Goodbye cold, hello sunshine.
Spring’s perfect for flaunting your natural waves.
Here’s the secret sauce to spring-ready waves:
1 - Trim time
Harsh winter? Hair's screaming for help. Dry, split ends everywhere.
Book that spring trim. Ideally at a curly/wavy hair salon.
Layers bring the volume and definition. Making styling a breeze.
Chop those dead ends off. Lighter ends mean livelier, bouncier waves.
From lifeless to lustrous, just like that.
You've spent the evening washing and styling your hair.
6am arrives.
You look like you've been dragged through a bush.
Those waves have been destroyed.
What the hell happened and how can you prevent it from occurring again?
Two words...
Product build up, humidity, sleep, day to day life.
Multiple reasons why your waves revolt on non-wash days.
They lose definition. It's messy, frizzy, frustrating.
The fix?
Refresh.
This quick process will revitalise your natural wave pattern. Reactivate your waves definition. Fight flyaway frizz.
But how do you refresh your hair?
Wavy hair possesses a unique charm, but it often comes with its own set of misconceptions. Let's debunk some of the most prevalent myths surrounding wavy locks:
Frizz around the crown of your head, often referred to as "halo frizz," can be a frustrating issue for those with wavy hair.
However, with the right techniques and products, you can effectively tame the halo and achieve beautiful waves.
In this blog post, we'll explore various strategies to reduce halo frizz and maintain gorgeous, frizz-free hair.
Welcome to the realm of wavy hair!
Don't fret if you come across unfamiliar terminology, we're here to help decode it.
Below, we've provided explanations for some common terms to ease your journey:
Plopping is a drying technique used to enhance wave definition and reduce frizz. It involves wrapping wet hair in a microfiber towel to remove excess water.
Clumping refers to the formation of naturally grouped curls or waves, which occurs when hair strands stick together rather than separating into individual strands. Clumping is desirable for achieving defined, uniform waves and minimising frizz.
The cast refers to the gel or styling product that forms a firm hold around the waves as they dry. Once the hair is completely dry, the cast can be gently scrunched or broken to reveal soft, defined curls underneath.
"Pineappling" is a popular technique among people with wavy hair to preserve their curls or waves overnight and minimise frizz.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Flip your head forward and gather all of your hair towards the top of your head. You can use your hands or a wide-tooth comb to gently gather your hair without disturbing your waves too much.
2. Secure with a hair tie: Once you have gathered your hair, loosely secure it with a scrunchie or a soft hair tie. Avoid pulling your hair too tight, as this can cause creases and disrupt your waves.
3. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase: To further prevent frizz and maintain your waves, consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials are gentler on your hair compared to cotton, which can cause friction and lead to frizz.
What an incredible evening it was! Merwave's inaugural live event dedicated to wavy hair was an absolute triumph. The venue was packed to capacity, and witnessing a room filled with gorgeous wavy locks was truly inspiring.
Emma (the esteemed salon owner of Studio Barnsley, specialising in curly and wavy hair) joined forces with founder Abi to delve into the world of wavy hair.
With so much valuable information shared throughout the night, it's challenging to narrow it down, but here are our top five enlightening takeaways...
Low heat and low speed
Using a low heat setting and a low speed helps to prevent overheating the hair and causing damage.
High heat can also contribute to frizz and disrupt the natural pattern of waves.
Avoiding blowing out waves
"Blowing out waves" refers to using too much force or heat when drying the hair, which can straighten or loosen natural waves.
By using a gentle heat and airflow, you can preserve the natural texture of the hair.
Cupping the hair and holding the diffuser in place
Gently gathering sections of hair in the diffuser bowl and allowing the air to dry hair while maintaining its natural shape.
This helps to encourage the formation of waves or curls while drying without causing frizz.
Emma highly recommended the Merwave Repair and Restore Plex Treatment for damaged hair to help improve its condition and enhance natural waves.
Here's the process she uses on her clients:
1. Wash hair first
Before applying the plex treatment, it's important to start with clean hair. This ensures that the treatment can penetrate the hair shaft more effectively, as there won't be any buildup of oils or styling products that could create a barrier.
2. Apply plex to wet hair
Wet hair is more porous and can better absorb the treatment. Applying the plex treatment to wet hair allows it to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, helping to repair damage from within.
3. Sleep with it on before rinsing
By leaving it on for an extended period, the treatment has more time to deeply nourish and repair the hair.
Additionally, not shampooing after rinsing helps to maintain the effects of the treatment, as shampooing immediately afterward could strip away some of the treatment's benefits.
4. Style as normal
Once you've rinsed out the plex treatment, you can style your hair as usual. The treatment should help to improve the overall condition of your hair, making it easier to style and “make your waves pop."
Moisture is key. Many times, frizz is a result of dry hair. So, ensure your hair routine includes a Deep Conditioning Treatment to replenish moisture and keep frizz at bay.
Hands off! Excessive touching can disrupt the hair cuticle and contribute to frizz.
Switching to a silk / satin pillowcase can make a significant difference. Silk reduces friction, helping to prevent frizz and preserving your hairstyle while you sleep.
On days when you're refreshing your hair (once you've removed whatever protective style you used overnight) allow your hair to settle for at least 15 minutes before jumping into action.
More often than not, during this brief period, your hair will naturally calm down and require much less intervention than you might have initially thought.
By increasing the days between washes.
Washing wavy hair frequently can lead to your natural hair oils being removed. Your hair also becomes accustomed to washes, so when you fail to wash your hair it becomes greasy.
Both Emma and Abi admitted they only wash their hair every 10 days!
Rather than attempting to transition immediately from daily to weekly washing, start gradually. For instance, wash your hair in the morning, then wait until the following evening for your next wash. By doing so, you've already increased the interval between washes from 24 to 36 hours.
Over time, you'll find yourself comfortably washing your hair just once or twice a week.
This will lead to healthier hair.
Keep your eyes peeled for future Merwave evenings. The next one could be near you!
Below you'll discover 3 core reasons why your hair is behaving like this and tips on how to revitalise your lush locks.
Ultimately dry and brittle hair comes down to your hair being moisture deficient.
