80% dry. That’s where I want it: dry enough to soak in the product, but damp enough to distribute it before it frizzes. If my hair is any drier /I will lightly scrunch in a bit of water from the sink. Nothing too detailed, I just want some moisture there. I then scrunch mousse until my hair feels coated. This is typically 4 golf ball sizes out mousse for my medium thickness, coarse, long hair. Really, you can look at the pictures in my 2 minute refresh post and the technique is quite similar (my hair is about double the length now!). I do not put mousse directly at my roots. That causes buildup/grease. I apply it up to about 4 inches from the roots. I find if I go any higher that my hair gets too much build up on days 2-4.
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You might be wondering about root clipping/volume. TBH, most days I flip my hair “against” my part until it’s dry, then once it is dry, flip it to the “normal” side. That’s my simplest method. Also, using mousse means your hair isn’t as heavy as it would be with gels/creams. But also….I don’t worry too much about root volume. In the scheme of things, I’d rather not worry. My commute would allow for 20 minutes of clipping, so I did do my triceratops root clipping method if you need an in-between. But if you want my “normal” routine….this is it. I’m done! If you are interested in diffusing, I love the Xtava Black Orchid because it’s HUGE, which means you can get your hair done relatively fast.
There are other parts of my hair routine that I consider my routine but aren’t done with each wash. If you want a detailed blog post on any of these, please comment below. I love to share what YOU want, wavy friend!
How I use: Basically whenever I notice my hair is dry, I’ll use this in place of a regular conditioner. In the winter months, I’ll use this every other wash. In spring-fall, maybe every 4th wash.
How I use: same as the GVP conditioning balm, just something else to change it up.
How I use: I very gently work the brush through, starting from only an inch or two own from my hair. I go up a couple of inches with each stroke until I’m at my roots. I lose SO much less hair than detangling in the shower. Plus it’s easier to deal with, and the drains don’t clog (really though. We’re friends here, it’s fine.)
How I use: same as the GVP conditioning balm, just something else to change it up.
I wrote a whole post about apple cider vinegar! I do this….whenever I think about it. Usually that means every 6 weeks or so. If you want info on ACV rinses be sure to check
If I’m just bored of my waves and want to change things up, I’ll do flexi rods in my hair overnight. How I use: with 95% dry hair, I’ll wrap small sections around each rod as if I was curling the hair with a clipless curling iron. Then I sleep on hem (the foam makes it tolerable), and carefully remove in the morning. It’s a satisfying way to try a new look without heat damage! If you’d like a full post on these, please comment below so I know.
If my scalp is disgusting but I also want to have freshly washed hair within the next two days (i.e. on a Thursday before a saturday event or something) I’ll co-wash. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a Wavy Hair 101 post on co-washing!
Phew! That covers pretty much everything! I hope this helps you whether you’re new to your natural wavy hair journey, or just want to read someone else’s routine! Be sure to comment below if you try this routine, or love anything mentioned. Comments, questions, critiques, and suggestions asked respectfully are always welcome! 🙂
First, I wanted to say your website has been very helpful. I actually already use the Herbal Essence mousse but was not using it right. Second, do you not use gel anymore? Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that! Glad you’ve got a product to try to use a new way. I typically only use gel in the hot and humid summer months! I find if I use it other times it weighs my waves down and leads to build up. Hope that helps! -Rachel
Rachel, that is so helpful! When applying gel in summer months, do you use gel on refresh days, just day 1 or every day? Also, do you scrunch in gel and then the mouse? Thank you!
I don’t use gel on refresh days, only mousse. If I add in gel, I will do that step in the shower, directly after a curl enhancer. I’ve got a couple of posts about gel here and here. I plan to write up a routine on how I use gel in a routine shortly so be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss it! Hope that all helps 🙂 -Rachel
Just found your website and I love it! I have 2a/2b hair and it’s a love hate relationship. I grow it out and then cut it again because I just get tired of the battle. Been looking for an easier routine than I have seen. Many I have looked at are so complicated and I am all about lazy girl hair. Thank you for the great tips.
