8 Hair Secrets for Effortlessly Sexy, Voluminous Waves

There's something undeniably magnetic about big, soft, touchable waves — the kind that look like you just stepped off a photoshoot (or out of a convertible). The secret is that "effortless" hair usually involves a little strategy. Here are eight secrets to get that volume and movement at home.

1. Start with the right wash

Flat hair often comes from heavy products, not your hair type. Use a volumizing or lightweight shampoo, and apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends only — keep it away from the roots. A clarifying wash every week or two removes buildup that weighs hair down.

2. Rough-dry before you style

Blow-dry with your fingers until hair is about 80% dry, flipping your head upside down for the first few minutes to lift the roots. Then switch to a round brush only for the top sections and the pieces around your face.

3. Use volume products at the roots — not everywhere

Spray a root-lifting product or mousse directly onto damp roots before drying. On the lengths, a light texturizing spray or heat protectant is all you need. Too much product everywhere is the fastest route to crunchy, flat waves.

4. Always use heat protection

Heat styling is how most of us get waves, so protect your investment. Mist a heat protectant evenly through dry hair before using a curling iron or wand, and keep the temperature as low as works for your hair texture.

5. Curl away from your face, then alternate

For soft, modern waves, wrap 1–2 inch sections around a 1 to 1.25 inch wand or iron. Curl the front pieces away from your face, then alternate directions for the rest. Leave the last inch of each section out — straight ends look more relaxed and less "pageant."

6. Let the curls cool completely

This is the step everyone skips. Hair sets as it cools, so don't touch your curls for a few minutes after styling. Pin them up while they cool if you want them to last all night.

7. Break them up and add texture

Once cool, flip your head over and gently shake out the curls with your fingers. Finish with a texturizing spray, scrunching it into the mid-lengths and ends for that lived-in, piece-y movement.

8. Protect your waves overnight

Make day-two hair even better: sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase and loosely twist your hair on top of your head with a soft scrunchie. In the morning, refresh roots with dry shampoo and you're good to go.

Heatless option: the overnight braid

Prefer to skip the heat? Braid slightly damp hair into two loose braids before bed (or try a satin heatless curling rod). In the morning, release, shake out and finish with texture spray for soft, beachy waves.

Your waves toolkit

• A volumizing shampoo and lightweight conditioner
• A root-lift spray or mousse
• A heat protectant spray
• A 1 to 1.25 inch curling wand or iron
• A texturizing spray and dry shampoo
• A silk pillowcase and silk scrunchies