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How to Create Soft, Loose Waves (Not the Beachy Look)

By , About.com Guide

Jessica Simpson sports loose, sexy curls

Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images for IMG
Beachy waves are out, as are shiny perfect curls. Instead, loose, sexy curls are in. Find out how to get them with these step-by-step instructions.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 20 minutes

Here's How:

  1. Prep hair with a styling spray (I love Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Spray, which works wonders on fine hair). Spritz on roots and comb through hair.
  2. Part hair down the center.
  3. Blow dry hair, scrunching hair as you go. If you have curly hair, don't scrunch, instead dry straight with a paddle brush.
  4. When hair is about 90 percent dry, separate hair as you would to create two pigtails. Secure pigtails with pony tail holders.
  5. Take one side and twist hair in one direction. Hair will naturally twist itself into a bun. Secure at ear level with a ponytail holder. You can keep hair in place with bobby pins.
  6. Repeat on the other side, so you have two buns at ear level.
  7. Blast the buns and your whole head with the dryer for about 5-10 minutes or until hair seems dry.
  8. Leave hair in buns for 10-20 minutes to set. Just before you leave, take hair out of buns and finger comb curls. (Do not brush out). You can apply a texturizing spray to separate the waves and keep them from looking "too perfect."
  9. Spritz hairspray and you're done!

What You Need:

  • Styling spray for regular hair or volumizing spray for fine hair to prep hair
  • Blow dryer
  • Ponytail holders
  • Texturizing spray
  • Hairspray

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