Wavy hair craves moisture. The rule of thumb is that you need twice as much moisture as protein to keep it healthy and balanced. Dehydrated hair will cause it to dry out. This will lead to excess frizz, rough ends, brittleness and breakages.
You may also be washing your hair too frequently, which will cause your hair to dry out and lose its natural oils quicker. Most Merwavers try and wash their hair only twice a week to ensure it stays nourished and healthy.
If you dye or chemically treat your hair you’re more prone to dry, brittle hair.
The outer cuticle has been penetrated by the dye, which makes it weaker. This not only increases the rate at which your hairs moisture is lost, but it also prevents your natural hair oils from traveling down your hair strands. These are crucial to locking in moisture and keeping your hair healthy.
Using heating tools will also cause it to dry out quicker and damage the hair follicles. Heat causes the surface of your hair cuticles to weaken and split, allowing moisture to escape.
As you've probably realised by now, the common cause of brittleness is 'lack of moisture'.
Dry and brittle hair can be a cause of your diet. Remember the classic phrase, ‘You are what you eat’? Well, your hair’s no different and it’s affected by nutrients and foods.
Hair’s made up of 95% protein, so eating too little can cause lifeless waves. Insufficient consumption of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and iron have also been found to cause hair damage.
In some cases, hormonal changes can change your hair’s texture. Natural hormonal changes can be an influence. If you’re concerned about this though, I recommend speaking to your GP to get it checked out, even if only for your peace of mind.
Published 18th July 2022
As much as I would love my wavy hair to stay lush 24/7, it is unfortunately not always the case. At times, my hair can feel dry and straw-like, especially when the weather is sizzling hot like it is at the moment. Annoyingly, if my hair is feeling dry and brittle it is more prone to breakages and, let’s face it, it doesn’t look the best it can be either!
Read on to hear the reasons why your hair may be feeling like straw and some suggestions on what you can do to fix it and get your natural, luscious waves back in action!
A change in climate can cause your hair to dry out, particularly when you spend excessive time in the sun. The hot weather can frazzle your hair, making it weak, not chic! If you’ve been abroad lately, you may find that your hair has been dryer than usual, so make sure to apply lots of moisture, such as a leave-in conditioner.
It’s not just natural heat that causes issues though: using heat styling products is a big cause of dry hair and split ends which is why I never recommend using them. Instead, let your hair dry naturally if you can or use a microfibre hair wrap if you are in a rush.
Moisture is the key to unlocking bouncy, beachy waves. If you find yourself looking more like a scarecrow than a wavy-haired beach goddess, grab a deep conditioning mask and give your hair a bit of nourishment. Skipping conditioning sessions will only end in breakages so be sure to stay stocked up with your favourite repair conditioner to apply after shampooing.
A common question I get asked is, how often should I wash my wavy hair? It does depend on your lifestyle but you don’t want to be shampooing daily, that’s one thing for sure. Over-washing can remove natural oils from your hair and scalp, which can upset your moisture balance and cause that straw-like texture.
This is particularly true if you use shampoo containing sulphates, so you are best to use a sulphate-free shampoo to protect your waves as best possible.
Enjoyed that dip in the pool to cool down? I bet you did! But here’s the not-so-fun fact: your wavy hair cuticles did not benefit from the excessive chlorine and chemicals and will be more prone to drying out. If you are a keen swimmer, always rinse your hair after swimming to wash away the chemicals in the water.
Other chemicals from bleaching or dying your hair regularly disrupts the natural balance of hair oils, causing your hair to become dry and straw-like. Hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and sodium hydroxide attack your hair cuticles and leave them dry, causing brittle waves.
My recommendation when adding colour to your hair is to always seek professional salon advice.
Published 25th April 2022
If you have naturally wavy hair, you’re probably always looking for the best ways to keep it looking and feeling fresh. You want to keep the frizz to a minimum while adding texture and volume to your natural waves.
Maybe you look at other wavy girls online and emulate their hair care routine to optimise your waves. While it’s good to get inspiration from other people’s routines, it’s also important to try different products and techniques on your own hair to see what works best for your unique waves!
Get in tune with what products your hair responds best to and learn how your hair works. Also take note of how certain products affect your scalp, as scalp health affects your waves too.
If you’ve been struggling to refresh your wavy hair, we’ve got some top tips that should make things easier for you. Give these tips a go to see which ones make your waves look and feel amazing!
Prevention is always better than cure. Which is why It’s important to protect your hair even when you’re asleep. When you’re lying your head down on a pillow and you’re tossing and turning overnight, it can damage your waves if you don’t take the necessary steps to protect your hair.
You can tie your hair up into a loose bun or cover it using a satin scarf. Consider getting silk pillowcases too, as silk is the best material to prevent dehydration of your hair and stop excess frizz.
Forget about the fancy, expensive serums. Plain old water can do the trick to refresh your hair!
Spraying water on your wavy hair can immediately leave you feeling fresher. It can also enhance the effects of your hair care products, reducing frizz and improving shine and nourishment.
You can spray water onto your hair by filling up an empty bottle from one of your previous hair care products. Spray your hair with clean water from root to tip and gently scrunch it into your locks.
You can use generous amounts if you have more porous hair. However, using a lot of water on less porous hair can leave it looking frizzy, so use a little less water if this is the case for you.
You could also use a mist spray, which will evenly distribute the water and prevent your hair from getting drenched!
Once your hair is damp, apply some Protect Gel to wet palms before scrunching through your hair as normal. If you prefer using a foam, then do the same. Repeat until hair is covered. Then air dry or diffuse.
Both of these products will help keep your waves definition locked in place for longer, without weighing them down.
A lightweight natural oil is perfect to control frizz and refresh your hair if it's feeling dry. It'll seal in your hairs moisture.
Also try a hair mask every few washes to give your hair a deep condition. Leave the product in for 15-30 minutes, you can even wear a shower cap and blast your hairdryer over the outside. The heat will allow the product to penetrate deeper into your hair and nourish it from the inside out.
We’ve got a brand-new Deep Conditioning Hair Mask that will leave your hair nourished and shiny.
