3 ways to get wavy hair

By Temo Mpodi

It’s not just hair – it’s everything. It’s you. It’s part of your identity. So why not play around with it? Try different styles, just like you would with your clothes or makeup, until you find what truly feels like you. Right now, curly and wavy hair is having a moment – it’s playful, effortless, and totally chic.

Here are three easy ways to get gorgeous waves:

1. Heatless waves with braids
I don’t have hair right now, but I tried this method years ago – probably a whole decade back. It wasn’t a quick overnight hack; I actually kept my braids in for a week! But you don’t have to go that far. Just sleep in braids (French braids work well if you want a more crimped look) and wake up with natural waves. It’s a heat-free and super simple way to get the look.

2. Use a curling iron
The curling iron is a classic for a reason – it never lets you down when it comes to waves. Curl your hair, then give it a scrunch to loosen those curls into soft, beachy waves.
Prefer something more old-school (but still totally trending)? Try the viral T-shirt method. According to Vogue India, roll up a T-shirt into one long strip. Make sure your hair is slightly damp, not soaking, and place the T-shirt across the top of your head. Clip down one side, then start wrapping sections of hair around it, adding more hair as you go. Secure the ends with a scrunchie or elastic, et voilà – bouncy, no-heat curls.

3. Flat iron twists
Flat irons used to be a staple in my sister’s hair toolkit, though she kept having to replace hers because my cousins would always “borrow” them! Anyway, point is: flat irons aren’t just for straightening. Twist sections of your hair, then run the flat iron over them to create beautiful waves.

It works best on medium to long hair, and it gives a relaxed, undone look that’s perfect for everyday vibes.