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Learn how to get 180 waves with coarse hair even without a durag easily. This article will tell you all you need to know about the 180 waves hairstyle for men!
Waves are a type of hairstyle for black men that involve laying down hair in a way that causes “waves” in a circular or semicircular pattern.
This style can be achieved quite easily by brushing your hair in the right direction. This creates ripples in your hair, leaving it looking like waves. The type of waves limited to the top portion of your head, they are called 180 waves.
Here’s how to get them:
- Step 1: Get A Haircut to make getting waves easier
- Step 2: Shampoo and Conditioner Hair (Using the Right Products) Clean Hair
- Step 3: Apply A Pomade or Hair Cream to moisturize hair
- Step 4: Brush Hair to make the Waves Shape on Curls
- Step 5: Wear A Durag to protect 180 waves from getting messed up
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The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
How to get 180 Waves
Get The Right Haircut
Before you can get 180 waves, you need to trim your hair to make it easier to create this wave pattern.
You really can’t do it with long, flowing locks!
So get a haircut and make your hair low enough to make the waves definable. If you already have a wave haircut, it’s good to trim it to keep it in shape.
Here are some haircuts you can try:
- A 1.5 or 2 haircut with level edges
- A 1.5 or 2 haircut with edges at the back and a side taper
- A level 2 haircut if you have been getting waves for a while
- A 1.5 haircut with a bald pate
- A 1.5 or 2 haircut with moulette at the back
It’s important to give your barber the right instructions while getting a haircut.
Shampoo and Condition Your Hair
Any kind of hairstyle, including those 180 waves are not going to help if your hair isn’t healthy enough.
So before you get started, make sure your locks are in good shape. Pay special attention to your scalp as well.
You can use a shampoo specially formulated for African American hair. One that contains several moisturizing ingredients and is sulfate free. According to this thesis from an Anthropology student at the University of South Carolina in 2017, mixing two shampoo and conditioner products can change the pH of the product and cause scalp to itch. So make sure you use the right combination.
If you want your 180 waves to come out looking good, I suggest brushing your hair while shampooing.
Not only does this create a healthy wave pattern, but it also helps you exfoliate your scalp.
Always follow up with a rinse out conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Related: Protective Durag For Waves
Apply A Pomade or Hair Cream
With African American hair, just using a regular conditioner after shampooing isn’t enough.
And the constant brushing for creating 180 waves can also leave hair a bit drier than usual. So it’s best to apply a bit of leave-in conditioner or pomade to your hair.
This cream can also help set your waves and control frizz.
Related: Hair Caps For Waves
How to apply a pomade for waves:
If you want to apply a pomade on 180 waves, take only a small amount (dime-sized). Rub it evenly all through your head.
Then, use your hands to spread the cream in the direction of the waves.
Cantu Shea Butter Men’s Collection Cream Pomade
Related: Oils For 360 and 180 Waves
Brush Hair In Circular Motions
This is the most important part of creating 180 waves – brushing, brushing, and more brushing! If you have very coarse hair, there might be the chances of snagging and a bit of pain as well.
Hence, it’s a good idea to apply a cream or pomade before you get started.
If you want to get 180 waves, you need to brush your hair only at certain angles. And always remember to brush from back to the front.
Here is the brushing routine your need to follow:
- Getting 180 waves right takes time, so be prepared to put some work into it. You need to brush at least 20-30 minutes each day.
- This period can increase to 40-60 minutes each day so I suggest carrying your boar bristle brush with you at all times.
- If you’re unsure of the angles, try standing in front of a mirror while brushing until you get a hang of it.
- For 180 waves you need only brush the top of your head.
You will see the effects of your constant brushing in 4-5 weeks.
Diane Premium Boar Bristle Brush for Men
Wear A Durag To Protect Your Waves
A durag is a sort of head covering worn by African American guys. It helps keep your hairstyles in place and prevents hair from becoming frizzy as well.
These durags are made of velvet, satin, or other such materials with soft fibers. These do not pull or snag at your hair and prevent any tangling.
Such materials do not absorb a lot of moisture from your head as well. So it doesn’t make your hair feel dry.
I suggest wearing a durag 24/7 if you have really coarse, dry hair and are just beginning to get your 180 waves.
But if you have to go to an event, at least try wearing it an hour after brushing your hair.
It’s also best to put it on overnight as the friction between your hair and pillowcase can leave the wave pattern disturbed. And it also makes your locks lose moisture.
How to tie a durag for 180 waves:
- Position the durag on your hair in a way that the centre of your head aligns with the centre seam of the durag
- Adjust your durag so that the front edge is between your hairline and your eyebrows
- Take the ties of the durag and cross them over each other at the back of your head
- Now bring the criss-crossed ties back to the front of your head.
- Cross them once again and take them behind the back of your head one more time
- Tie them together and make sure they aren’t too tight
- Pull the flap at the back of your durag to keep it firmly in place
8 Pieces Silky Durag Caps Elastic Wave Cap
How Long Will It Take To Get 180 Waves?
Getting 180 waves definitely requires painstaking effort and the process is very essential in attaining the best results.
For the results to start showing, it may take anywhere between one month to a month and a half, considering the fact that you have the right hair texture for the waves.
Also you need to diligently follow up with the process which includes proper hair care and right product use along with using a durag overnight to protect the waves while you sleep.
If you slack in between or are someone with straight hair, then this process may take longer in order to achieve the perfect waves.
FAQs about creating 180 waves
What hair brush should you use to get 180 waves?
The best hair brush for waves is one with boar bristles or other kinds of natural bristles.
These help distribute the natural oils on the scalp and also prevent static electricity from building up.
You can choose a double-sided boar bristle brush or get one with a steel handle. I suggest steel or wood as plastic is more prone to static.
If you’ve just got your haircut, you should use a brush with soft bristles as they are not too harsh on your hair follicles.
Once your hair starts growing out a bit, you can switch to a medium-strength boar bristle brush.
Can You Get 180 Waves on Straight Hair?
Well, getting 180 waves on straight hair is possible but can take longer time to form.
Getting 180 waves requires a person having the right hair texture and volume (thicker hair makes it harder to get 180 waves) or at least some sort of a wavy or curly hair pattern.
If you have straight hair, then the process will be harder and longer for you.
Certain things to consider can be using the right type of hair wave brushes, styling tools, hair care products, regular brushing and last but not the least remember that consistency is key during the process.
As for a few tips, growing out your straight hair will make it easier for the waves to form as compared to shorter hair.
Remember to use a durag (preferably a silk one to avoid any friction) over your hair while you sleep to maintain the 180 waves.
What’s the difference between 180 and 360 waves?
The difference between 180 waves and 360 waves is pretty simple to understand. The 180 waves are those that form only at the top of your head while the 360 waves go (all 360 degrees) around your head and form a spiral of sorts. I have noticed that it’s much easier to get 180 waves if you have shorter or straighter hair then it would be go get 360 waves.
If you want to get 180 waves, all you have to do is follow these simple steps.
This hairstyle is a fantastic way to make your short hair look good. It looks neat and professional and doesn’t require much maintenance apart from the brushing.
I highly recommend investing in quality hair care products for black hair to keep your hair healthy too. As that’s the first step to any good looking hairstyle!
Also Read:
Nourishing beard oil for black men
Beard Clippers and trimmers for black men
Beard shaping kit for black men
Nourishing beard butters for African American men
To Summarize