Your scalp is just as important as your hair itself. Make sure to spend a few minutes massaging your scalp during every wash with a silicone scalp brush.
There you have it. Some top tips for you to refresh your wavy hair and keep the frizz at bay! Check out all of the wavy hair products that we have here at Merwave to find the perfect combination of products for your waves.
Frizz is a common hair concern, especially for those with wavy hair.
This article reveals the 3 main causes of frizz and easy things you can implement to minimise frizz in your hair.
1. Lack of moisture
When hair is dry or lacks sufficient moisture, it becomes more susceptible to frizz. Dry hair tends to absorb moisture from the air, causing the hair shaft to swell and create a frizzy appearance.
2. Damage
Damaged hair, often due to heat styling, chemical treatments, or rough handling, is more prone to frizz. When the hair cuticle is damaged, it becomes rough and uneven, making it easier for moisture to penetrate and swell the hair, leading to frizz.
3. Humidity
High humidity levels in the environment can lead to frizz. The excess moisture in the air interacts with the hair, especially if it's already dry or damaged, causing it to frizz up.
1. Keep your hair hydrated
The first step in combating frizz is to ensure your hair is well-moisturised.
Choose products specifically formulated for wavy hair, as they tend to have more hydrating ingredients such as: glycerin and jojoba oil, which help to replenish your moisture levels. Essential for hair health and elasticity.
Regular deep conditioning treatments (ideally once a week) will provide your hair with a big hydration hit.
The hair shaft is made up of three layers: the cuticle (outer layer), cortex (middle layer), and medulla (innermost layer).
While regular conditioners mostly work on the surface level (the cuticle), deep conditioning masks are formulated to penetrate deeper into the cortex.
This allows them to address more severe damage and dryness.
2. Use a microfibre towel to dry your hair
Traditional towels are often made of terrycloth, which has a rough texture.
This roughness can cause friction when you rub your hair to dry it, leading to hair cuticle damage.
The hair cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and when it's lifted or damaged, it can make your hair more susceptible to frizz and tangles.
In contrast, using a microfiber hair wrap or a soft cotton T-shirt for drying hair can be much gentler.
These materials are less abrasive and can absorb excess water without creating friction or stripping too much moisture from your hair, helping to keep the hair cuticle smooth and reduce the risk of frizz.
3. Sleep on silk
Cotton pillowcases, while comfortable, are highly absorbent.
They can draw moisture away from your hair as you sleep. This loss of moisture not only dries out your hair but can also lead to frizz.
Silk and satin, on the other hand, are less absorbent. They help retain the natural oils in your hair and maintain its moisture balance, which is crucial for keeping frizz at bay.
They also have smoother surfaces compared to the relatively rough texture of cotton.
When you toss and turn during sleep, a cotton pillowcase can create friction against your hair, leading to hair cuticle damage, which results in frizz and tangles.
Silk and satin pillowcases allow your hair to glide over the pillow with minimal friction, thereby reducing the risk of frizz and breakages.
If you want your waves definition to last longer, then sleeping on silk is a game changer.
Embrace it. It's totally normal for wavy hair to have fly away frizz. Learn to live with it. Accept it's simply part of your natural hair.
Click below to shop deep conditioning masks, microfibre wraps and hydrating shampoos.
This elasticity / strand test will determine whether your hair needs moisture or protein.
1. Grab one strand of hair and stretch it
2. If it stretches before snapping then it's well balanced
3. If you pull your hair and it snaps immediately, you need more moisture
4. If it stretches and stretches (like mine in the video) and doesn't bounce back, it needs more protein
If you need protein, use our Feed Treatment.
If you need moisture, treat yourself to our Deep Conditioning Mask. It's also worth removing the Feed Treatment from your next wash day.
If your hair is balanced, use steps 1-5 within our Wavy Hair Kit as normal.
It's important to note that your hair moisture/protein balance will change all the time. A bi-weekly test is therefore recommended.
Straighteners, curling wands and blow dryers. We've all used them to style our hair.
Yet few realise that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause varies types of damage.
Below we reveal 4 key ways heat can negatively affect your hair's health.
You'll then discover how one product can help to restore your damaged hairs health, shine and strength.
1. Heat styling can strip the hair of its natural oils
These oils are crucial for keeping hair moisturised and healthy. Without them, hair becomes brittle and more prone to breakage.
Wavy hair, in particular, tends to be drier than straight hair, making it more susceptible to this issue.
2. Excessive heat can weaken the hair shaft
The high temperatures break down the keratin proteins in hair, which are essential for its strength and elasticity.
This weakening leads to split ends and a frizzy appearance, detracting from the natural beauty of wavy hair.
3. Heat-induced damage can escalate hair porosity
Making it difficult for your hair to retain moisture. Increased porosity leads to further dryness and frizz, creating a cycle of damage and styling that becomes hard to break.
4. Cumulative effect of heat styling can result in an overall dull appearance
The heat not only damages the hair's structure but also affects its ability to reflect light, leading to a lack of luster and shine.
Fig 1: Open and damaged hair cuticle
The only effective long term solution is to restore or replace the internal structure of the hair using a plex treatment.
A plex treatment is a revolutionary solution designed to restore damaged hair by rebuilding the disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and elasticity.
By incorporating plex into your hair care routine, you can restore your hair's health, strength and shine.
Merwave’s new Repair & Restore Plex Treatment is formulated using a patented blend of hydroxypropylgluconamide (and) hydroxypropylammonium gluconate. Two small molecule ingredients designed to strengthen hair from inside the fiber.
This unique solution penetrates deep into your cortex to create new hydrogen and iconic bonds that support the internal keratin structure.
This strengthens the internal hair structure up to 3X that of untreated hair.
Fig 2: Plex restores damaged hair by creating new bonds
1. Stronger hair
As the plex treatment rebuilds the hair's bonds, it strengthens the hair from within, making it more resistant to breakages and damage.
2. Reduces hair porosity
By repairing the hair's structure, a plex treatment can help reduce hair porosity. Which means your hair will better retain moisture, leading to softer, shinier, less frizzy waves.
