WAVY HAIR

YOUR hair shaft is oval, which makes the hair a little wavy. It may be weaker than straight hair, as the protein making up the strand can be unevenly distributed. The three sub-groups are: A: Fine with loose ‘S-shaped waves’. B: Medium with more defined S waves. C: Coarse with defined waves — almost curls.

HOW TO CUT IT: Wavy hair often looks flatter at the root and curlier from the ears down — this is thanks to the weight of the hair pulling it straighter at the top.

Soft layers encourage the natural waves, but keep some length so it doesn’t bunch up. The most versatile hair type, it can be styled straight or curly. Type A can look lovely with a long bob. If you go short, your waves will spring back and make the style look shorter, especially with Types B and C.

HOW TO STYLE IT: Wavy hair is usually drier than straight hair, and even finer Type A needs extra hydration, though without weighing it down. (Pureology Hydrate and Condition Duo, £12.95, lookfantastic.com).

Wavy hair, especially Types B and C, is prone to frizz. Wash it less often and use a moisturising hair mask every two weeks. (Aussie Haircare mask, £1.50, Boots).

When drying, use a diffuser, then curl lightly with tongs if you want to define your waves (GHD Air Dryer and Diffuser, £79 and £15, ghdhair.com).

Wavy hair holds style easily (especially Types B and C) but use a heat protector with tongs (Kerastase Ciment thermique, £22.90, kerastase.co.uk).

If you want shine add a serum containing silicone (L’Oreal Liss Unlimited Keratinoil Complex, £9.59, treatyourskin.com).