GET THE LOOK
Soft Waves: How To Get Loose Waves In Your Hair
Learn how to create soft waves that bring second- or third-day hair back to life. This technique works with your natural hair texture, smoothing strands while shaping loose waves with long-lasting hold. Perfect for hair that’s not freshly washed, it adds movement and shine without looking overstyled.
Follow the simple steps below to learn how to get wavy hair and achieve smooth hair with effortless bounce. The result is relaxed, glossy hair waves that feel natural, polished and easy to wear from morning to evening.
Step By Steps
PREP & HEAT PROTECTION
Starting with dry hair mist a heat protection spray, ghd Bodyguard, evenly through the lengths.
SECTION THE HAIR
Create a clean section across the top of the head and clip it out of the way. Work underneath first, then return to the top once the lower sections are complete.
SMOOTH THE HAIR
Place a paddle brush underneath a section and follow closely with a ghd Chronos Max. Glide down together to smooth the hair without flattening it.
CREATE SOFT WAVES WITH A STRAIGHTENER
Close the straightener near the root, then rotate it away from the face until the plates have fully turned once. Keep the straightener angled downwards and slowly glide it through the length of the hair. Continue section by section.
STYLE THE FACE FRAMING PIECES
Repeat the same technique on the face-framing sections, adjusting the angle so the waves fall naturally away from the face. Keep the movement loose and relaxed.
STYLE THE FACE FRAMING PIECES
Once the hair has cooled, gently brush through the ends first using a paddle brush. Gradually work your way up the lengths with one light pass at a time.
SET AND FINISH
Lightly mist ghd Shiny Ever After over mid-lengths, then gently brush through to smooth and shape the hair.
SHOP THE LOOK
GHD BODYGUARD - HEAT PROTECT SPRAY FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
ghd Chronos Max Best Wide Plate Hair Straightener (43mm plate) Black
GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH
GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY
TOP TIPS TO REFINE THE FINISH
• Work in larger sections to avoid over-defining the wave pattern.
• Let each section cool before brushing to maintain the shape .
• Brush slowly and lightly to smooth without disrupting the waves.
• Use hairspray sparingly at the roots – the goal is soft structure, not crunch.
• Let each section cool before brushing to maintain the shape .
• Brush slowly and lightly to smooth without disrupting the waves.
• Use hairspray sparingly at the roots – the goal is soft structure, not crunch.
WHO THIS STYLE WORKS BEST FOR
This look works especially well on medium to long hair and suits hair that is naturally straight to slightly textured. The length allows the waves to fall freely while retaining a soft lived-in shape and a little natural grip ensures they do not slide out of place. Second- or third-day hair is ideal –as it’s had time to settle, giving structure without looking freshly styled. If you want hair that is smooth yet full of movement, this is your sweet spot.
For style intent, think polished without overworked, relaxed without unfinished. It’s perfect for everyday wear, casual evenings or low-effort elevated styling. A look that reads as natural, effortless and wearable – the kind of soft waves that don’t demand attention but get it anyway.
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS
Do soft, lived-in waves work better on second-day hair?
Yes. Second-day hair holds shape more easily, giving your waves that effortless, lived-in finish.
Can you get smooth, loose waves on freshly washed hair?
Yes – but we recommend using a light texturising spray or a touch of mousse first to give the hair grip. This helps the soft waves form without slipping and keeps the movement looking natural rather than force. For a texturising spray, check out our customer favourite, Curls Gone Wild.
Is this a curl or a wave technique for loose waves?
This method is all about soft waves. It’s not about creating tight curls – think subtle bends and gentle movement that add body without looking overworked. The emphasis is on fluidity, not rigid definition.
How do I keep soft waves from falling flat?
Avoid brushing once the style is fully set. Use a lightweight hairspray instead of a heavy hold product and let each section cool before touching. This keeps the waves intact while maintaining bounce and flow.