3. Hair is more manageable
By restoring the bonds in your hair, a plex treatment can improve your hair's elasticity, making it less prone to breakage and more resilient to styling. Your hair will become more manageable.
Fig 3: Hair becomes stronger, manageable & healthy
Use plex treatment whenever your hair feels dull and damaged. Or after you’ve been on holiday and subjected it to sun, sea and chlorine. Anytime it needs some TLC!
Simply apply to damp hair. Leave on for 30-60 minutes. Rinse off. Then complete your normal wash day routine.
In addition to using a plex treatment, it’s essential to maintain a healthy hair care routine by following the below core principles:
1. Use silicone, sulphate and paraben free products to prevent your natural oils from being stripped.
2. Use a deep conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
3. Limit the use of heating tools to avoid damage.
4. Detangle when hair is dripping in conditioner to reduce tension on your strands.
5. Get regular trims to prevent split ends and breakages.
It’s important to note that restoring damaged hair takes time. There is no overnight miracle product. So, you may need a few treatments before you start seeing results.
Click below to discover our plex treatment.
When it comes to hair care, we often hear about the importance of conditioning. But what exactly is the difference between a regular hair conditioner and a deep conditioning mask? Are they interchangeable, or do they serve different purposes?
Let's unravel the mystery of these two essential hair care products.
A regular hair conditioner is a staple in most people's hair care routines.
It's a product designed to be used after shampooing to restore moisture, soften the hair, and make it more manageable.
Here's how it works:
1. Moisture Restoration: Conditioners contain ingredients like glycerin and oil extracts that fuel your hair with moisture. This helps prevent dryness and frizz.
2. Detangling: They also contain conditioning agents that provide manageability and allow for easy detangling. Hence why we also advocate detangling when your hair is saturated in conditioner. This reduces breakages and damage.
3. Sealing the Cuticles: Conditioners often work by sealing the hair cuticles, which can get raised during shampooing. Creating a smoother and shinier appearance.
On the other hand, a deep conditioning mask (sometimes referred to as a hair mask or treatment) is a more intensive and targeted product.
It's not meant for everyday use but should be used periodically for a deep dose of nourishment.
Here's how it differs:
1. Intensive Nourishment: Deep conditioning masks contain higher concentrations of conditioning agents, vitamins, and proteins. They penetrate deeper into the hair shaft to repair damage and provide intense hydration.
2. Repair and Strengthen: These masks are especially useful for repairing damaged hair caused by factors like heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental stressors. Ingredients like hydrolysed wheat protein helps retain that moisture, giving your hair a thicker appearance.
3. Occasional Use: Unlike regular conditioners, deep conditioning masks are not meant for daily use. Using them once a week or as needed is typically sufficient to maintain healthy hair.
In conclusion, the primary difference between a hair conditioner and a deep conditioning mask lies in their intensity and purpose. Conditioners are for daily use, while deep conditioning masks provide a more potent treatment.
Same as using a daily face moisturiser alongside a bi-weekly face mask. You'd only use the face mask when your skin is crying out for a hydration hit.
Both are essential to healthy hair. If you have relatively healthy hair and want to maintain its condition, a regular conditioner is likely enough. However, if your hair is damaged, dry, or prone to frizz, a deep conditioning mask will provide your hair with the moisture is's craving.
When hair is well-hydrated and in good health, it establishes a more robust base for shielding against breakage and harm. This is advantageous for every individual's hair.
Discover more about Merwave's Deep Conditioning Mask here.
Discover more about Merwave's Conditioner here
We all like being nosey don’t we? Well I do anyway. So I thought I'd share a day in my life with you.
I’d love to say that I wake up, meditate, practise mindfulness, drink a greens smoothie, have set working hours with screen time breaks and drink 5 litres of water. Yet in reality I'm running around after 2 kids, trying to grow a business and drinking a lot of tea!
Here's what a typical day looks like...
Alarm goes off and I drag myself to the gym or for a run depending on the weather.
Confession time, I hate running in the rain as it just makes my hair super tangled so I try and avoid that. I love running in the cooler months and seeing the sunrises over the sea.
I always sleep on a silk pillowcase. It's so good for taming frizz and my skin doesn’t dry out either!
My hair is always tied up for exercise, however once I am finished I do take it out.
Back home and straight into getting the kids ready.
Either myself or my husband (Tom) drop our little boy off at nursery. Tom also works full time for Merwave.
Then embark on the daily battle of sorting my daughter's hair out for school. I always thought detangling my own hair was hard work, yet this is a whole different level. It's carnage.
Strategy walks with Tom
Kids sorted, time to dive into Merwave.
I should say now that no two weeks are the same but one thing's for certain...I am constantly checking my phone!
Social media can be wild in both good and bad ways. Some days I check and a random video has gone viral. Others I check and the trolls have been out in full force. During the early days this really got to me. Nowadays I just delete the comments and move on.
I get ready and assess what my hair needs. Usually it’s just a quick refresh with our Refresh Spray, but sometimes it needs wetting through and more step 5 (Protect Gel) adding and a quick scrunch.
Once my hair is dry I tend to add oil to give it a bit of shine and lock that moisture in.
In summer I love letting my hair air dry but in winter I tend to diffuse or else it'll stay wet all day!
My priority is always the customer so I spend an hour replying to messages and emails. As we've grown the volume of customer support tickets has also gone through the roof, so we've taken on Marsha to help with customer service. She's amazing.
Working alongside your husband adds a whole new dynamic to things. Tom deals with the paid media, logistics and finance side of things. Whereas I oversee content creation, customer service and product development.
So we're not joined at the hip all day, Tom will venture off to a coffee shop for a couple of hours and work from there. Well that's what he tells me, he could just be eating cake and reading his book!
Once a week I wash my hair and film new content. I try to film content that is educational. The world of wavy hair is a minefield. So I'm constantly recording new material or writing helpful articles on how to care for your waves.
Pick the boy up from nursery. Put him to bed. Quick lunch of chicken and salad.
Tom and I then work on bigger projects.
This could include: reviewing new products that we're looking to launch, exploring retail opportunities, live events, international expansion, organising photoshoots, planning marketing campaigns. The list goes on.
