Do you want to create loose, beachy waves? Do you want to achieve a more natural look? Medium/large barrels that measure from 1 to 2 inches (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm) are best for creating loose, free-flowing waves. Do you want to go for a retro, Old Hollywood look with tighter finger waves? Or maybe you want to create an all over crimped looked? Smaller barrels that measure 3⁄8 to 1⁄2 inch (1. 0 to 1. 3 cm) or less in size are your best bet for getting that vintage look.
Heat tools made from ceramic are best for fine to medium hair. Look for tools that are 100% ceramic rather than those with a ceramic coating, which can chip over time. Titanium tools provide intense heat and are best for styling coarse hair. Tourmaline tools can help reduce static and frizz. Tourmaline is usually layered on top of ceramic or titanium, so choose the base material according to your hair type.
Look for a tool with a range of temperatures or a high, medium, and low setting. Low temperatures or settings should be used for fine, thin hair. Medium to high temperatures or settings are necessary to style thick or coarse hair.
You don’t need freshly washed hair to achieve a wavy style as hair with some product on it is actually easier to work with. If you wash your hair the day or night before, let it air dry if possible. By eliminating the need for a blow dryer you’ll cut back on the amount of heat your hair is exposed to, which will keep it healthier overall.
Regardless of whether you air dry or blow dry, make sure your hair is totally dry before you use your triple barrel waver.
Look for a heat protecting product with a silicone base, which creates a protective coating around the hair shaft and helps prevent damage. [2] X Research source
Pull the top half of your hair up and secure it with a large clip or ponytail holder. Grab a 1 inch (2. 5 cm) section of hair on one side of your head and move the rest of your hair out of the way. Securing the hair you aren’t currently styling with a large clip will help keep the hair you’re working on separate from the rest.
If you’re trying to create a looser, beachy looking wave, start further away from the roots of your hair. If you’re trying to create vintage waves, start as close to the roots as you comfortably can. Hold the tool horizontally as you clamp and curl the hair. With some tools, you may have to press something to open the clamp. [3] X Expert Source Nick ArrojoMaster Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 9 September 2021.
Don’t hold the waver in one place too long; if you’re working with the right heat setting for your hair, 4 to 5 seconds should do. [4] X Research source [5] X Expert Source Nick ArrojoMaster Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 9 September 2021. Continue moving down the 1 inch (2. 5 cm) section of hair. [6] X Expert Source Nick ArrojoMaster Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 9 September 2021. The trick to making one long continuous wave is to line up the first barrel of the waver with the last indent you made in your hair.
Pull the styled hair over your shoulder and out of the way. Don’t use a ponytail holder to tie hair back the hair you’ve already styled or you’ll be left with a crimp or indent in your hair. After you’ve finished the bottom section, un-clip the top half of your hair and continue in the same way as before.
For a more natural look, run your fingers through the waves to loosen them, or turn your head upside down and shake to separate the waves. For additional texture, spray a light mist of sea salt spray on your hair and rough the waves up a bit with your hands. If you’re going for a tight, retro wave look, leave the waves alone and simply set the look with a misting of hairspray.