Ugh, I totally get that love/hate thing! Glad you enjoyed the read; hope it all helps! 🙂 -Rachel
My wavy/curly (2a/2b) hair tends to look a complete mess if I don’t brush it down flat before it dries. I don’t want to brush it down, but I don’t know how else to control it. If I follow this routine, will I have a more manageable curl pattern without brushing? Do you really just detangle with conditioner, put it in a twist, and then let it air dry?
Pretty much! It can take several minutes in the shower to fully detangle my hair, and certain products with good “slip” really help with this. If you have tangles often, I highly recommend DRY detangling by brushing your hair with a tangle teezer before getting it wet. That has always made a BIG difference for me. I’m not sure why they work so well but I’ve had my tangle teezer since 2011 and it’s still my go to! Hope that helps! -Rachel
Almost every CG resource says only wet detangle, which I’m realizing didn’t do enough for my fine, wavy hair no matter how much water and conditioner I added. Dry detangling before a shower was a GAME CHANGER for me. For the first time ever, my 2a-2c waves came out defined and separated instead of a rat’s nest. Thank you for sharing your technique! 🙏
So glad it worked for you! Hooray definition 🙂 -Rachel
Hi! I’m trying to start this routine for the first time, and this was really helpful so thank you! I had a couple of questions – firstly, I have seen other sources where you do a ‘final wash’ before the low poo, is there a reason this routine excludes that? And secondly, how often do you go through your routine? Sorry if that was in here and I missed it
Hi there! I’ve been sulfate/silicone free since 2016 so I don’t typically mention final washes much. I do talk about sulfates more here because I do use them a handful of times a year (and I go into what those situations are in the post here). I typically do the routine here once every 4-5 days 🙂 Hope that helps! -Rachel
I just discovered my wavy 2a/2b hair. I am still learning all the tips and tricks to having a good routine. How often do you apply curl enhancer and mousses? This article has been so helpful, thanks!
Oh fun, hope it’s going well! Wavy hair can have a learning curve for sure. I do the curl enhancer every time I wash/conditioner my hair (every 4-5 days), and mousse I add a bit each day with my 2 minute refresh method that you can read about here. Hope that helps! Good luck! -Rachel
I’m trying to embrace my natural waves and looking for resources online. I like how your method is fairly descriptive with examples of products. Just slightly confused with the conditioning step. Do you apply conditioner to your ends and work your way up detangling with your fingers and immediately rinse out then reapply conditioner again to do the squish to condish method? Because you mention having to rinse it out quickly but then mention leaving it on while you do your other shower stuff.
YES! What you wrote here is exactly what I do. I’ll try to look through the wording and make sure it’s clear enough. You aren’t the first person to ask this, oops! -Rachel
Thanks for the quick reply! Excited to start switching over 😀
Not a problem, good luck! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the info 🙂
Hi! As someone with wavy hair (2a/2b) who is just starting to consider embracing it, I really love your blog. There are a lot of helpful tips, and it’s both more digestible than a lot of other information and really helpful as a format to put your own products and modifications into. I just have two questions for you. The first is a point of clarification, in that: are you saying that your use of gvp conditioning balm, coconut oil, and yes to tea tree shampoo are interchangeable? My second question is: understanding that you only wash and condition your hair every 4-5 days, and assuming that you shower in between, what do you do with your hair? Do you wear a shower cap or do you just let the water run over your hair or something else I haven’t thought of?
Hi Brittany! Thanks so much on the feedback. To answer your questions 1. not quite interchangeable! I can use GVP conditioning balm as a “normal” conditioner OR a deep conditioner. I can use Yes to Tea Tree conditioner as a co-wash OR “normal” conditioner. I use Yes to Tea Tree shampoo as a “normal” shampoo (not sure if you meant conditioner there so I’m answering for both) and coconut oil I only use as a deep treatment. Hope that helps! Your second question, yep! About every 4-5 days. On the other days I primarily put my hair into a bun and don’t get it wet. If I workout, I will rinse the “edges” of my scalp line about one inch in (to remove the sweat). I don’t use a shower cap though that could be helpful! Hopefully that all helps 🙂 I’ll probably create a post about FAQs on here because so many people have asked great questions! -Rachel
Awesome, great to know. Also, what do you do to detangle your hair on days when you don’t wash it? My hair definitely needs some help in between but I don’t want to brush out my waves.
