Make Waves- Femina - Indiatimes

Unless you resort to cosmetic surgery, your basic facial structure cannot be changed. There is however, a great deal you can do with temporary alterations in your hair’s shape to soften features you dislike, or to emphasise your best ones. Curling or creating waves in the hair not only gives you a fresh, new look, but also revitalises your overall appearance in one or several sweeps. Permanent alterations are carried out with the help of chemicals, which may have a harsh effect on your hair. Instead, you can opt for temporary processes which are natural, can be successfully carried out at home, and do not require breaking into a bank! So, if you want a new dishy, dazzling do, here’s how to go about it.

Rollers/Curlers: Wash your hair and condition it. Divide it into neat sections, using a thin comb. Now, further divide each section into smaller segments for each roller. Secure the loose hair with pins. To roll, begin with the lower sections of your hair and hold the ends of the hair to the foam or sponge roller as it is rolled up. The ends must be rolled very smoothly to avoid a frizzy result. Each roller is to be held firmly at right angles to the head with a pin.

Position the curlers depending on the style you require. To get natural, soft waves, face the top section and the side section rollers away from the brow, and roll the back sections downwards. You can then wear a net on your hair and leave it to dry. The curls can last till the next wash if not subjected to dampness or humidity. For firm, smooth curls, position the curlers close to the roots and at right angles. For tighter, foxy curls, use thin rollers, and for soft bangs, use wide ones. Mildly brush out the curls for a natural effect. Voila! Loads of texture and movement.

Rubber Covered Wire Shapers: These are most effective when used on newly-washed and dried hair. Divide the hair into sections. Pin up the upper two parts of each section and begin with the lower part. Make a bend in the centre of each shaper and wind the hair around one half. To prevent frizz, and to protect hair, use a small piece of aluminium foil on the hair ends before beginning to twine them.

Start winding the first piece of hair round the shaper near its centre, covering the ends with the next wind. Work up to the end, and fasten securely with a twist to the shaper. Results take time to achieve, and it is best to leave the shapers in place overnight. With patience and practice, you can be an expert in using these. The result: Stunning, curly ringlets. Though these ringlets do not last for long on fine hair, they stay till the next wash on hair that has a natural bend or hair that lends itself to curling well. So, take a break from blow-drying and let your hair hang loose and sexy for a while.

Scrunch Drying: After towel-drying your hair thoroughly, rub a small amount of gel between your palms, and run your fingers through all the sections of your hair. Now turn dryer to cool air (which does not damage hair), scrunch up a small section of your hair in your hand and hold it close to the dryer.

Release the scrunched section and pick up the next. Work across the entire head in this way to get natural, tousled curls. You can flip hair upside down before beginning to scrunch it. Instead of combing your hair, just run your fingers through it. The result: Lusty, fuss-free locks! This simple technique lends an especially attractive look to highlighted hair, by giving it depth and bounce.

Corn-Rowing Or Plaiting: Corn-rowing is a very tight form of braiding, carried out on very small sections of the hair. Divide damp hair into neat sections, and make loose or tight plaits (according to the texture of the plait effect required) all the way down the head. Work carefully with small sections and ensure that every single hair is included. Since the process requires a great deal of skill and patience, take the help of a friend.

Colourful beads can be put on the ends of the hair before tying them off. Avoid fastening with rubber bands, which may damage or break hair. Instead, wind lengths of sewing cotton thread around each braid. You can leave the hair braided for a sexy, gypsy look or you can unplait the hair for pretty neat waves down the length of the hair. Braids, if left plaited, can stay in the hair for several weeks whereas the plaited effect in hair let loose, will drop out after about a day. To wash braided hair, dip your head gently in a basin full of water, with a squirt of shampoo well dispersed in it. Rinse out all traces of soap for clean, shiny braids.

Finger Drying: This method is ideal for light, natural waves. Towel out the excess water in your hair after shampooing. Run your fingers through your hair at intervals to dry it naturally. Finger drying uses the heat of the fingers to dry hair, and gives the hair great volume and body. Way to go girl, with sassy, cascading strands! For a more sophisticated look, finish by tucking your tresses behind your ears.

Try out these gentle, effective, easy-on-the-wallet ways to give your crowning glory great shape — the perfect way for you to snag all the right kind of attention.