"How to: Waves" by Alexander O

360 Waves is an old-school African-American hairstyle that has been gaining more popularity in the recent years. It consists of curls that lay down in uniform to resemble waves of an ocean. When properly maintained, they can be a very great and professional look. If the wavy hairstyle doesn’t pertain to you, then use this post as some cultural enlightenment!
Why get waves?

• ●  It’s a classy look
  
• ●  Promotes long term scalp health. Brushing increases blood flow.
  
• ●  It’s fun
  
• ●  Girls love to feel them! 
  
  Who can get waves?
  

• ●  Full-Africans, African-Americans, African-Mexicans, African-ANYTHING. Anyone who has at least a quarter of African in them hold the curl pattern to obtain 360 waves!
  
• ●  The hair style is mainly worn by men, but can also be worn by women who have short
  hair. 
  
  What do you need?
  

● Du-rag (Usually made of Polyester, Cotton, Silk, or Satin) ● Moisturizer
● Brush (The most important tool in the box!)

Words to know:

• ●  Durag: Used to lay down your curls, usually while sleeping.
  
• ●  WTG: With the grain. Type of haircut that involves cutting in sync with your wave pattern.
  
• ●  ATG: Against the grain. Type of haircut that involves cutting against your wave pattern
  for a cleaner cut. Should not be used until your pattern is well established.
  
  How to get waves!
  It’s quite simple to get waves, but it can take a lot of time. You will want to start by getting a haircut. And please , go to a barber shop that is familiar with black hair types. Not Supercuts, not Great Clips. Ask your barber for a 1.5 length haircut WTG . This will be a great starting length to obtain waves. When you get home, start by washing your hair. Then, moisturize it with a product of your choice. The next part is the fun part, the almighty BRUSH. There are 3 types of brushes: Soft, Medium, and Hard. All of them have their use, but you will want to save the medium and hard for when you are more experienced and your hair is longer. They can make your scalp sore if you’re a beginner. Grab your soft brush, and start brushing from your crown directly down
  

to your forehead, your ears, and your neck. Make sure to keep your brush angles the same. This ensures that your hair curls are being laid down in unison to form the beautiful wave pattern you want. Brushing your hair is going to be the number one step to getting waves. It will require lots of work. 20 minute brush sessions throughout the day. Some even go as far as brushing while at school (The grind never stops). Brush, brush, brush, then brush some more! At the end of the day, tie your durag on to lay down your curls and go to sleep! Wake up, and then guess what? Brush some more! Apply some moisturizer and continue your day as normal. You want to repeat this everyday. Once you establish your wave pattern, you can chill on the brushing a little. Plan on cutting your hair every 4-6 weeks, depending how established your waves are. Don’t cut too often, because you want your hair to grow past its curl length to progress your pattern. It’s as simple as that. I hope you guys learned something from this post! And to my friends of non African descent, I hope you guys gained a little insight into black culture! 

Warning: Do not wear your durag to school. You will be promptly chased down by a security guard asking you to remove your “head gear”. 

Everyone should go ask Mr. Jaramillo to create some Etiwanda durag spirit wear. Just saying. ;)