When we first launched Merwave I'd spend hours in the garage picking and packing orders. I got through 50 episodes of Masterchef Australia during that period!
Luckily we've got a warehouse team who deal with this now.
Burning off energy
Pick my daughter up from school then family time.
We'll all head to the beach, park or rugby club for a couple of hours to tire the kids out.
My 2-year old boy is obsessed with his balance bike. He's fearless. So we've had to get him a full face helmet to limit trips to A&E. Tom's goal is to find the steepest hills for him to ride down, whilst I'm watching holding my breath!
My 4-year old daughter is more like me. Barbies, painting nails, tea-parties are her vibe. She's also turned into a little Merwave saleswomen, helping me issue samples in Newcastle or telling her teachers about us.
Dishing our samples in Newcastle
Once the children are fed, bathed and asleep I spend 10 minutes planning tomorrows to do list.
Although Merwave is coming up to being 3 years old there's always something new to learn or a fresh problem that crops up. You just have to act on the fly and deal with everything that's thrown your way.
Days can be stressful and exhausting. Our checkout might stop working, stock arrives damaged or like last year when Royal Mail decided to strike over Black Friday week! That was a nightmare.
On the flip side, others are unbelievably rewarding. We receive lovely messages from customers saying our products have transformed their life and they've never felt so confident. They always put a smile on my face.
Once a week I go to Spanish lessons. This allows me to concentrate on something other than hair.
Then wind down by watching tele. Current favourites are Married At First Sight, Masterchef (obviously) and the series Yellowstone.
Bed!
And that's a day in the life of running Merwave.
Wavy hair can be a blessing and a curse. While it has a natural, carefree charm, it also tends to be more prone to frizz, especially during the winter months.
You may have noticed that your locks have a mind of their own when the temperature drops. But is wavy hair really frizzier in winter, or is it all in our heads?
Let's explore the science and tips to tame those unruly winter waves...
To understand why wavy hair tends to be frizzier in winter, we need to consider the environmental factors at play.
During colder months, the air tends to be drier, both outdoors and indoors. This lack of humidity can sap moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and more susceptible to frizz.
Additionally, wavy hair is more porous than straight hair, which means it absorbs moisture from the air easily. When the air is dry, wavy hair will seek moisture wherever it can. Unfortunately, moisture from the environment can cause the hair shaft to swell and result in a frizzy appearance.
Frequent changes in temperature (such as moving from the cold outdoors to heated indoors) can also contribute to frizz. These temperature shifts cause the hair's cuticle to open and close rapidly, creating an uneven surface that appears frizzy.
1. Hydrate your hair
The key to combating winter frizz is to fuel your hair with moisture.
Adequate moisture helps seal the hair cuticle, preventing the excess moisture absorption mentioned above. Your hair will become more elastic and less likely to break when subjected to everyday wear and tear.
To keep your hair oozing in moisture, deep condition more frequently in winter.
A weekly 30 minute treatment will provide your hair with the big hydration hit required to transform it from brittle, dry and dull to deeply nourished and healthy.
2. Use an oil
Hair is porous. It can lose moisture through tiny gaps or openings in the hair's cuticle layer.
When you apply hair oil to your hair, it forms a thin, hydrophobic (water-repellent) layer on the surface of the hair shaft. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing water molecules from escaping from the inner layers of the hair.
The oil's lubricating properties also reduce friction between hair strands, which causes frizz and damage.
In addition to sealing in moisture, hair oils can add shine to your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant. They also improve hair's manageability by reducing tangles and making it easier to style.
3. Protect your hair
When going outside in cold, windy weather, protect your hair with a hat or scarf. This will shield your locks from harsh environmental conditions.
Make sure you opt for a silk lined hat. Silk is a smooth, soft, and slippery fabric. When you wear a silk-lined hat, it creates less friction with your hair compared to other materials like cotton or wool. Reduced friction means less likelihood of hair breakage and frizz, which is especially important for wavy hair prone to tangling.
Silk is also known for its ability to retain moisture. When you wear a silk-lined hat, it can help your hair maintain its natural moisture balance. This is particularly helpful in cold weather when wavy hair tends to become dry and brittle.
In conclusion, wavy hair does tend to be frizzier in winter due to the lower humidity, increased dryness, and temperature fluctuations.
However, with the right care and attention to moisture retention, you can enjoy your beautiful waves year-round.
Click below to shop our deep conditioner and oil to protect your hair on the chilliest of winter days.
Wavy hair can be both a blessing and a challenge. Its natural texture offers a unique and effortlessly chic look, but it can also be a bit unpredictable. Yet taming your waves and keeping them looking their best doesn't have to be a daunting task.
In this article, we'll share five essential tips to help you manage and style your wavy hair with ease.
Select a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. Not only will these products fuel your hair with the hydration hit required to fight off frizz (wavy hair is more prone to frizzing than straight hair) but they also won't strip your hair of it's vital natural oils.
Natural oils (referred to as sebum) act as a natural conditioner for our hair. They contain essential fatty acids and nutrients that keeps our hair shaft and scalp moisturised, preventing dryness, flakiness and itchiness. Retaining these oils improves our overall hair health.
Experiment with wash frequencies. Too often and you can strip away those oils, causing your hair to become dry and damaged. Most Merwavers wash between 2-3 times per week.
Wavy hair is more prone to tangling than straight hair, so it's crucial to detangle it gently.
After applying your conditioner in the shower, use a wide-toothed comb, tangle teaser or your fingers to comb through your hair. Start at the tips and work your way up to the roots.
By detangling your hair when it's saturated in conditioner (your hair should feel like seaweed) you'll prevent breakage and minimise frizz.
It also helps distribute your hairs natural oils and makes it more manageable for styling.
Diffusers are designed to disperse the airflow evenly, preventing concentrated bursts of hot air that can disrupt the natural wave pattern. When wavy hair is diffused, it helps to enhance and define the waves.
Wavy hair is prone to frizz due to its texture. Diffusing hair at a lower heat and speed setting minimizes the disruption of the hair's cuticle layer, which can help reduce frizz. It also allows the hair to dry more gently, maintaining its natural texture.
