In an attempt to have and maintain waves of high definition, volume, and nourishment, there's frizz, the constant battle with split ends, and the inevitable dryness. In summer, it's not only the sun that does a thing. Even the wind and humidity can take a huge toll on your hair. And in chilly winter, the indoor heating can cause dryness and scalp irritation too. To stay afloat in any weather, there has to be a routine that works for your straight, wavy hair.
2A Straight, Wavy Hair Uniqueness
Straight, wavy hair is that hair that's between straight and wavy. Straight hair is type 1 hair, and wavy hair is type 2 hair. So, if you have hair that isn't that wavy and not straight either, then you are likely to have straight, wavy hair.
2A is that soft, loose S-shaped wave that is sleek with minimal touch-up. This uniqueness comes with its own special needs—routine, care, techniques, and styling hacks. Once you hone these, your natural waves thrive in excellence and beauty.
Characteristics of Straight Wavy Hair
Wave Shape - The waves are less defined. In fact, it is straight at the root but begins to bend along the hair shaft.
Texture - They are considered fine hair. Even at that, 2A wavy hair has more texture and volume than straight hair.
Density - 2A hair is less dense and has a fine texture. This makes it easily weighed down. Thus, you've got to be careful with loading heavy products or using heat tools frequently.
Volume - When it comes to wavy hair, 2A has the least volume, which is primarily because of its flat roots.
Identified your wave type yet? Read: Wavy Hair Types Explained: Find Out Which One You Really Have
How to Care for Straight, Wavy Hair
All wavy hair is not the same, and as such, should be treated uniquely. To keep your 2A hair at its healthiest, you should take proper measures—ranging from product selection to product usage—and this all comes down to routine.
Maximise Wash Days
Every wash day is your chance to provide rich moisture to your hair. Waves are generally prone to frizz, split ends, and dryness, but a regular thing with 2A hair is frizz. This is why moisture is a big deal, and the simple fix is a moisturising shampoo that is sulphate-free and defining. We recommend GK Hair's Moisturising Shampoo for this.
Wash day isn't just loading up on products—how you do it matters. A gentle lather from a lightweight, protein-rich shampoo is all the foundation you need. Then, follow up with a conditioner. This could be a protective conditioner like GK Hair's Shield Conditioner.
2A has a smoother shaft, which allows natural oil to travel down. If you use a lot of products or live in hot places in the UK, your hair is likely to get greasy faster, which will require that you wash it more often. Whichever the case, be sure that it's safe cleansing only.
Incorporate Weekly Treatments
Frizz, dryness, and split ends are not the only hair problems. So many things could go wrong with your hair. If the shampoo and conditioner you currently use don't seem to be giving solutions against these basic problems, then you need a quick shift to GK Hair's Intense Moisture Pack.
Intentionally using products that lock in moisture can keep your hair in its healthiest state. For example, a weekly deep conditioning treatment can help fix problems like dryness. Keratin treatments can also help improve your hair elasticity. We recommend The Best Hair Treatment to repair damaged hair and restore protein to weak strands.
Go Easy on Heat Tools
It takes more than the climate to damage hair. Your routine shouldn't always revolve around heat tools. By all means, avoid heat tools, as their damage is mechanical and can take a while to recover from. Heat tools are one of the hair's greatest arsenals for styling, yet they are not entirely safe.
If heat tools are becoming a ritual, you should suspend them and allow your hair some wait time. If using heat tools like the blow dryer is the only option, attach a diffuser and set the temperature to its lowest. One last thing: It wouldn't be too much to use a heat protectant like GK Hair's ThermalStyleHer Cream as well.
Use Dry Shampoo or Co-Wash
Straight, wavy hair gets really greasy on time, but that shouldn't call for frequent shampooing. There's another way - When it feels greasy or dirty, use a dry shampoo as it absorbs oil, dirt, and buildup without stripping.
Styling Tips for Straight Wavy Hair in the UK
Lighten Up Gently
If you are about to go blonde or blonder (whichever is the case) this summer, play it safe. The British sun doesn't smile. You should consider safe options like balayages or sunkissed highlights. In addition, use a colour-protecting shampoo like GK Hair's Shield Shampoo to prevent a colour mess.
Get Regular Trims
Once every 6-8 weeks, you should get a trim to keep your hair looking healthy and lustrous.
Brush at Your Ends
We like to run a comb through our hair because, actually, that's the beauty of straight hair—smooth and straightened out. For straight, wavy hair, you want to be more careful. Start brushing at your ends and move your way up to your roots. You could first apply a serum to ease the tension from combing.
Do Loose Braids or Twists Overnight
Heatless styles like loose braids are more considerate of your hair. Do it overnight for more definition and a wave that pops.
Refresh Your Waves With a Light Mist
Hydrate your hair during the day with a light spray to combat dryness. If you have used a leave-in conditioner before stepping out, there'd be no need to.
Style Your Hair Upside Down
To give volume, turn your hair upside down before holding it in place with your hair tie. You should also not ditch using a volumising spray here. Use lightweight leave-in conditioners, as wavy hair can be easily weighed down.
Lifestyle Hack for Straight Wavy Hair
It may not be blazing hot every summer, but it's still smart to play it safe. Shield your hair from direct sunlight with protective products like conditioners. You could also wear a hat during outdoor activities. If you are spending time outdoors, wear a hat for extra coverage—just be sure they aren't woolly. However, in winter, you'll need to tweak this routine, such as allowing your scalp to get some daylight.
