Short answer: Yes, you absolutely can get waves with thin hair; you just need the right strategy.
A lot of people assume that waves are only for thick or coarse hair types, but that’s not true. If your hair has any texture at all, it can be trained to wave up. It might take a little more time and technique, but it’s definitely possible.
Here’s how to get waves even if your hair is on the thinner side.
1. Use Light Products (No Heavy Grease)
Thinner hair gets weighed down easily. If you go heavy with thick pomades or butters, you’ll end up flattening your wave progress instead of enhancing it.
Stick to:
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Curl-enhancing creams
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Leave-in conditioners
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Light moisturizers
🧴 These will soften your strands without clogging your scalp or making your hair greasy.
2. Brush Gently, But Often
Overbrushing can stress thin hair and lead to breakage or thinning edges. But under-brushing won’t train the pattern.
Use a soft or medium brush and focus on consistent angles — especially from the crown outward.
Try brushing 2x a day for 15 minutes, using a mirror setup to stay consistent with your stroke direction.
3. Wear the Right Durag or Wave Cap
Thin hair still needs compression, just not too tight. A silky durag or light wave cap is your best bet.
They’ll help lock in your brushwork overnight without putting too much tension on your scalp.
Bonus Tip: Always moisturize before tying up. Dry compression = dry waves.
4. Avoid Overcutting
Barbers often go too low on people with thin hair. If your cut is too short, your hair won’t be long enough to wave and your scalp might show more than your progress.
Ask for:
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With-the-grain cuts
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No lower than a #2 guard
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Cleaned up lines without taking off too much
5. Be Patient and Stay Consistent
Thin hair can take longer to wave up, but it’s not a reason to give up. Stick with your routine and monitor your crown area first, that’s where you’ll usually see waves form earliest.
You’ll be surprised at what a solid 30 days of brushing and compression can do 🔥
Want to get your waves spinning the right way — even with thin hair?
Check out our premium durags and wave caps at Royalty Headwear and start your wave journey today.
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