For wavy hair that tends to be flat at the roots, diffusing can add volume. By scrunching the hair with a diffuser at the roots while drying, you can create lift and fullness, giving your wavy hair a more voluminous look.
Your choice of pillowcase can significantly impact the condition of your wavy hair.
Cotton pillowcases not only cause friction (leading to frizz and flattened waves) yet they also absorb the natural oils and moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
Switching to a silk pillowcase is a simple but effective way to prevent this. It's smoother materials reduce friction whilst your tossing and turning at night, which helps preserve your wave pattern.
You can find plenty of silk pillowcases on Amazon at affordable prices.
I started my wavy journey at the end of May 2023. I had waves as a child but then spent the rest of my life straightening my hair.
I've now fully embraced my natural waves!
Here's my wash day routine…
> I wash twice a week with the Merwave shampoo and conditioner.
> Then detangle hair while the conditioner is in. I use the bowl method to help create those gorgeous clumps.
> While soaking wet, I add gel using prayer hands. Then scrunch and micro-plop with an old cotton t-shirt.
> I spray some heat protectant then diffuse my hair. I hover diffuse first and then pixie diffuse my waves.
> When it’s roughly 60% dry I add a small ball of the mousse and scrunch it in for volume. Then finish drying.
On non-wash days I simply refresh to revitalise my waves definition. This ensures my waves last for days.
I only wash every 3/5 days.
> Alternate between using 1 and Merwave clarifying shampoo
> Then steps 2-5. My hair loves the protein so I am generous with 3.
> I use a cotton t-shirt to remove excess water before applying 3-5 and I scrunch products in upside down.
> Then I diffuse until dry and I scrunch out the crunch.
I pineapple my hair at night and I don’t need to refresh in between washes.
I've been using Merwave for about 4 weeks. Feel like I’ve finally cracked it.
Here's my routine...
> Have the water lukewarm when showering to reduce frizz
> I go through steps 1-4
> Micro-plop and then plop in a microfibre towel for about 20 minutes
> Take out the towel and apply more of 4 and then finally 5
> Diffuse with diffuser attachment on hairdryer at lowest heat and lowest power possible until 80% dry
> Clip the front bits back to avoid the temptation of touching it and then air dry
> Small amount of Merwave oil rubbed between my palms to then scrunch out the crunch about 3/4 hours later
And voila!! I’m so pleased with the results.
Dull, greasy hair. Weighed down waves. Styling products not working their magic. Hair looks lifeless.
Problems most ladies experience during their hair journey.
The solution? Clarifying.
A hard reset that'll revitalise and bring your locks back to life.
Below are three reasons why you need to clarify your hair...
All wavies crave soft, defined, long lasting waves. Yet a common issue women suffer is either a lack of definition, or their wave definition drops out after a few hours.
So below, we've revealed 3 tips you can try to keep your beach waves defined all day, everyday.
Scroll down...
If you've ever found yourself frustrated with lackluster locks that resemble straw more than the luscious hair you desire, you're not alone. It’s an issue lots of wavy hair women suffer with.
In this guide, you’ll discover the various factors that contribute to dry, brittle, and straw-like hair.
We’ll then share practical tips and solutions to help you rejuvenate and reclaim your soft, defined beach waves.
Let’s dive in…
Below are the 3 main reasons your hair looks like straw. We’ve also provided solutions to each issue so you can take action immediately.
Wavy hair tends to be more porous than straight hair, which means it can lose moisture more easily.
If your hair lacks adequate moisture, it can become dry, rough, and brittle. This leads to that straw-like appearance.
The simple solution is to fuel your hair with more moisture.
Start by applying a deep conditioning mask for 30 minutes. This will provide your hair with the big hydration hit required to transform it from brittle, dry and dull to deeply nourished and healthy.
Then on subsequent hair washes, use a high quality, sulphate free conditioner to retain those moisture levels.
The outermost layer of the hair shaft is called the cuticle. When hair is exposed to various factors like heat styling, chemical treatments or environmental damage, the cuticles can become damaged or raised.
This damage can cause the hair to lose its smoothness and softness, leading to a straw-like texture.
The only effective long-term solution is to restore the internal structure of your hair by using a plex treatment.
Damaged hair's more porous than healthy hair. Which as we know leads to more moisture loss and thus brittleness. A plex treatment will repair those damaged cuticles by restoring the broken hair bonds. Allowing your hair to retain that vital moisture.
Your hair elasticity will be improved. It’ll become more manageable and more resilient to styling. Your hair will be visibly shinier and healthier.
Natural oils are your hair’s armour. Here’s why they are vital to healthy hair…
1. They help keep your hair moisturised by providing a protective layer on your hair shaft. This barrier also shields your hair from UV rays, pollution and harsh weather.
2. The oils reduce friction between hair strands. Preventing tangling and breakages.
3. They contain important fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Nutrients that nourish the hair follicles which enhances your hair’s texture and keeps your scalp healthy.
Problem is lots of people unknowingly strip away these crucial oils on a day to day basis. When this happens your hair becomes dry leading to straw texture.
Below are 4 causes that remove your natural oils...
1. Harsh shampoos that contain sulphates, silicones and parabans. They’re affecting at removing dirt, but also strip away your natural oils produced by the scalp. Leaving your hair feeling dry and brittle.
2. High temperatures from heating tools (curl irons, straighteners, hair dryers) can damage your hair cuticles, depleting your hair’s moisture and natural oils. Hair is dry and prone to breakages.
3. Exposure to sun, wind and dry air saps away moisture and strips away your oils. Hair becomes dull and rough.
4. Washing your hair too frequently (especially with harsh shampoos) can lead to the over-removal of natural oils. This can disrupt the scalp's oil balance, leading to dryness and an overproduction of oil in response.
The solution is to use gentler shampoos and conditioners. Products that don’t contain sulphates and silicones.
You also want to apply a natural hair oil seal in your hairs moisture. The oils fatty acids will lubricate your hair strands, which prevents it from drying out too quickly.
