After 26 years, I have finally perfected the ideal wavy-hair technique for my type 2B locks.

      I've often had difficulty pinpointing the exact type and texture of my hair. The ends are curly, while the top is wavy; it manages humidity well but can be unpredictable after blow-drying. When left to its own devices, my hair tends to form a large triangle shape. After years of damaging my hair with blow-dryers and high-heat styling tools, I've started to appreciate my natural air-dried texture more than ever, thanks to my recent travels to Paris and last year's trend of romantic hair. This summer, I set out to perfect my wavy-hair routine. After trying over 20 hydrating shampoos, hair oils, serums, leave-in conditioners, and drying methods, I've finally discovered what makes my texture thrive.

      **Identifying Your Hair Type**

      Having worked in the beauty industry for over four years, I've adopted the hair-typing system created by Oprah's hairstylist Andre Walker as a guide for categorizing texture. This system classifies hair types with numbers 1–4 and letters a–c. Finer and straighter hair corresponds to lower numbers, while thicker textures are indicated by higher letters. Under Walker's classification, wavy hair falls under category 2: type 2a features the finest weight and loosest curls, 2b sits between fine and medium with a bit more frizz and S-shaped waves, and 2c has thicker, more defined S-shaped waves from roots to ends. After numerous haircut appointments and four years of writing about beauty, I’ve determined my type is 2b and consulted professionals to enhance my texture.

      A straightforward way to check for waves in your hair is by performing an air-dry test, according to celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher. "After washing your hair, towel-dry it without flattening it with a brush. You can use a comb or brush while still in the shower with conditioner if needed, but once you've towel-dried your hair, find your part and let it air-dry completely." If curls or waves begin to form, then congratulations—you have texture worth embracing. Guides like Walker's hair-typing system are useful for identifying your specific type, but Streicher also recommends seeking a professional opinion. "It's crucial to determine if your hair is wavy (2a, b, or c), curly (3a, b, or c), or coily (4a, b, or c)," she states. "Each of these three hair types will require different products for effective styling."

      **My 4-Step Wavy-Hair Routine**

      1. **Wash Hair With Hydrating Shampoo**

      Wavy hair can vary from fine to medium thickness, making it prone to frizz and flatness. To keep my hair feeling light and natural, Streicher advises choosing lightweight hydrating shampoos that reduce frizz and enhance volume. "If needed, comb through your hair while rinsing it in the shower," she recommends. I practice this step—gently running my fingers through my wet waves for even product distribution and detangling—when I apply and rinse out my conditioner. However, this should be the final time you comb through your hair, as additional brushing can straighten out your waves.

      2. **Use a Leave-In Conditioner**

      After rinsing out a similarly lightweight conditioner, the real magic begins. After patting my hair dry, I lean over the tub to let my hair fall forward, facilitating easy twisting into a hair wrap. Streicher advises letting my hair sit like that for five minutes before proceeding. "When you release your hair, find your part and gently finger-comb through the waves without disturbing their volume," she warns. At this point, no more combing or brushing should be done. Instead, apply a leave-in conditioner to smooth the strands, define the texture, and seal the cuticles. "Squeeze the product into your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots," she directs. I do this by scrunching sections of my hair upward, gathering my waves in my palm before shaping them. "Be gentle," she stresses. Now all that’s left is to air-dry your waves, so resist the urge to touch them as they dry down your back.

      3. **Use a Diffuser (If Necessary)**

      Let's be honest—sometimes there's not enough time to air-dry curls before heading to the next engagement. On days I want the look of natural, air-dried waves but lack the 30 minutes it would take, I employ a diffuser to speed things up. Celebrity hairstylist Bobby Eliot taught me to diffuse curls from underneath and to press the diffuser against the sides of my head, capturing the length from the side for a scrunched, defined texture.

      4. **Use a Light Hair Oil**

      When my hair is nearly dry, I apply a lightweight hair oil to smooth out any frizz and