Trying to grow your hair out but don’t want to let go of your waves? You’re not alone. A lot of wavers get deep into the wave game, only to reach a point where they want some length — maybe for braids, locs, or just a longer aesthetic. But the fear of losing all your hard-earned progress? That’s real.
Here’s how to grow your hair out without saying goodbye to your waves.
1. Start with a Healthy Foundation
If your waves are patchy, uneven, or not fully connected yet, focus on that first. You want your wave pattern to be strong before you grow your hair out. That means:
- Consistent brushing with angles that match your pattern
- Moisturizing daily
- Wolfing for at least 4-6 weeks to deepen your connections
- Staying on top of your durag game every night
A solid wave foundation gives you more control as your hair gets longer.
2. Don’t Rush the Growth
Wavers who rush into long hair too fast end up losing definition. Let your hair grow gradually while still treating it like wave-length hair. Continue brushing regularly, even when it’s getting longer. Keep your pattern trained so the curls grow in the direction you want.
3. Switch Up Your Brushing Tools
As your hair gets longer, you need to adjust your tools:
- Soft brush: Great for short lengths and laying frizz
- Medium brush: For when your hair hits medium length
- Hard brush: For deep wolfing and longer hair
Eventually, you’ll also want to pick up a wide-tooth comb for stretching your curls and detangling once you’re in the “braidable” zone.
4. Compression Still Matters
Even at longer lengths, you should still wear your durag or compression cap. It keeps your curl pattern laid down and helps protect your hair overnight. A stretched pattern is easier to braid later, and it keeps your hair looking intentional — not messy.
5. Moisture = Definition
Dry hair will puff out, frizz up, and completely hide your wave pattern. That’s the last thing you want when growing out your waves.
Stay on top of your hydration:
- Leave-in conditioner
- Natural oils (like argan or jojoba)
- Curl-enhancing creams if needed
- Co-wash regularly instead of shampooing every day
Your goal is soft, defined curls — not dry, poofy hair.
6. Let Go of the Fade (for a Little While)
To really grow your hair evenly, you might need to skip that low taper or burst fade for a while. It’ll feel weird, but it helps everything catch up and avoids uneven growth. Once you’re in braid/loc range, you can bring the fade back with more versatility.
7. The Transition Game Plan
When your hair is long enough to braid, you’ve got a few options:
- Braids over waves: Cornrows will show off your length and pattern underneath
- Two-strand twists or comb coils: For wavers moving toward locs
- Curly fro: If you want to keep some wave definition but switch up the look
Your wave discipline makes all of these styles hit harder. You didn’t lose your waves — you evolved them.
From Waves to Growth, Stay in Control
Growing your hair out doesn’t mean throwing your durag in the trash. You can keep your waves trained, hydrated, and healthy while leveling up your look. Whether you’re trying to rock braids, locs, or just see what your natural texture does, your wave journey doesn’t have to stop.
Keep brushing. Stay patient. And let your hair grow with purpose.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @everywaver for more hair care tips to keep you swimming!
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