Finally, avoid heating tools. They simply damage your hair. If you do want to use a diffuser then that’s totally fine, just ensure it’s on a low heat.
Remember...
Nurturing healthy hair goes beyond superficial treatments – it involves understanding your hair's unique needs, adopting a gentle care routine, and protecting it from external stressors.
Embrace the tips provided and embark on your journey to healthier, more radiant hair.
Click below to shop Merwave’s range of sulphate, silicone and paraben free shampoos and conditioners, deep conditioning masks, plex treatments and hair oils.
Unlocking the full potential of wavy hair can be an exciting journey, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. Among those challenges is finding the best way to dry your waves without compromising their natural beauty.
The drying process plays a crucial role in enhancing your waves, minimising frizz and achieving a hairstyle that truly showcases the unique texture of your hair.
Let's explore the two core drying techniques...
Diffusing is one of the most popular methods for drying wavy hair. It has several great benefits:
Enhanced curl definition: Diffusing can help define your natural waves and curls, resulting in more defined, bouncy curls and waves.
Reduced frizz: Wavy hair can be prone to frizz, and diffusing can help reduce it by distributing the heat more evenly and minimising manipulation.
Faster drying time: Diffusing can speed up the drying process compared to air-drying, as the warm air from the diffuser helps to evaporate moisture from the hair.
Increased volume: Diffusing can add volume to wavy hair, making it look fuller and more voluminous.
Reduced heat damage: Since diffusing uses indirect heat, it can be less damaging to your hair than direct heat styling tools like flat irons or curling irons.
Overall, diffusing wavy hair can help you achieve a more polished, defined, and voluminous look without subjecting your hair to excessive heat or styling damage.
Watch the video demo below to see how it works. Sound on!
It's rare for women to go natural on their wedding day. Make up, hair routines, fake tan often take centre stage.
My husband has often remarked how he prefers our shoot photos over our wedding day photos, purely because my hair is natural and I don't have loads of make up on.
So it was refreshing to receive a lovely email from Christina explaining how she used Merwave to embrace her natural waves on her special day.
We loved her story so much, we wanted to share her wedding hair routine and amazing photos with you.
I'm sure you all agree, she looks gorgeous!
''I was nervous to go 'natural' for my wedding day because it's a risk to rely on it behaving on the day. But both myself and my partner prefer my natural waves to styled ones, so it made perfect sense!
Our wedding day was a tiny intimate outdoor affair in rural West Cork in Ireland.
The vibe was relaxed, boho and outdoorsy, so my waves fitted in well with my flower crown, mermaid-tail dress and bouquet of flowers (picked from my partner's Nan's garden down the road).''
Here's how Christina unlocked her gorgeous, natural waves for her magical day...
Step 1: I washed my hair with the Cleanse Shampoo (#1) and Repair Conditioner (#2) on the wedding day morning, which I'd never have done previously. But now I know wash day has the best results!
Step 2: I skipped #3 (Feed Treatment). Yet detangled my hair with the conditioner in. Then used a little extra conditioner for additional shine.
Step 3: Standing upright, I scrunched in the Cast Foam (#4). I have thick hair so use lots of foam to bring out the waves shape and definition.
Step 4: Finally, scrunched in the Protect Gel (#5) and some argan oil serum, particularly to the ends.
Then I simply left my hair to air dry as I got ready.
I topped up with some oil before leaving, but didn't need to touch my hair again all day!
Photo credit: Kate Bean Photography
Two quick and easy styles you can use with your wavy hair. The first video is a pony tail that creates more volume. The second video is an upgrade to your current half pony. Give them a try :)
Detangling our hair is crucial to maintaining healthy hair. It makes your hair more manageable, which prevents breakages and improves styling. It also helps distribute your hairs natural oils whilst preventing knots and tangles.
Let's go back to basics to ensure you're detangling correctly. Here's my process...
1. Wash your hair
2. Then apply a generous amount of Merwave conditioner
3. Work conditioner through with your fingers. You can even leave it on for a couple of minutes to soak into your hair strands.
4. Using a gentle brush or wide tooth comb, start detangling at the bottom of your hair and work your way up. If you have a lot of hair you can section it.
5. Once your hair is detangled, test to make sure you can easily run your fingers through it. Your hair should feel and look slick like wet seaweed.
6. Leave on for a couple more minutes whilst your continue your shower, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Check out the video below to see this in action...
It's crucial to to protect your wavy hair when sleeping. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Preserve the wave pattern: Wavy hair tends to lose its shape easily, especially when exposed to friction and movement during sleep. Protecting your hair while sleeping helps to maintain the natural wave pattern and prevents it from becoming flat or distorted.
2. Minimise frizz: Friction caused by rubbing against pillows and sheets can lead to frizz and flyaways in wavy hair. By taking steps to protect your hair, you can reduce friction and keep your waves smooth and defined.
3. Prevent breakage: Wavy hair is prone to breakage, especially when it's not properly protected during sleep. Tossing and turning on rough surfaces can cause the hair strands to rub against each other, leading to breakage and split ends. Protecting your hair helps to minimise this damage and keep your waves healthy.
Retain moisture: Sleeping on cotton pillowcases can absorb the natural oils and moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Switching to silk pillowcases can help retain the hair's moisture, preventing dryness and maintaining its health.
Watch the below video to discover 3 ways you can protect your hair at night...
1) Grab yourself a mist spray bottle. Then mix together some #2 Repair Conditioner and water.
2) Dampen down your hair using mist spray. This'll keep your hair nicely hydrated, which is vital to long lasting waves.
3) With damp hands, scrunch in a little #5 Protect Gel. This will lock your waves definition in place.
4) Once your hair is dry (won't take long as it's damp, not wet) I smooth through some wavy hair oil. The oil seals in the moisture, which prevents it from drying out and becoming frizzy.
That's it! Takes less than 3-minutes. My waves are hydrated, defined and frizz-free for the rest of the day.
Give this routine a go and let me know how you get on.
I've been using Merwave for about 4 weeks. Feel like today I’ve finally cracked it.
Here's my routine...