I don’t detangle my hair in between with brushing or any particular product. I sleep with it in a scrunchie if it’s dry or in the microfiber turban if it’s wet/drying. I use this 2 minute refreshing method, and in that I would address any tangly sections. A lot of times simply getting that hair wet and lightly applying product does the trick for defining the waves.. My hair isn’t super tangly in between though unless I put it in a tight bun. To avoid that, I use a big claw clip to keep my hair out of my face (like a half up/half down, pulled back with a clip). Hope that helps! -Rachel
I shower at night too. Do you SLEEP in the turbine twist and take it off the in the morning. Or do you take it off before bed?
9 times out of 10 I sleep in it! If I don’t, I then “pineapple” my hair with a scrunchie.
I’ve been using the aveeno shampoo and conditioner suggested here. They work great but I’m not the biggest fan of the scent. I was hoping to use their blackberry quinoa one, can I sub for that or does it have ingredients I should be avoiding? (It does mention protein in it so not sure if that will be an issue)
I’m not the biggest fan of the scent for the aveeno shampoo and conditioner recommended here. Is it possible to use others from them? Like the blackberry and quinoa one? Not sure if it has ingredients that I should be avoiding
Hi Mariah! I think the only difference in the line is the fragrance. You should be good to try that one out. I’d love to hear if you like it! Thanks -Rachel
Hi, I have been working with the Curly Girl Method for around seven months now, and my 2a waves just look horrible. I am looking for styling advice for those of us who don’t get enough organized waves to make their hair look just messy/beachy. I get some actual curls, some good wave, a whole bunch of really wrong waves, and some fairly straight if I just arrange my hair as it comes straight out of the plop and leave it to dry. However, before the CGM, when my hair was shorter, I could get nice waves just by finger combing it backwards as it dried and alternately pulling it gently away from my scalp to get body. When my hair is long, it looks like cotton candy fluff. I always tell my hairdressers that if my hairs would get their act together and agree to organize, I could have curls. When I found the CGM, I hoped I had found the solution, but my hair seems too stubborn. Any tips to share? BTW, Lorraine Massey is the one who “invented” the CGM and the “squish to condish” method as far as white girls go. Our black sisters knew and were practicing at least some of these methods long before. Her book is The Curly Girl Handbook.
How much heat styling did you do prior to those 7 months? did you cut off that damage? Asking because I eventually had to do that. Hmmm it sounds like you need your hair to “clump” into waves a bit more. I’d say as you condition, flip your head over, VERY LIGHTLY finger comb through the hair, then scrunch small sections individually. That I find encourages the clumps/waves. I also use that technique with the UFD Curly magic by coating each clump. Yes to the CG Handbook, but I didn’t think she mentioned squish to condish? I’ll have to double check. And absolutely regarding black women! Hope that all helps a bit! -Rachel
Hi Rachel! I just came across your page after realizing I have more of type 2a hair than type 1 hair. My mom has naturally curly hair so growing up I’ve always had weird waves in my hair but I always thought I had naturally straight hair, until now. My hair is fine but prone to build up and oil on my scalp. I haven’t really found the right wavy hair product for me, so right now I’m using shea moisture makuna honey and yogurt repair leave in treatment since my hair is dry and frizzy due to getting it dyed blonde. Do you have any recs? I try to stay away from products that are sulfate and paraben-free along with gluten due to celiac. I’ve never tried any wavy hair methods, but coming across yours made me want to try it!
Hi Laney! The treatment you mention is a great deep treatment! I’d highly recommend GVPCB (here’s a link!) as a conditioner if you have lightened your hair recently. It’s very moisturizing! I’d say to try the mousse mentioned here too, but if the weather is very humid near you then you may need a gel too. I’d start with mousse and see how that works! Good luck, and subscribe so you don’t miss more helpful tips, thanks! -Rachel
I tried UFD really hoping it would enhance my 2a-2c hair but I experienced horrible flash drying and frizz. I immediately couldn’t bring a comb or denman brush through my hair so I rinsed it out thoroughly and started over. I have since heard that many others have had a similar experience from this particular product. I don’t know if my hair hates all aloe or if it’s just the UFD but I’d like to find an alternative that will work well for wavy hair and not weigh it down. Do you have any suggestions?
