Gustav Fouche

Envying beach waves and curly locks when you have straight hair is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you open a magazine or Instagram. Creating these luscious locks don’t need to be complicated or damaging to your hair using tongs or hair straighteners.

A simple but classic technique is to use rollers, whether you have old fashioned rollers or velcro rollers (the latter can be bought online in different sizes at very reasonable prices). Make sure your hair is damp, apply a mousse or soft spray gel, comb the hair through, distributing the product evenly in the hair. 

Next take sections of hair the size of the rollers you’re going to use, roll the hair around the roller pulling the hair slightly in the opposite direction the hair is going to fall, making sure the ends are wrapped around the roller. Let the hair dry naturally, this process might take some time, so plan this beforehand and make sure your hair is dry before removing the rollers. Brush the hair with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the curl.

Another brilliant way to create some waves is to plait the hair, preferably the night before. Again with damp hair, section the hair in half, from the middle of the forehead  all the way to the back in the neck, braid the hair maintaining even tension but not too tight. Secure the hair with elastics at the bottom of the braid. Let this dry during the night and remove the elastics once you’re sure the hair dry. This easy technique will create a soft beachy wave.

To make your bouncy blowdry last longer than a day, twist your hair (not too tight) in a round, sausage-like ponytail, twisting the hair into a bun. Secure the hair with bobby-pins or a big hair clip on top of your head. This quick and easy technique will ensure your bouncy blowdry lasts longer, as the hair is not hanging down and sleeping won’t ruin your blowdry.

The very old fashioned way is to tie the hair up in rags. Strips of fabric are used, about an inch in width, preferably longish in length. Best to be done on damp hair, take sections about an inch in size, tie the piece of material close to the root area, wrapping the hair around the material, making sure the hair is twisted around the fabric and tie it again securely by the root. Repeat this all over the head until all sections are done. Let this dry overnight. Untie your knotted twists gently in the morning, shaking the hair loose with your fingers. This will give you a messy, bead head waves.

Trying one of these techniques during lockdown is a great way to learn how to style and create movement without using heat directly on the hair. 

Happy twisting!