> Have the water lukewarm when showering to reduce frizz
> I go through steps 1-4
> Microplop and then plop in a microfibre towel and lay around scrawling through Instagram for about 20 minutes 🤣
> Take out the towel and apply more of 4 and then finally 5
> Diffuse with diffuser attachment on hairdryer at lowest heat and lowest power possible until 80% dry
> Clip the front bits back to avoid the temptation of touching it and then air dry
> Small amount of Merwave oil rubbed between my palms to then scrunch out the crunch about 3/4 hours later
And voila!! I’m so pleased with the results today 😍
Before and after photos below...
I love summer! Golden looking skin, BBQ’s, playing with the kids on the beach. You just can't beat it. It's also the perfect time of the year to let your hair down and unleash your gorgeous beach waves.
Yet there are some downsides. Constant exposure to the sun effectively dries out of hair strands, which dehydrates our hair. This leads to our hair becoming dull, less elastic, brittle and ultimately a frizzy mess! It can also cause longer lasting damage to your hair strands as they become more fragile.
So below I’ve revealed 5 things you need to be doing to ensure you can enjoy the rays without ruining your waves. I also reveal my go to hot weather wash routine at the end.
Ensuring your hair stays deeply hydrated is critical to preventing frizz and breakages when it’s hot. Moisture will be your best friend. Which is why you should be treating yourself to a deep conditioning mask once or even twice a week.
Simply shampoo as normal, then apply the mask and leave on for 30-60 minutes.
The masks nutrients will deeply penetrate your hair strands with the moisture it’s craving during hot spells. It’ll restore your hair back to its usual strong, healthy self. Your waves will become more defined, less dull and frizzy.
During the colder months I normally diffuse my hair (on a low heat of course).
Yet during the warmer months air drying is the way forward. It’s not only the healthiest way to dry your hair, yet it’s the best way to retain that crucial moisture you’ve added to it.
My go to post shower drying routine right now is whipping on my Merwave microfibre hair wrap for 20-minutes to absorb excess moisture, then letting it air dry naturally.
My waves are softer, less frizzy and healthier as a result.
I'm not even bothered leaving the house with it a little wet still. Just adds to that imperfect, laid back, wavy beach look.
It wouldn't be summer without dips in the sea or pool. Yet chlorines and saltwater can have damaging effects on our wavy hair.
Hair is porous. So it'll absorb whatever is thrown at it. Including saltwater and chlorine.
So saturate your hair with fresh water before diving in the pool or sea. Your hair strands will be absorbed with fresh water. Limiting the amount of salt/chlorine from entering your strands.
To create an additional protective barrier, apply some oil to your hair. This can help minimise the drying effects of chlorine or salt water.
Wearing a swimming cap can help lock that oil and fresh water in place.
Post swim, rinse it again with fresh water to prevent any salt from drying in your waves.
Your hair's moisture will be retained. It won't become dehydrated, which leads to breakages and frizz.
Our scalp will naturally produce more oils during hot spells. This (combined with sun tan lotion and sweat) is why your hair may be looking more greasy right now.
To combat this, you may find washing your hair more frequently is required. Or use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build up. I always use a scalp brush to stimulate my scalp and de-clog the pores.
Post wash (especially if you've used a clarifying shampoo) I'll deep condition to replenish moisture.
Prevent your wavy hair from getting tangled and dried out further by the sun, wind or water by keeping your hair tied back.
A simple plait or bun works perfectly to keep your hair neat and tangle-free. I often find that a French plait works miracles with keeping my wavy hair in tact.
You can protect your hair further by keeping it covered by a trendy sun hat.
I normally only wash my hair once a week. Yet during summer months (especially after a beach day or sweaty workout) I’ve upped it to twice with refreshes in between.
I’m applying our deep conditioning mask once a week to keep my hair fuelled with the moisture it needs to stay hydrated.
1. Wash hair using Merwave Cleanse shampoo. Use scalp brush to de-clog pores.
2. Condition using Merwave Repair Conditioner. Detangle using Tangle Teaser. I want it super slippery like seaweed!
3. If my hair is feeling brittle I add in the Feed Treatment for an added protein boost.
4. Scrunch in Cast Foam and Protect Gel styling products as normal.
5. Air dry
On non-wash days I’m dampening hair down before applying Merwave Refresh Spray.
If I’ve been swimming in the sea or pool and my hair is feeling super greasy I’ll use a clarifying shampoo to effectively hit the re-set button.
Finally...
Embrace your natural waves this summer. The surfer look isn't perfect. It's a bit messy. Effortless. Imperfect. Just let your natural waves do it's thing.
When it comes to wavy hair, striking the right balance between protein and moisture is key to achieving those effortless waves.
In this article, we will explore the importance of protein and moisture, how to identify imbalances, and provide solutions to achieving optimal hair health.
Wavy hair has its own set of characteristics that differentiate it from other hair types. It tends to be finer than curly hair and thus more prone to frizz.
This is where protein and moisture come into play. Protein helps strengthen the hair shaft, providing structure and strength. While moisture ensures that the hair retains its elasticity and suppleness.
Determining whether your wavy hair needs more protein or moisture can be a bit of a challenge. It requires observing your hair's behaviour and paying attention to its specific needs.
Healthy balanced hair stretches slightly before returning to its original length without breaking. The wave shape and style last longer. There’s little or no breakages.
Read below to discover if your hair needs more protein or moisture.
Achieving and maintaining the protein-moisture balance in wavy hair requires consistent care. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
1. Regularly assess your hair's needs and adjust your routine accordingly.
2. Limit heat styling and protect your hair from excessive heat.
3. Use gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and lukewarm water to prevent drying out the hair.
4. Embrace the benefits of regular trims to remove split ends and maintain healthy hair.
5. Avoid over-brushing or over-manipulating your waves to prevent breakage
Caring for wavy hair involves finding the delicate balance between protein and moisture. By understanding your hair's specific needs and implementing a tailored routine, you can maintain healthy, luscious waves.
Remember to listen to your hair, observe its behaviour, and make adjustments accordingly. With the right care and attention, you can achieve stunning, envy-worthy waves that beautifully complement your unique style.