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360 waves | Instagram/somanywaves_official
Wash and Style Waves like a Pro with This Step-by-Step Guide
By
Akhona Zungu
Feb 06, 202408:41 A.M.
Wash-and-style waves, also known as 360 waves, gained popularity during the early 1900s and have remained a staple hairstyle in Black culture. Learn how to do your own using the wash and style method.
Men's hairstyles in Black culture evolved throughout the 20th century, and that evolution has yet to end. Among the iconic hairstyles these men rocked and popularized during the 1900s are the 360-waves.
360-waves or wash-and-style waves mimic ripples in a pond or water flowing outward from the head's crown. Hair stylists (professional and DIYers) often use a durag to style waves and train curl patterns to lock down this hairdo.
If you want to learn how to do your own wash-and-style waves, follow these simple steps below.
Wash and Style Waves: A Step-by-Step Guide
What You'll Need:
- medium or hard wave brush
- detangling brush
- comb
- shampoo
- conditioner
- small handheld mirror
- durag
What to Do:
1. If you previously had waves done, begin by combing your hair with the grain, from the crown to your edges, following the waves' direction.
2. Comb against the grain to lift your follicles so you can commence the pre-wash.
3. Apply the shampoo to your hair and lather, scrub your scalp, then rinse. Repeat this step 2 or 3 times until the shampoo lathers more easily within your hair.
4. Lather your hair with shampoo again, then brush it with a detangling brush following the pattern of your 360 waves.
Tip: Hold up the handheld mirror with your back to the wall mirror to see the back of your head while you brush.
5. While the shampoo is still in your hair, grab your wave brush and brush your hair, following the pattern of your 360 waves, for 10-15 minutes. Also, allocate some time to brush around the crown so the "source" of your waves is neat.
Tip: Add more shampoo if the lather dissipates.
6. Create more lather by squeezing a dollop of shampoo onto your hands and rubbing them. Then, spread the lather on your brushed hair in the direction of your 360 waves. Add more if necessary to ensure you have a thick coat of shampoo lather over your brushed hair.
7. Immediately after the last coat of lather, carefully put your durag on with the shampoo still in your hair.
8. With the durag on, rinse your hair. Then, pat dry your head to remove the excess water. Ensure you keep your durag on until your hair is completely dry.
Once your hair is dry, then you can rock your wash and style waves. For more informative hair tips, check out this post about whether cocoa powder is good for your hair.
