A definite change is underway in men’s grooming. The days of slicked-back, rock-hard helmet hair are being left in the rearview, and a need for movement, texture, and a more relaxed look is emerging. Every day in our chairs at our men's hair salon in Denver, we see this playing out. Those clients with a head full of texture are finally ready to stop fighting it, and those with straight hair are asking us how they can achieve this effortless beach look.

Perhaps achieving this perfect wave is a feat left solely for guys with the right genes, but with proper technique and tools, any man can work some wave into their style. Here are our expert tips at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon on how to make your hair wavy for men to help you unlock your hair’s full potential.

Understanding Your Hair Type

Before you go shopping for products, it is a good idea to have a reality check concerning your level of hair at this point. The path to achieving wavy hair starts with where you are. If you’re wondering how to make hair wavy for men, know that going from straight hair with a thick texture will take more work and higher hold products than people with hair already exhibiting a gentle wave.

Length is another non-negotiable in this case. Typically, we always advise people to grow their hair out a minimum of three or four inches on top. Short hair simply will not have sufficient weight or length to curl up onto itself. As someone struggling with getting any sort of movement, you may want to come see us first for a haircut with layers. Our texturizing shears will help give your hair the freedom to move rather than just sitting flat against your head.

The Magic of Sea Salt Spray

If you want to get wavy hair for men, one product we suggest to nearly all our clients searching for a texture product is sea salt spray, which really simulates a day at the beach. The salt in this product lifts the cuticle of your hair and gives it a gritty texture, which is perfect for creating a wave in your hair.

To apply it properly, you have to begin with damp hair, which can be towel-dried. Spray this product thoroughly from the roots to the ends. To make hair wavy for men, you have to apply this product evenly to get an even look. After application, you can either allow it to air-dry or make use of a hair drier in a low setting, but make sure you do not comb it when it is dried since this will suppress the wave that you have formed.

Selecting Texturizing Products

Although sea salt spray is a sufficient base, sometimes a styling product is desired in order to lock this style into place. As a general guideline, heavy oil-based pomades or gel will not work well, since they will weigh your hair down and straighten it out. Look instead to matte clays or styling creams.

Such products will hold your hair without shine and without weighing it down. Use a nickel-sized amount of this product in your hands to work it up until warmed, and then you can put your hands through your hair. The idea is to cover your strands with this product in order to separate your strands. Hair separation is what gives you the appearance of waves instead of a mass of hair.

Mastering the Scrunch

Application technique is equally important to application product. "The scrunch," a basic technique which we teach our clients to promote curling, is accomplished by taking a sea salt spray/mousse application in damp hair and scooping portions of hair in your hands to press them upwards towards your scalp.

Tighten your scrunch for a few seconds and then release it. You will immediately see your hair taking on a bent and wavy appearance. Continue this all over your head. When you are using a blow-dryer, you need to attach a diffuser and continue your scrunching technique in order to set your style. Heat is your friend when it comes to a clean wave, but frizz is your enemy.

The Plopping Technique

For men with longer hair who are serious about establishing definition in their waves, a technique called "plopping" can be used. Plopping is a way of drying hair without using heat. A cotton T-shirt is used rather than a harsh towel. A terrycloth towel will cause friction, which in turn leads to frizz and will disrupt curls.

To plop your hair, you will need to lay a T-shirt flat with the sleeves towards you. Then you flip your head forward and put your damp hair in the middle of the T-shirt. Now you fold the hem of the T-shirt over your head to the nape of your neck and tie your hair in place with the sleeves. Then you leave it on for twenty minutes to an hour. When you remove it, you have neatly defined waves without frizz.

Your New Grooming Standard

A wavy hairstyle is all about learning to work with your hair rather than against it. A bit of experimentation is necessary to achieve a hair product combination with your ideal level of hair density and length, but the end product is an elegant and versatile style which will go just as well in a business setting as it will at a casual outing over the weekend. If you are not getting the right wave with your hair, come by Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon!

lisa franz — **Lisa Franz**

Lisa Franz is the founder and owner of Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, a premier men’s salon and barbershop in Denver. With a background in theatre and a deep passion for community-building, she created Frank’s to merge high-end grooming services with a warm, inclusive space.

How to Make Hair Wavy Men: Barber-Approved Tips