Waves (hairstyle)

Waves are a hairstyle for coily and curly hair in which the curls are brushed and/or combed and flattened out, creating a ripple-like pattern.

The hairstyle is achieved with a short-cropped haircut on top and frequent brushing and/or combing of the curls (which trains the curls to flatten out), as well as wearing a silky durag or a wave cap to add extra strength to flatten longer hair types.^[1] Wave pomades and moisturizers can help hold the hair in place while preventing the hair from getting too dry.^[2][3][4] A durag is worn to preserve moisture while compressing the hair and holding it in place to create the desired waves.^[5][6][7]

In the early 20th century, as many African-American men sought to style their hair with texture-altering products, "pomade hair moisturizer" waves became a popular hairstyle. Men produced waves by washing and brushing their hair then putting on their durags right after putting on their choice of moisturizer.^[8]