How Can I Get Wavy Hair? You Might Already Have It Without Knowing

Have you ever noticed that your hair dries poker-straight in some places yet flips in or out in others? Maybe you wake up with a S-bend, or your fringe never lies flat. If that sounds familiar, chances are your hair isn’t actually straight at all – it’s wavy.

For many of us, the signs have been there all along: frizz that appears the second humidity hits, stubborn tangles, ends that flick outwards and that endless cycle of blow-drying, straightening or curling it back. You’re not alone if it’s taken until adulthood to realise your waves have been hiding the whole time.

In this article, we’ll explore how to spot the tell-tale signs, how to nurture your natural texture and why embracing your waves could change the way you feel about your hair. Think of it as tempting your natural texture out of hibernation – and finally giving your hair the routine it’s been waiting for.

How can I get wavy hair if I don’t think I have it?

The truth is, more people have wavy hair than they realise. Our hair can be encouraged into straighter or curlier shapes by styling, brushing or simply gravity. Which means that what looks like “straight” hair may actually be hiding a beautiful wave pattern, just waiting for the right care to bring it out.

But before reaching for heated tools, take a closer look at your strands. If you’re already feeling seen, you probably have natural waves. The secret lies in how you wash, dry and style your hair. Waves often show up when hair is left to air dry without brushing, or when products are used to enhance rather than flatten texture.

Four tell-tale signs you might be wavy

Waves are simply loose curls – and, like curls and coils, they need their own specific care. (Need more details? Read our guide to curly hair types: how do I work out my curl pattern.) Wavy hair deserves just as much love, hydration and intention to bring out its best, most defined self as curls do. Here are four ways to tell if you have secret waves.

Your ends have a mind of their own

Does your hair flick outwards no matter how many times you straighten it? That curve is often your first hint of hidden waves.

Bends and S-shapes hiding in your layers

Take a closer look underneath – uneven bends or subtle S-shapes are classic indicators that your hair is naturally wavy.

Humidity makes everything bigger

If a hint of moisture in the air transforms your sleek style into volume and frizz, it’s a sign your strands are craving hydration (a true sign of textured hair). Waves often reveal themselves as soon as the weather turns damp.

Your hair refuses to sit flat

Even when styled, your hair might never lie completely straight against your head. Instead, it has natural lift and body that resists being pinned down. It can also often feel poofy or fluffy.

How can I get wavy hair without heat?

If you’ve recently discovered you have a natural wave, the best way to encourage it is to step back from tools that flatten or disguise your texture. Heat styling, daily straightening and heavy brushing can all weigh strands down and make waves harder to spot. By giving your hair the right care, you’ll notice movement becoming more visible, and easier to style, over time. Here are a few simple, no-heat ways to let your waves shine:

Step away from the heat

Put the curling wand and straighteners aside. Constant heat styling weakens strands, leading to dryness and frizz that can blur your natural pattern. Giving your hair a break helps restore its bounce and allows waves to form more freely.

Regular trims make a difference

Split ends drag your hair down, making it look limp and lifeless. A healthy trim every eight to 12 weeks keeps the shape fresh and prevents tangles, helping waves sit more evenly.

Choose the right products

The wavy hair journey is less about creating something new and more about revealing what’s already there. Lightweight, hydrating stylers are your best friend. Avoid silicones or harsh sulphates (all Boucleme hair cleansers are free from parabens and sulphates). Heavy creams or oils can weigh hair down, while a foam or curl cream adds definition and body without stiffness.

Try these styling tips to help bring out definition:

• Apply a curl-friendly gel or foam to damp hair. We suggest combining Super Volumising Foam with Super Hold Styler to achieve volume and definition.

• Use the “scrunch” method to encourage shape.

• Let hair air dry, or diffuse on a low heat setting for added volume.

• Avoid brushing once dry (this one is a must!).

Switch up your drying routine

Instead of rough towel-drying, gently scrunch damp hair upwards with a soft microfibre towel like our Curl Towel. This helps waves form as hair dries and reduces frizz.

Hands off the brush

Brushing your hair when dry disrupts your natural wave pattern. Instead, detangle when hair is wet using our Wide-Tooth Comb or your fingers, then let it air dry naturally or diffuse for added volume.

These small changes often transform limp, straight-looking strands into glossy, defined waves that last. For a deep dive into how to care for wavy hair and building a wavy hair care routine, head to Bouclème’s complete guide to wavy hair.

From hidden bends to head-turning waves

Ready to see what your hair can really do? Explore Bouclème’s Waves collection, where you’ll find cleansers, conditioners and stylers – designed to bring out the best in every wave. Not sure which product is best for you? Try Bouclème’s 30 Days to Waves Kit – a complete routine that lets you experiment, refine your technique and discover your natural texture without the guesswork.