Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over 10 years of experience creating seamless, natural-looking lace frontal styles. Lace frontals are one of the most versatile tools in my kit: they offer realistic hairlines, free parting, and the ability to change textures and lengths without stressing your natural hair. These looks suit women with thinning edges, busy schedules who need low-maintenance options, and anyone who loves to switch up styles — from sleek middle parts to voluminous curls and braided designs. In the salon I always start with a custom hairline, proper cap sizing, and knot-blending (bleaching or plucking when needed) so the frontal sits flawlessly. Styling tips: protect your edges with low-tension installs, blend baby hairs subtly, use a heat protectant on lace-friendly fibers, and alternate tied and loose styles to reduce wear. Browse the 24 curated images for inspiration and to find the look that complements your face shape and lifestyle.
Long Defined Curly Waves — Wet‑Look Styling for Thick, Textured Hair
This long, defined curly wave look works best on natural waves and curls (type 2C–4A) with medium to thick density. Start with a hydrating shampoo and rich conditioner; detangle in the shower with a wide-tooth comb. On soaking-wet hair, apply a lightweight leave-in, then a curl cream distributed in sections using praying hands and scrunching to encourage clump formation. Follow with a medium-hold gel or mousse for cast and definition. Diffuse on low heat with a nozzle while cupping curls, or air-dry for a softer, less uniform finish; once dry, gently break the gel cast with a lightweight oil or serum and ruffle at the roots for volume. Tools: wide-tooth comb, microfiber towel or cotton tee, diffuser, clips, spray bottle for refreshing. Products: sulfate-free cleanser, moisturizing conditioner, leave-in detangler, curl cream, medium-hold gel/mousse, light oil/serum, optional heat protectant. Difficulty: easy–moderate — product placement and scrunching technique need a little practice. Maintenance: pineapple at night, sleep on silk, refresh with water + leave-in, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to remove weight and split ends.
Side‑Swept Voluminous Deep Curls for Long Natural Hair
This side‑swept deep curl style is ideal for wavy to coily textures (2B–4A) and long lengths that can carry volume on one side. Start on clean, conditioned hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in and a moisturizing curl cream through damp sections, then define with a light gel or mousse for hold. Create a deep side part and either diffuse while scrunching with a microfiber towel or set small twist‑outs/coil‑outs for more controlled S‑shaped curls. Use a curling wand (optional, ¾–1 inch) sparingly to redefine stubborn pieces and lift the roots with a hair pick at the crown for that full, side‑swept silhouette. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, Denman or styling brush, sectioning clips, microfiber towel/tee, blow dryer with diffuser, curling wand (optional), and a pick. Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, rich conditioner, leave‑in, curl cream, light gel/mousse, heat protectant, and a lightweight anti‑frizz serum. Difficulty: moderate — expect 30–60 minutes depending on density. Maintenance: pineapple at night or satin bonnet, refresh with a water + leave‑in spray, spot‑diffuse to revive shape, deep‑condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to prevent split ends.
Long Layered Beach Waves — Voluminous Textured Curls
This look suits medium to thick hair with natural waves or loose curls (2A–3A range) and works beautifully on long lengths. Start with long layers and face-framing pieces to remove bulk and create movement; use point-cutting or texturizing shears for a soft finish. Styling technique: work with damp, towel‑squeezed hair, apply a lightweight leave‑in and curl cream, then scrunch from ends to roots. Diffuse on low heat while cupping sections to enhance definition, or finger‑coil a few pieces with a 1–1.25 in curling wand for added uniformity. Tools needed: wide‑tooth comb, diffuser attachment, microfibre towel, clips, 1–1.25 in curling wand (optional). Products required: sulfate‑free shampoo, rich conditioner, leave‑in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, light gel for hold, small amount of hair oil/serum, heat protectant. Difficulty: moderate — 20–35 minutes depending on drying time. Maintenance tips: refresh with water + leave‑in or curl refresher spray, avoid brushing dry, pineapple at night and sleep on a satin pillowcase, deep‑condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep layers lively and ends healthy.
