Everything You Need to Know About Irish Waves Hair Texture

If you’ve been scrolling through #beautytok lately, you’ve probably stumbled upon the viral phenomenon known as "Irish Waves" or "Irish Curls." 🍀 It’s that magic trick where someone starts with hair that’s straighter on top and wavier underneath, goes through a routine, and emerges with a glorious head of defined curls. Let’s dive into what this texture really is, if it’s legit, and how you can finally make peace with your multi-patterned mane. Spoiler: it has nothing to do with Ireland, but everything to do with embracing your natural hair.

So, what exactly are Irish Waves? Trichologist Shab Caspara breaks it down: this term describes hair with an uneven curl pattern. Typically, the underneath sections boast more pronounced curls or waves, while the top layers lie flatter and straighter. 😮 The science behind it? When you air-dry, the bottom layers retain more moisture and dry slower, allowing curls to form. Meanwhile, the top layers—more exposed to sun, air, friction, and often heat damage from styling—dry faster and end up frizzier or straighter.

Think you might have Irish Waves? Libby Brenner, a Curly Hair Specialist, says comparing your hair to pictures or videos of others with multiple textures can be a game-changer. "So many people have that lightbulb moment," she shares. "They feel relieved knowing they’re not alone with two or three different hair textures on one head!" If visual references aren’t handy, just look for the classic signs: wavier/curlier underneath, straighter and potentially frizzier on top, especially if you have a blunt or minimally layered cut. ✨

The real challenge? Making all those textures play nice together. According to Caspara, the key is moisture and hold—but without that stiff, crunchy feel. Her DIY cocktail? Apply It’s A 10 Miracle Styling Mousse to towel-dried hair, then layer It’s A 10 Miracle Firm Hold Gel on top. 👏 Use your fingers to scrunch large sections firmly, then let it air-dry without touching it again. This combo defines curls while keeping them soft and touchable.

Brenner strongly recommends consulting a stylist who specializes in curly cuts. A good shape can make all the difference in creating a cohesive look. And whatever you do, avoid ping-ponging between heat styling and wearing your hair natural. 🔥 "Heat styling can damage your waves and make the straighter pieces of your Irish Waves even straighter and flatter," Brenner warns. She also suggests steering clear of heavy creams, which can weigh down your hair. Irish Waves need lift and movement to truly come alive!

Ready to style your Irish Waves like a pro? Here’s the step-by-step routine from Brenner and Amy Abramite, creative director at Maxine Salon:

1. Prep on damp hair: Apply a leave-in conditioner all over, using a touch more product on the top layers than the bottom. (Abramite loves Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioner for moisture and heat protection).

2. Add hold on soaking wet hair: Rake a strong-hold gel, like Innersense's I Create Hold Styling Gel, through your hair in sections.

3. Scrunch for volume: Flip your head forward and scrunch in a volumizing foam, such as I Create Lift Volumizing Foam.

4. Shape the straight pieces: Twist a few top sections around your fingers to create artificial waves, while leaving the naturally curly hair underneath as is.

5. Diffuse with focus: Use a diffuser attachment, concentrating on scrunching the top, straighter sections to encourage movement and match the curl pattern below.

6. Spot treat if needed: If textures still don’t match after diffusing, use a curling iron to touch up any top areas that need more curl.

7. Finish with hold and shine: Spritz a flexible hairspray, like I Create Finish Hairspray, all over for added shine and lasting hold.

Embracing Irish Waves is a journey of patience and the right techniques. Your true curl pattern can take years to fully reveal itself, especially if you're growing out previous chemical or heat damage. The most important thing is to work with your hair's natural texture, not against it. Ditch the constant heat, find products that add moisture without weight, and consider a cut that celebrates your unique pattern. Here’s to defined, bouncy waves from root to tip! May the luck of the Irish be with your styling routine. 💚