Whether your hair is bone straight or a mass of curls, anyone can get beautiful waves with a simple traditional three-strand braid. Below are tips for how to achieve different kinds of waves using braids in different hair types.

Big Waves for Curly Hair

To create large waves in long curly hair, start by washing and conditioning the hair thoroughly. Brush the hair well with a comb and make one tight braid down your back starting at the nape of the neck. Let hair air dry in the braid. After hair has had several hours or overnight to dry, carefully take out the braid, and gently separate the strands of waves that are normally curls. Hair spray lightly, making sure not to get the hair too wet so that it will not curl up again.

Big Waves for Straight Hair

Waves in straight hair are best achieved from two tight braids fashioned at the nape of the neck while the hair is dry and thoroughly detangled. Sleep in the braids overnight. If your hair is fine or does not hold curl well, put a light layer of hairspray on the outside of the braids before taking the braids out.

Small Waves for Curls

To create small waves in curly hair, wash, condition and comb the hair. Part hair down the middle and make two braids on each side of the head, for a total of 4 braids. Make sure the braids are not too far to the front of the head, so that when you take the braids out the style is not naturally pulling towards the front. Make the braids tight, or else they will simply curl as the hair is drying. After the hair has had several hours to dry, remove the braids and separate carefully.

Small Waves for Straight Hair

Depending on how long and thick your hair is will decide how many braids your hair will take. Make sure hair is dry and combed before starting to braid, and if you want to wear a style where the front is swept to the side of swept up, make a braid right in the middle of your forehead. Make sure you have at least six braids for maximum waves.

To get waves fast when you don’t have time to air dry, simply follow instructions above and blow dry the braids to set the waves faster with heat. Use a heat safe hairspray or styling gel in the hair before braiding for extra control.

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