Long Layered Side-Swept Waves for Thick, Natural Hair
Long layered side-swept waves are ideal for medium-to-thick, naturally wavy or curly hair and translate well to relaxed hair when texture is rebuilt with heat. To create the look, start with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, then apply a leave-in detangler and heat protectant. Rough-dry with a diffuser to enhance natural wave or blow-dry smooth with a round brush for more polished volume. Create a deep side part and take 1–1.25 sections, wrapping hair around a curling wand away from the face for soft, elongated S-waves; alternate direction through the mid-lengths for natural movement. Finger-comb the curls to blend and finish with a light oil on ends and a flexible-hold hairspray or salt spray for texture. Tools: diffuser-cap blow dryer, 1–1.25 curling wand, wide-tooth comb, clips, round brush. Products: leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, lightweight oil/serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–40 minutes depending on natural texture. Maintenance: refresh with misted water and curl cream, pineapple or sleep on a silk pillowcase, deep-condition weekly, avoid daily heat, and trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape and reduce weight.
Half-Up Top Knot with Long Natural Beachy Waves
Suitable for long, medium-to-thick hair with natural waves or loose curls, this half-up top knot adds height without sacrificing length. It’s easily adapted for straight hair by creating texture with a curling iron or wand. From the salon floor: prep damp hair with a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray, then blow-dry with a diffuser or dry roughly with hands to keep movement. Create loose S-shaped waves using a 1–1.25 curling wand or large-barrel iron, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly undone. Section the top third of the hair, smooth the roots with a brush, gather into a high half-ponytail and twist into a small, relaxed knot; secure with a snag-free elastic and a couple of bobby pins. Tools: wide-tooth comb, paddle brush, curling wand, clips, elastics, bobby pins, diffuser (optional). Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light serum for shine, flexible-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for extra grip. Difficulty: easy–medium (20–30 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on silk, refresh waves with a light mist or reheat a few pieces, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to retain volume.
Long Deep Wave Side-Swept Half-Up Hairstyle for Natural Curls
This long deep-wave, side-swept half-up look flatters naturally wavy to curly textures (2C–3B) and can be created on straighter hair with extensions or heat-styled waves. Technique: create a deep side part, lightly tease at the crown for lift, sweep the top section back into a low half-ponytail or clip, and allow the remaining hair to cascade in defined waves. Smooth baby hairs/edges for a polished finish. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, diffuser or hood dryer, 1–1.25 curling wand (if needed), rat-tail comb, light elastic/clip, bobby pins, and an edge brush. Products required: leave-in conditioner, curl-defining cream or mousse, medium-hold gel for edges, heat protectant, and a light finishing oil or serum for shine. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic sectioning, heat control and edge styling. Maintenance tips: refresh waves with a water + curl cream mist or light mousse, sleep on a silk/satin bonnet or pillowcase to reduce frizz, finger-twist any loose waves and avoid daily heavy brushing. Schedule a deep-conditioning treatment every 4–6 weeks for long or chemically treated hair to maintain elasticity and shine.
Long Center-Parted Body Waves — Loose Salon Waves with Face-Framing Layers
This polished center-part body wave is ideal for long hair and works well on straight, relaxed, or naturally wavy hair; fine hair benefits from lightweight clip-ins for added density while thick or curly hair can be smoothed and stretched before styling. Technique: create a precise center part, section hair into 1–2 inch panels, wrap alternating sections around a 1–1.5 curling wand away from the face for loose S-shaped waves, cool completely, then gently finger-comb to blend. Tools needed: 1–1.5 curling wand (or flat iron), heat-protectant spray, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb and boar-bristle or paddle brush, and a blow dryer for prep. Products required: thermal protectant, lightweight mousse or root-lift spray for volume, texture/sea-salt spray to define waves, flexible-hold hairspray, and a small amount of shine serum or oil on ends. Difficulty: moderate — requires precise sectioning and heat control; allow 30–45 minutes depending on length and extensions. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh with dry shampoo and light spritz of texture spray, avoid heavy products that weigh waves down, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks with regular deep-conditioning treatments.
Long Loose Waves with Center Part — Natural Volume & Soft Texture
This long, center-parted loose-wave style suits medium to thick textures and works equally well on natural, heat-straightened hair or sewn-in/lace-front extensions. Start on clean, detangled hair: apply a heat protectant and a lightweight leave-in smoothing cream. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to maintain natural volume, then section hair into manageable panels. Use a 1¼–1½ inch curling wand or a flat iron to create large S-shaped waves, alternating direction on each section for movement and a relaxed, undone finish. Loosen curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for softness and add a small amount of silicone serum to mid-lengths and ends for shine. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, 1¼–1½ inch curling wand or flat iron. Products: heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray or texture mist. Difficulty: moderate — basic curling and sectioning skills required. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or bonnet, refresh waves with a light spray or low-heat touch-up, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine and elasticity.
