Tutorial: How to Create 360 Waves For Guys
Listen up: You'll need a brush and a lot of patience.
You Will Need
360 waves,” a timeless and iconic hairstyle primarily embraced by Black men, has left its indelible mark on the grooming landscape for decades. Named after the mesmerizing circular wave pattern that naturally evolves and spirals outward from the cowlick, this style is a true testament to patience and dedication. But how can you attain these coveted waves with short hair? The answer lies in the potential hidden within even the shortest, curliest locks. With the right tools and a commitment to the process, you too can embark on the journey to cultivate those impressive 360 waves.
Previously referred to as “brush waves” because of how you get the waves to form around the head (spoiler: a lot of brushing), 360 waves have now become a popular hairdo choice for many guys with natural hair. We completely agree: They’re a cool, professional way to embrace your natural texture while giving you a stylish spin. Read on to try out this oldie but goodie how to get waves in hair tutorial:
How to Get 360 Waves
With some patience and the right products and tools, you can easily create 360 waves in short hair.
What are 360 Waves
360 waves is a hairstyle worn by men with natural hair. Should warn you if you want to know how to get waves with straight hair, this method probably won’t work for you. The look is achieved by the constant brushing of short hair, which forms ripples throughout the hair, creating a wave pattern.
Tools and Products Needed
When creating 360 waves, arguably one of the best haircuts for waves, you’ll need a few essential items before starting: Pomade, a brush, shampoo and conditioner, and a durag. You don’t need much, but these five things will allow you to achieve and lock your waves in place easily. You can never go wrong with a soft to medium boar bristle option when choosing a brush.
360 Waves Tutorial
Ready to learn how to get waves fast? Trust us; it’s easier than you think! Check out all the steps below to learn how to achieve 360 waves.
Get a haircut.
Make sure your hair is around 1 ½” short for an optimal wave, but you can start the brushing process (read on) on short cropped hair if you like. You’ll be trimming with short clippers just around your head from this point on for at least six weeks, so make sure to go to a barber you trust.
Once you have a waves haircut, rinse your hair with a dynamic shampoo and conditioner before you start to cleanse off any buildup. You’ll be going longer between washes when you’ re waiting for your waves to form, so it’s better to start with a clean base. We like the fresh scent and light after-feel of SheaMoisture Men African Black Soap & Tea Tree Oil 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner.
Apply your product.
Usually, a quarter-sized dollop of wave cream like SheaMoisture Men Argan Oil & Shea Butter Oil Pomade is enough for the entire head. If you’re looking for a pomade that will add more shine, Dove Men + Care Polishing Pomade is a great option.
Brush hair.
Beginning at the crown or where your cowlick starts, brush away and downward from that spiral. Brush time: 2 minutes
Wear a durag to preserve.
This is optional, and only if you want to protect your waves from mussing up while you sleep.
Remove the durag the next morning. Repeat steps for 3 weeks.
Don’t brush your hair or shampoo for two weeks, or as long as you can tolerate it (we think after one week is forgivable). Note: Shampooing breaks up your curl pattern, so the longer you can go without it, the more defined your waves will be.
Guys, a friendly reminder: To set a tighter wave, hair should only be brushed when it’s moist. This also helps prevent hair breakage. Remember to brush evenly around the head—patience is a virtue!—and you’ll be rocking that enviable 360 waves hairstyle in no time!
Now you know how to get waves in your hair, also follow @AllThingsHairUS for more hair tips and trendy styles!
