You gotta put that brush work in, homie!
If you’re aiming to get those perfect 360 waves, you probably already know that brushing is key. But it’s not just about picking up a brush and going at it—you need the right technique, the right tools, and some serious patience. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been working on your waves for a while, this guide will help you brush your way to smoother, deeper waves.
What Are 360 Waves, and Why Brushing Waves Matters
360 waves are all about getting your hair to lay down in a wave pattern that circles your entire head. For most people, especially if you’ve got curly or coily hair, this takes some work. Brushing is how you train your hair to form those waves. The more consistent you are, the better your results will be.
How to Brush Waves: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start with Clean, Moisturized Hair
- Wash Your Hair: Start with a clean slate. Use a good shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair and scalp healthy. Clean hair is easier to work with and will lay down better when you start brushing.
- Moisturize: After you wash, don’t skip the moisturizer. Whether it’s a leave-in conditioner or a wave cream, keeping your hair hydrated is crucial. Moisturized hair is more flexible, which helps when you’re trying to train it into waves.
2. Pick the Right Brush for the Job
- Soft Brush: This one’s for when your hair is short, or when your waves are just starting to show up. It’s gentle and great for laying down your hair without being too rough on your scalp.
- Medium Brush: Your go-to brush for most of the process. It’s strong enough to shape your waves but still comfortable enough to use every day.
- Hard Brush: If your hair is thicker or you’re wolfing (more on that later), a hard brush is what you need. It digs in deeper to get all your hair in line.
3. Get Your Brushing Pattern Down
- Top (Crown to Forehead): Start at your crown (the top center of your head) and brush straight down toward your forehead. This will help your waves form evenly across the top.
- Sides (Crown to Ears): Brush waves from the crown toward your ears. Keep your brush strokes consistent to make sure your waves on the sides match up nicely with the top.
- Back (Crown to Neck): The back can be a bit tricky, but just brush from your crown down to your neck. Take your time here to keep things even.
- Temples (45-Degree Angle): For the areas around your temples, brush at a 45-degree angle. This helps blend the top and sides together smoothly.
4. Be Consistent: Brush Waves Often
- How Often: Consistency is everything. Try to brush your hair for about 10-15 minutes, two or three times a day. The more you brush, the quicker your waves will form. We’ve previously covered this topic on our blog before. If you want to learn more a brushing frequency and consistency, you can check out that post here.
- Session Length: Each time you brush, spend at least 5-10 minutes making sure you cover every part of your head evenly. Don’t rush it—your waves will thank you.
- Wet or Dry?: For best results, brush your hair when it’s slightly damp (after you’ve moisturized). But you can also brush it dry to keep your wave pattern in check during the day.
5. Use the Right Products
- Pomades and Wave Creams: Products like Murray’s Pomade or Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse can help your waves stay in place and look more defined. Use a small amount after you’ve moisturized to give your waves some extra hold.
- Oils and Moisturizers: Keeping your hair hydrated is a must. Natural oils like coconut or argan oil can help lock in moisture and add shine.
6. Wear a Durag After You Brush Waves
- Why a Durag is Important: After you’ve brushed, throw on a durag to keep everything in place. It helps compress your hair, so your waves stay laid down. It’s especially important to wear one at night so you don’t mess up your progress while you sleep.
- How to Wear It: Just place the durag over your head, making sure it covers all your hair. Tie it securely, but not too tight. Make sure the seam is flat against your head to avoid leaving lines in your waves.
7. Wolfing: The Secret to Deeper Waves
- What is Wolfing?: Wolfing is when you let your hair grow out for a few weeks without cutting it. This gives your waves more time to develop and get deeper.
- How to Wolf: When you’re wolfing, switch to a hard brush to keep your longer hair in check. Keep brushing regularly, and don’t forget to moisturize often to avoid dryness.
- When to Cut: After about 4-6 weeks of wolfing, it’s time for a haircut. Don’t go too short—a 1.5 or 2 guard is usually best to keep your waves intact while cleaning up your overall look.
8. Tackle Common Challenges
- Fixing Forks: Forks happen when your wave pattern doesn’t flow smoothly. To fix them, change your brushing angle in the problem area and keep brushing consistently. Over time, your waves will straighten out.
- Handling the Hairline: Brushing your hairline can be tricky. Use a soft brush and be gentle to avoid irritation or thinning. Brush in the direction your hair naturally grows to keep your waves looking sharp.
9. Maintain Your 360 Waves
- Keep Up the Routine: Even after your waves are set, you still need to brush daily to maintain their shape. Keep moisturizing, and stay away from harsh shampoos that can dry out your hair.
- Protect Your Waves: Besides wearing a durag at night, you can also use a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and keep your waves smooth.
Wrapping It Up
Brushing is the backbone of getting 360 waves. With the right technique, tools, and a consistent routine, you can achieve deep, defined waves that look incredible. It might take some time and patience, but with the tips in this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering how to brush 360 waves like a pro. Keep brushing, stay dedicated, and watch your waves come to life.
For more tips on brushing waves, and anything else related to taking care of your 360 waves, be sure to download the free EveryWaver mobile app for your Android or iOS device. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter where we often post about waves. Until next time, stay wavy homies!