What's The Difference Between Curly & Wavy Hair

Caring for Waves Vs Curls: The Important Differences

We’re so good at tailoring our skincare to meet our individual needs, but why are we so quick to take the cookie-cutter approach when it comes to our hair? Straight strands have very different needs to those with texture, but have you ever stopped to consider the differences between waves and curls? Both are prone to dryness, sure, but if you delve a little deeper, you’ll realize your not-quite-curly beach waves require their very own arsenal of products.

If your texture sits somewhere between straight and curly – we’re talking effortless, tousled beach waves – then first, lucky you. Second, your wave type will have a number attached to it: 2a (a flat s-shaped wave that’s easily straightened), 2b (a more defined s-shape), or 2c (a coarser mix of defined s-shapes and curls). If your hair has a more voluminous, springy curl (possibly even loose ringlets), then it's either 3a, 3b, or 3c. Coily hair (4a, 4b, or 4c) can be described as denser corkscrews, zig-zags, or “natural”.

How to style wavy hair

Here’s the thing, hair waves are easy come, easy go, meaning a product that’s too heavy will drag them down and wipe out that beautiful beachy finish. The good news is, reaching for lightweight styling products doesn’t mean you have to compromise on results. The Weightless Style Shape & Define Multi-Styler contains flexible polymers that encourage undone texture without weighing down fragile type 2 waves. Run a quarter-size blob through damp hair before scrunching or air drying, or through dry hair to smooth and separate existing waves.

How to fight frizz in wavy hair

Fine waves are more prone to frizz, especially in humid weather when the air is packed with moisture. A good thing for dehydrated strands, right? Wrong. Humidity causes the hair shaft to swell and restructure, resulting in those chaotic flyaways that populate the surface of your hair. They could be considered a welcome addition to a day-on-the-beach look, but if you prefer a smoother, glossier finish, you need a product that repels moisture without dragging down your wave pattern. Ultralight Smooth Frizz Defy Cream Serum contains a PROTEINFUSION blend with almond protein and jasmine flower, wrapping each strand in an invisible, humidity-repelling barrier. For optimum frizz-fighting results, team it with the Ultralight Smooth Weightless Frizz Protection Shampoo and Conditioner – your flyaways won’t know what’s hit them.

Do curls require different care than waves?

If you have type 3 or 4 hair, you’ll benefit from the Nexxus Curl Define Collection, which includes the Curl Define Strengthen & Moisturize Leave-In Conditioner, enriched with silk protein and marula oil for soft, defined curls and coils. Curls and waves have many similarities, such as a more raised cuticle layer (which makes them both more prone to moisture loss and tangles), but the key difference is the level of cuticle-restoring and moisture replenishing that’s required. With wavy hair, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between healthy-looking hair, and strands that aren’t overloaded with product – the inspiration behind our two “sweet spot” collections: Ultralight Smooth and Weightless Style.