How to Get Loose Waves That Last 3 Days: My 10-Minute Hair Routine
Want to know my secret to effortless, loose waves that last for days? It’s all about using the right products and curling technique! I wear my hair in soft, loose curls almost every day because they’re quick, easy and look even better on day two. Today I’m sharing my everyday hair care routine, favorite styling products and exactly how I create loose waves in just 10 minutes!
My Everyday Hair Care Routine for Long, Healthy-Looking Hair
One of the questions I get asked most often is how I style my hair and keep my loose waves looking good for several days. The truth is, my routine is surprisingly simple! I typically wash my hair every three days, depending on how my scalp and hair are feeling. I’ve actually always preferred how my hair looks on the second day after washing because my curls have relaxed into those effortless, slightly messy waves that I love. Since my hair has been lightened with balayage and ombré coloring, I also pay extra attention to keeping the ends moisturized and minimizing unnecessary heat styling. Finding a routine that works for your hair type is so important, especially if you’re trying to maintain long, color-treated hair. If you’re looking for more ways to care for your hair, check out my five hair hacks for longer, healthier-looking hair.
Step 1: Wash Your Hair With a Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner
The first step in my everyday hair routine is using a shampoo and conditioner that leave my hair feeling soft, smooth and manageable. I originally fell in love with this shampoo and conditioner duo after hearing several beauty bloggers rave about it. Although it was more expensive than the hair products I normally purchased, I loved how my hair felt after using it. I became such a fan that I even gifted the products to my cousin Ashley Brooke for her birthday! If you’re looking for a more affordable option, I also recommend checking out this shampoo and this conditioner, which I originally used for my lightened and damaged ends. They also had the most delicious, sweet scent! When shopping for shampoo and conditioner, I suggest choosing formulas that suit your scalp, hair texture and color-treatment needs rather than assuming one product works for everyone. If your hair is dry or color-treated, moisturizing products can be especially helpful for improving softness and manageability.
Step 2: Apply Leave-In Conditioner to Protect Your Ends
Because my hair has been lightened, I always make sure to apply a leave-in conditioner after washing it. This is one of my favorite steps because it helps my ends feel softer and makes my hair easier to detangle before styling. Over the years, I’ve tried several different leave-in conditioners, including this vanilla-scented favorite, this leave-in conditioner and this one. I especially love products that help reduce frizz without making my hair feel greasy or weighed down. When applying leave-in conditioner, I focus primarily on the mid-lengths and ends rather than my roots. I also recommend using a separate heat protectant before blow-drying or curling unless your leave-in product specifically provides heat protection. If you struggle with frizz during warmer weather, check out my tips for taming frizzy hair in humidity for more hair care inspiration.
Step 3: Blow-Dry Your Hair Before Curling
Before creating my loose waves, I like to start with completely dry hair. I originally used this hairdryer in white, and I loved how smooth and manageable my hair looked after blow-drying. It was definitely an investment, but I appreciated how it helped streamline my styling routine. I also found this smaller travel hairdryer as an alternative for anyone looking for a more compact option. When blow-drying, I recommend using a heat protectant, choosing an appropriate temperature for your hair type and directing the airflow downward to help smooth the cuticle. You don’t need to use the highest heat setting to get beautiful results! Starting with dry, detangled hair makes curling easier and helps prevent the extra damage that can happen when hot styling tools are used on damp hair. If you’re trying to keep your morning routine short, washing and drying your hair the evening before can also save time.
Step 4: Create Loose Waves With a Curling Wand in 10 Minutes
Now for my favorite part: the loose waves! To create my everyday curls, I use my longtime favorite curling wand with this interchangeable barrel. I originally purchased this curling wand trio because I loved having different barrel sizes to experiment with, but you can also check out this alternative curling wand package if you don’t need several attachments. My technique is surprisingly simple. I divide my hair into manageable sections, take approximately half-inch pieces and wrap each section around the barrel away from my face. This is the most important part of my curling routine because I find that curling away from my face creates the soft, flattering waves I love. I originally held each section around the wand for four to five seconds before gently releasing it, although the appropriate timing and heat setting will depend on your hair type and styling tool. I start with the pieces closest to my face and work toward the back of my head before repeating the process on the other side. Once everything is curled, I let my hair cool before gently separating the curls for a relaxed, effortless finish. The result is beautiful loose waves without spending forever in front of the mirror!
Step 5: Let Your Curls Cool for Longer-Lasting Waves
One of my favorite tricks for helping loose curls last longer is allowing them to cool before touching or brushing them out. When you first release a section from the curling wand, the curl may look tighter than you want, but that’s completely normal! Instead of immediately running your fingers through it, give your hair a little time to cool and settle into its shape. Once my curls have cooled, I gently separate them with my fingers to create a softer, more natural-looking finish. I personally love the slightly undone look rather than perfectly defined curls. Depending on your hair type, a lightweight hairspray or flexible-hold styling product may also help maintain your waves throughout the day. My original curling wand worked so well for my hair that I often skipped hairspray entirely, but everyone’s hair responds differently to heat styling. If your curls tend to fall quickly, experimenting with smaller sections, lower humidity exposure and appropriate styling products may help improve their longevity.
Step 6: Refresh Your Loose Waves With Dry Shampoo
One of the reasons I love this hairstyle so much is that I don’t have to start from scratch every morning. When I originally developed this routine, my loose waves often lasted for three days without needing major touch-ups. By day two, the curls would relax into a softer, beachy look that I actually preferred! To keep my roots feeling fresh between washes, I typically reached for dry shampoo on the third day and occasionally the fourth, depending on how my hair looked and felt. Some of my favorite options included this affordable dry shampoo, this formula, this dry shampoo and this one. I recommend applying dry shampoo sparingly to your roots, allowing it to absorb excess oil and then gently working it through your hair. Just remember that dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean your scalp, so it’s important to wash your hair regularly based on your individual needs. For more styling ideas between wash days, check out my easy heatless hairstyle tutorial.
How to Make Loose Curls Last for 3 Days
If you’re wondering how to make loose waves last for several days, the biggest secret is finding a styling routine that works for your specific hair type. My hair tends to hold curls well when I use the right curling wand, and I love how the waves gradually become softer and more relaxed between washes. To help maintain the look, I avoid repeatedly brushing through my curls and try not to overload my hair with heavy products. Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase, loosely securing your hair overnight or using a soft scrunchie may also help reduce friction and tangling. If you wake up with a few sections that have lost their shape, you can refresh them with a small amount of styling product or carefully touch them up with your curling wand when necessary. Of course, not everyone’s curls will last three days, especially if your hair is naturally very straight, fine or exposed to high humidity. But with the right preparation and technique, you may be able to extend your hairstyle and spend less time styling your hair throughout the week.
My Favorite Hair Products for Loose Waves
If you’re looking to recreate my everyday hairstyle, these are the original hair products and styling tools I featured in my routine. Some items may have changed or been discontinued since this post was first published, so be sure to check the current product information before purchasing.
Shampoo and conditioner: My Favorite Shampoo and Conditioner | Affordable Shampoo | Affordable Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners: Vanilla-Scented Leave-In Conditioner | Leave-In Conditioner Option 2 | Leave-In Conditioner Option 3
Styling tools: Hairdryer | Travel Hairdryer | Curling Wand | Curling Wand Barrel | Curling Wand Trio
Dry shampoos: Affordable Dry Shampoo | Dry Shampoo Option 2 | Dry Shampoo Option 3 | Dry Shampoo Option 4