It might be the time of year! I’ve noticed flash drying this past month too! I assume it’s the aloe and the weather. The other thing could be that your hair is over-moisturized and needs protein. I’ve got a post about these neutral protein filler drops that I use when my hair needs protein. So I’d first try your routine without the UFD and see what happens (without replacing it), and if that doesn’t work I’d try adding protein (these are the protein drops I use). If NONE of those work, homemade flaxseed gel is also a great option. There’s a recipe here. Many flaxseed gels for sale include aloe, which I wouldn’t recommend right now.
I can’t find the UFD stuff in stock anywhere…any idea what else I could use or where I could find it? I have never tried the CGM but have been interested lately trying with my 2B hair that always ends up in a ponytail or bun because I don’t want to take the time to straighten it 😂
Hi there! Bummer about UFD, I’ve heard that a lot lately. Another curl enhancer that is similar is Camille Rose Curl Maker. Another option that is a bit more pricey but seems great is Ecoslay Orange Marmalade. You can most DEFINITELY start your wavy hair journey without either of these products though! On rushed days I skip this step. Hope that helps! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss new posts and feel free to read mroe of our info. Good luck on your waves! -Rachel
How does the UFC work on non-coarse, finer hair? My hair tends to get weighted down but heavy conditioners (I’ve never been able to co-wash) and oils. Think this would still work? I’m super low-maintenance but would love to help my waves stick around a little longer!
Hi there! I think the UFD Curly Magic works great with fine hair, but you may want to use a bit less, and be aware of how much other product you’re using if that makes sense? For fine hair, I’d say use this OR a leave-in product, but not both (it’ll get weighed down). At this time, UFD Curly Magic is sold out nearly everywhere. If you can find it you’re lucky! Another option I’ve been recommending in place of is the Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Hope that helps! -Rachel
Hi! Just really preparing to begin my journey with the cgm – question about the clarifying shampoo? The post says you use it just like the GVP conditioner? Am I reading that right ?
You caught a typo! Oops! Sorry about that. I clarify once every 4-5 washes on average. Here’s a post all about clarifying. GVP Conditioning Balm should be used as a rinse out conditioner or deep conditioner. It definitely won’t clarify. Sorry about that and great catch! I’ll edit that shortly. -Rachel
I’ve just discovered that I actually have wavy 2b/c hair instead of frizzy straight hair! I’ve really been struggling with coming up with a simple routine and not overbuying unnecessary products and stumbled upon this post, which has definitely pointed me in the right direction! Since my hair is quite damaged after bleaching it yet again and my waves aren’t very defined, what would be your recommended products for both moisturisng it and defining waves? Also, any tips for a newbie would be very welcome!
Yay!! Welcome to the whole wavy hair method journey thing 🙂 Ugh, it’s tough to not go crazy on new products at first! Typically bleached hair needs protein. So I’d suggest this mask to use as a deep treatment (it has both moisture AND protein!). Only use it once a week at first though! For definition I like to use KCKT. We’ve got lots of tips so be sure to subscribe for emails when new posts come out. For now, check out this post on differences in the “curly girl method” and the “wavy hair method.” Again, welcome! -Rachel
Great to see a post by someone with coarse hair!
Thank you! Us coarse wavies with less “wavy” waves seem to be a bit of a unicorn! (not sure if it’s in a good way or not 😂 ) Welcome! 🙂 -Rachel
Hey there! The aveeno rose and chamomile shampoo says it is safe but the conditioner comes up unsafe on curlscan.com – do you know why this is or could it be a typo? I really want to use both of them! Thank you!
Yep! That would be the amodimethicone (a-cone). This post should mention that ingredient (I’ll double check now!). A-cone acts differently than other silicones, so some wavies like myself love it. If you want a fully CGM shampoo, check out this one! I have a post coming about my fall/winter wavy hair routine (using a different low-poo) so be sure to subscribe if you aren’t yet! 🙂 -Rachel