How to Get Textured Waves: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Laid-Back Volume and Definition

There’s something about textured waves that never goes out of style. Not quite curly, not entirely straight, and far from stiff, this look is effortless in all the right ways. The best part? You don’t need a beach day or professional stylist to get them. With the right tools, techniques, and a little practice, you can create lived-in, natural-looking waves that work with your hair, not against it.

In this guide, we’re walking through exactly how to get textured waves for different hair types and lengths. Whether your hair is fine and straight, thick and curly, or somewhere in between, these tips are built for real mornings (and even better, second-day hair). We'll also highlight our favorite irons for the job, including the Bio Ionic 10X Pro Styling Iron and Long Barrel Curling Iron.

What are textured waves?

Textured waves are a loose, slightly undone wave pattern that mimics natural movement, like what your hair might do after a day in saltwater, or from sleeping in a braid. Unlike polished curls, they’re less uniform and more relaxed. Think bend, not bounce. Texture, not tightness. Volume, not volume overload.

They’re also adaptable. You can wear them with a middle or deep side part, on short or long hair, and layered with other styles like half-up twists or low buns.

Start with the right prep

Creating the perfect wave starts with how you prep your hair. Clean hair will work, but slightly dirty hair usually holds texture better. Start with a lightweight heat protectant and, if your roots need a lift, a volumizing spray at the crown.

For finer hair:

• Use a volumizing mousse or root spray.

• Avoid heavy oils or creams that will weigh hair down.

For thicker or coarser hair:

• Use a lightweight leave-in or smoothing serum on ends.

• Detangle thoroughly before heat styling.

Choose your tool: flat iron or curling iron?

Both can create textured waves, but the result depends on your hair type and the tool's shape.

Use a flat iron (like the 10X Pro Styling Iron) if:

• You want tighter bends and more control.

• Your hair is straight, fine, or lacks natural volume.

• You like a slightly edgier, less uniform wave.

Use a curling iron (like the Long Barrel Curling Iron) if:

• You want a soft, beachy finish.

• Your hair holds curl well and you prefer rounder waves.

• You want to work quickly on longer lengths.

Both tools work beautifully for creating texture, it just depends on your style and speed preference.

How to create textured waves with a flat iron

This method works great on medium to long hair and is especially useful if your hair is naturally straight or frizzy.

 Step-by-step:

1. Section hair into horizontal layers, starting at the nape.

2. Take a 1-inch section, clamp the flat iron near the root.

3. Rotate your wrist away from your face slightly, then pull the iron down a few inches.

4. Alternate direction for the next section (toward the face).

5. Repeat until all layers are styled.

6. Once finished, rake through with fingers and finish with a texture spray or light hairspray.

Pro tips:

• Don't clamp too tight; you want movement, not sharp creases.

• Leave ends out for a more undone, lived-in look.

• For fine hair, use low to medium heat; for thick/coarse hair, use medium to high.
  
  

How to create textured waves with a curling iron

If you're using the Long Barrel Curling Iron, you're already saving time. The extra-long barrel makes it easy to wrap longer sections evenly.

Step-by-step:

1. Start with 1- to 1.5-inch sections.

2. Wrap hair around the barrel away from your face, leaving the ends out.

3. Hold for 5–8 seconds, then release.

4. Alternate directions as you move across your head for a more natural finish.

5. Once your whole head is waved, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to loosen it up.

6. Add texture spray or dry shampoo at the roots to boost volume.

Pro tips:

• For tighter waves, hold the curl longer and use smaller sections.

• For looser waves, use bigger sections and less hold time.

• Don’t overthink the direction—imperfection = texture.

What about short hair?

Yes, textured waves work on bobs and lobs too. In fact, this is where they shine. Use a flat iron or smaller barrel iron (like a 1-inch) to create quick, imperfect bends.

Tips for short hair:

• Focus on the middle of the strand, not the root.

• Always leave ends out for a modern, not-too-done finish.

• Tuck one side behind the ear and add a clip if needed.

What if you have curls or coils?

You can still rock a textured wave, but the process starts with stretching your natural curl first. Blow dry with a round brush or use a flat iron to smooth sections before adding waves.

Best techniques:

• Use the 10X Pro Styling Iron to stretch and wave in one pass.

• Work in small sections to keep the texture controlled.

• Use a light hold product to help shape and maintain waves without stiffness.
  
  

The key is to reduce frizz and redefine shape, not to flatten your texture entirely.

How to finish and make it last

Textured waves get better with time. On day one, you might want more definition. By day two or three, they soften into something even more effortless.

To finish:

• Use a texture spray to enhance definition and grip.

• Flip your head upside down and shake out the roots.

• Add a tiny bit of dry shampoo to refresh on day two.

To extend the style:

• Sleep in a loose top knot or two French braids.

• Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.

• Refresh sections with a flat iron or curling iron as needed.

Recap: The textured wave toolkit

Here are your go-to tools to keep on hand:

• 10X Pro Styling Iron: smooths, bends, and shapes with vibrating plates

• Long Barrel Curling Iron: fast, even wrapping for all lengths

• Heat protectant spray

• Texture spray or dry shampoo

• Wide-tooth comb or fingers for finishing

Whether you're going to class, heading into work, or just want to look like you made an effort when you really didn’t, textured waves are your shortcut to cool, unfussy hair. And with the right Bio Ionic tools, that shortcut gets even smoother.