360 waves are a hairstyle typically worn by African-American men. A curly hair texture is required to achieve the waves. In this style, hair is combed and smoothed into a wave pattern that spirals down from the crown of the head. Wave grease is usually used to create the style, but you can use any moisturizing agent in its place. The key to 360 waves is consistent combing, so be diligent in your styling efforts.
Begin with clean, dry hair. Moisten the towel with hot water and wring out the excess.
Scoop out a quarter-sized amount of shea butter and emulsify it by rubbing it together in your palms. Apply the butter to your hair by massaging it in from scalp to tips.
Place the damp towel on your head and let it sit for two minutes. The heat from the towel will help melt the shea butter into your hair.
Brush your hair from the crown forward, then brush from the crown down to your neck. Brush the sides at an angle from your crown down to your ears.
Brush for at least one hour each day. For convenience, split the brushing sessions up by brushing 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. Brushing is key to achieving 360 waves.
Cover your hair with a du-rag to protect the waves. Wear the du-rag to bed and as much as possible. This will compress the style and hold the waves in place.
Avoid washing your hair for at least one week after beginning waves. Washing will loosen the style.
Avoid cutting your newly formed waves for two to three weeks after styling. When you have to get a haircut, ask your barber to cut with the grain.
Tip
You can use olive oil, carrot cream, coconut oil or pomade in place of shea butter. Find these at a beauty supply store.
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Writer Bio
Ava Perez cut her journalism teeth in 2005 while balancing her university studies with a voracious appetite for fashion, music and beauty. Her music reviews, interviews and editorials have been published in numerous magazines worldwide. She specializes in writing beauty, health and fitness-related articles for various websites. Perez holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from York University.