Half-Up Top Knot for Long Natural Waves — Curly Hair Styling
This half-up top knot is ideal for 2A–3C textures and medium to thick long hair that already has natural waves or curls. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream from mid-lengths to ends. Rough-dry with a diffuser on low heat to preserve shape, or air-dry for maximum definition. Section the top third of hair from temple to temple, gather it high on the crown, and secure into a loose bun with a snag-free elastic; use bobby pins to tidy flyaways and shape the knot. For a sleeker hairline, smooth edges with a small amount of edge control or gel on a soft brush. Tools: wide-tooth comb, hair ties, bobby pins, diffuser/blow dryer, and a soft-bristle brush for edges. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, lightweight oil or serum for shine, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: easy–moderate — quick to create but requires product balance to avoid heaviness. Maintenance: refresh curls with water + curl refresher or mousse, sleep on a silk/satin pillow or bonnet, retie the knot as needed, and avoid over-brushing to maintain curl pattern.
Long Deep Wave Lace Front — Side Part with Laid Baby Hairs
This long deep-wave style is ideal for medium to thick hair textures and for clients who want a full, natural-looking lace front or wig with defined waves. It suits naturally wavy/curly hair or relaxed hair that’s been re-textured with thermal styling. Start by installing the lace front or sewn weft unit and create a clean deep side part with a rat-tail comb. Lay the hairline with a light-hold edge control, then define waves with a wide-tooth comb or by lightly finger-twisting damp sections; use a diffuser on low to set for natural volume. Tools: rat-tail comb, wide-tooth comb, edge brush, sectioning clips, diffuser or curling wand (for added definition). Products: sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave-in cream, curl-defining cream or mousse, lightweight oil/serum, edge control, and a heat protectant. Difficulty: moderate — installation and hairline styling require practice; total time 45–90 minutes depending on method. Maintenance: co-wash weekly, refresh waves with a water + leave-in spray, avoid heavy oils at the roots, sleep on a satin pillowcase or bonnet, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to prevent split ends and keep waves bouncy.
Voluminous Side-Swept Loose Waves for Long Thick Hair
Suitable hair types: long, thick, straight-to-wavy hair and hair with extensions. Styling technique: start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a root-lifting mousse and a heat protectant mid-length to ends. Blow-dry using a large round brush and concentrator to build volume and form a deep side part. Work in 1–1.5-inch sections; wrap each section around a 1.25–1.5-inch curling wand, directing top-layer pieces away from the face for the side-swept look and alternating directions on lower layers for natural movement. Pin each curl to cool for 5–10 minutes, then release and gently brush or finger-comb into soft, cascading waves. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, 1.25–1.5 curling wand or iron, sectioning clips, tail comb, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, lightweight smoothing serum or oil, flexible-hold hairspray, shine spray. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires controlled heat styling and sectioning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose silk wrap, refresh with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, lightly reheat problem sections, deep-condition weekly, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks.
Textured Half-Up High Ponytail for Curly & Wavy Hair
Salon-ready textured half-up high ponytail designed to showcase natural curls and waves. Suitable for 3A–4A curl patterns and loose waves, and also works on relaxed or blowout textures with added texture or extensions. Start on clean, detangled hair: section the top crown from ear to ear, lightly mist with leave-in conditioner and apply a heat protectant if using hot tools. Smooth the top section with a paddle brush or boar-bristle brush and gather into a high half-pony, securing with a snag-free elastic; wrap a small strand around the base and pin for a polished finish. Enhance the mid-lengths and ends with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand or a flat iron to blend waves and add uniform texture, then scrunch in a lightweight curl cream and a small amount of shine serum. Tools: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, paddle brush, curling wand/flat iron, elastics, bobby pins. Products: leave-in, heat protectant, curl cream, light-hold hairspray, anti-frizz serum. Difficulty: intermediate. Maintenance: sleep in a silk bonnet or pineapple, refresh with water + curl cream, re-secure the pony after 2–3 days, and clarify weekly to avoid product buildup.
