Water Wave Hair: What Is It And How To Try The Trend

By Jelani Addams Rosa & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Whether or not hair extensions are a regular part of your beauty routine chances are good you’ve heard of water wave hair, if you have an Instagram account. The latest hair extension style has been blowing up on social media thanks to dozens of ladies showing off their gorgeous shiny dark brown curls.

If you’re intrigued by water wave hair but don’t really know what it is or how to wear it, we’ve got you covered. We sat down with Stephanie Nolan, the former model turned CEO and owner of XOXO Virgin Hair, to get the scoop on everything there is to know about water wave hair.

What is water wave hair?

Much like other hair extension monikers, the name water wave hair indicates the type of curl pattern created in the hair factory.

Water wave hair is a unique pattern of virgin hair that combines the look of curly and wavy hair to create a natural look.

Stephanie Nolan

We know what you’re thinking: There are a ton of curly hair extensions on the market, so what makes water wave hair different?

“Water wave hair is different from other curly extensions due to the irregularity of the curl pattern,” Nolan explains.

Because natural curly girls typically have a variety of curl patterns in their hair, the irregularity of the curl patterns and the combination of both curly and wavy hair patterns allows for a more natural look. That’s not all that makes water wave hair standout, either. The staple “wet look” is another reason that water wave hair has become so popular.

A sleek and sexy wet look without having to use any products or water? Sign us up!

How do you care for water wave hair?

If you’re familiar with caring for hair extensions, learning how to care for water wave hair should be a walk in the park. Caring for extensions is very similar to caring for your own hair—it’s all about maintaining a hair care routine and making sure you have the right products.

If you plan on wearing your water wave hair regularly, plan to wash your extensions once a week with a moisturizing shampoo like the Mizani Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo. Follow the shampoo with a moisturizing mask like the Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask. About once a month, swap out your moisturizing shampoo for a clarifying formula like Mizani’s Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo.

Once your extensions are clean and conditioned, it’s time to style. Apply a leave-in conditioner like Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk to help your extensions retain moisture. Then apply a light-hold gel, like Mizani’s Perfect Coil Oil Gel to help define the curls and maintain the wet look.

What are the best ways to wear water wave hair?

Because water wave hair is a type of extension, your styling options are almost limitless. Purchase a few clip-ins or a ponytail, or completely commit with a water wave wig! If you’re looking for some professional advice, Nolan loves the way water wave hair looks brushed out or in a blunt bob.

Now you know everything you need to slay the hottest style of the summer.

Interested in expert hair extension advice? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.

Take Our Travel Hair Quiz