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Curly vs Wavy Hair: How to Tell and How to Care for Each

Many people in India have wavy hair and treat it as straight, or have curls and treat them as frizz. Knowing which you have changes almost everything about your routine: how much product to use, how heavy it should be, and how to dry and style.

Quick answer: Wavy hair forms loose S-shapes that lie close to the head and goes flat easily; it needs light products. Curly hair forms springy loops or spirals that stand away from the head and gets dry and frizzy easily; it needs more moisture and a defining cream. Many heads have both, so care for each section by how it behaves.

How to Tell If Your Hair Is Wavy or Curly

Wash your hair, condition it, and let it air-dry without any product or brushing. Then look at it:

Wavy Curly
Shape Loose S-shapes or bends Defined loops, ringlets or spirals
At the roots Usually straight; waves start lower down Curl starts close to the root
Volume Falls close to the head; goes flat easily Stands away from the head
When wet Looks almost straight Curls are visible even when wet
Main problem Gets weighed down; frizz on top Dryness, frizz and loss of definition

A simple test: take a single dry strand and let it hang. If it bends gently, it is wavy. If it forms a loop or spiral, it is curly.

Caring for Wavy Hair

  • Keep products light. Heavy creams and oils pull waves straight.
  • Condition the lengths only. Keep conditioner off the roots to keep lift.
  • Style while damp. Scrunch a small amount of curl cream upwards into damp hair to encourage the wave.
  • Dry gently. Air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
  • Add root lift with a little 101 Create Volume Powder on dry hair if waves fall flat.

Caring for Curly Hair

  • Prioritise moisture. Curls are naturally drier, so condition every wash and mask often.
  • Detangle while conditioner is in, using fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
  • Apply styler to soaking-wet hair to lock in definition and reduce frizz.
  • Do not brush dry curls; it breaks up definition.
  • Refresh between washes with water and a little cream.

Read Best Hair Care Routine for Curly Hair for a full routine.

Products for Waves and Curls

The 69 Pro-Active curly range is made for both curly and wavy hair and is designed to define curls without weighing them down:

For waves: use less of each product, and the mask once a week rather than every wash. For curls: use the mask more often and a little more soufflé cream.

Mixed Hair: Wavy and Curly Together

It is common to have wavy hair on top and tighter curls underneath, or straighter hair at the front. Use lighter amounts of product on the wavier sections and more where curls are tighter and drier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can wavy hair become curly?

Your natural pattern is set, but the right care can make waves more defined. Many people find their hair is wavier than they thought once they stop brushing it dry and use lighter products.

Should wavy hair use curly products?

Yes, if they are lightweight. The 69 range is designed for both curly and wavy hair and avoids weighing hair down.

Why are my waves frizzy on top?

The top layer is the most exposed to friction and humidity. Apply a little styler to that layer while damp and avoid touching it while it dries.

How often should curly hair be washed?

Usually two or three times a week, but it depends on your scalp. Curly lengths need moisture more than frequent washing.

Find the Right Biotop Professional Routine

Shop the 69 Pro-Active curly range for both curls and waves.

Related Guides

Shop: 69 Pro Active Shampoo · 69 Pro Active Hair Mask · 69 Pro Active Soufflé Cream

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