Deep Side-Part Long Wavy Layers with Face‑Framing Curls
This polished, long wavy style with a deep side part and soft face‑framing curls suits medium to thick hair and works well on naturally wavy or relaxed textures. For finer hair, add long layers and a root‑lifting mousse to boost body. The salon technique: cut long, graduated layers to remove bulk and enhance movement, then create a deep side part. Use a 1–1.25” curling wand or a flat iron to wrap 1–2” sections away from the face for loose, continuous waves; alternate directions slightly for natural texture. Tools needed: 1”–1.25” curling wand or flat iron, clips, tail comb, paddle or boar-bristle brush, diffuser (optional). Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or cream, smoothing serum or light oil, salt/texturizing spray, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — roughly 25–45 minutes depending on length and density. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks to preserve shape, deep-condition weekly, use sulfate‑free shampoo, refresh waves with a water + leave‑in mist and a quick re‑curl of flattened pieces, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to protect texture.
Long Loose Beach Waves with Deep Side Part and Natural Texture
This long, loose beach-wave look is ideal for medium to thick hair and suits naturally wavy or curly textures — it can also be recreated on straighter hair with heat styling. Start on damp, towel-blotted hair: work a lightweight leave-in cream and heat protectant through mid-lengths and ends, then either diffuse on low/medium heat to amplify natural wave or air-dry to preserve softness. For definition, use a 1¼–1½ inch curling wand or large-barrel iron and wrap alternating sections away from the face, leaving the last inch out for a lived-in finish. Tools: wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, curling wand (or flat iron), blow dryer with diffuser. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, leave-in cream, heat protectant, sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight oil or serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium — basic curling technique and product layering. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillow or pineapple the hair, refresh waves with a mist of water + leave-in or texturizer, avoid heavy creams that weigh waves down, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep ends healthy and movement natural.
Voluminous Textured Waves for Long Curly/Natural Hair
This look suits long wavy to curly hair (2C–3C) and works especially well with medium to thick textures that hold body. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, a curl-defining cream, and a small amount of volumizing mousse at the roots. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute products without breaking curl pattern. For styling, rough-dry with a diffuser on low heat while lifting at the roots with your fingers to build volume; alternatively, air-dry partially and finish by twisting random 1–2 inch sections around a 1–1.25 curling wand for added definition and an uneven, lived-in texture. Tools needed: blow-dryer with diffuser, wide-tooth comb, clips, 1–1.25 curling wand and a tail comb for root lift. Products required: heat protectant, leave-in conditioner, curl cream or light gel, volumizing mousse, sea-salt spray for texture, and a flexible-hold hairspray or shine serum to finish. Difficulty: intermediate — 20–35 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: sleep in a loose pineapple or satin bonnet, refresh with water + leave-in spray and scrunch, dry-shampoo roots between washes, and trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape.
Long Layered Natural Waves with Deep Side Part
Ideal for wavy-to-curly hair (2A–3B) with medium to high density and long length, this look emphasizes natural texture and voluminous movement. Start on freshly washed, conditioned hair: apply a lightweight leave-in and a curl-defining cream to soaking-wet strands, detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, then scrunch upwards to encourage clumping. Create a deep side part for instant lift at the root and clip the heavier side for extra volume while diffusing. Dry with a blow dryer fitted with a diffuser on low–medium heat and low speed until about 80% dry, then allow to air-dry or use a cool shot to set. For added refinement, twist small sections around your finger while damp or touch up a few pieces with a 1
Half-Up Messy Topknot for Long Curly Hair — Defined Curls & Laid Edges
This half-up messy topknot is ideal for medium to thick wavy and curly textures (2B–4A) and works well with length or extensions to achieve the long, cascading look. Technique: section the top crown into a high ponytail, smooth the sides lightly, secure with a snag-free elastic, then twist and wrap into a loose, textured bun, pulling face-framing curls free for softness. Finish by laying baby hairs with a small amount of edge control or light gel. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb for parting, elastic bands, bobby pins, small bristle brush for edges, microfiber towel and a diffuser (optional). Products required: a lightweight leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse to define waves, anti-frizz serum or oil for shine, edge control for baby hairs, and a heat protectant if using a diffuser. Difficulty: easy–moderate; 10–25 minutes depending on prep. Maintenance tips: refresh with water + leave-in spray or curl reviver, sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase, re-twist and pin the bun nightly if needed, avoid heavy oils that weigh curls down, and deep-condition weekly to preserve elasticity and reduce frizz.
Long Deep Beach Waves — Voluminous Side‑Swept Texture
This long, deep-wave, side-swept style suits medium to thick hair and any natural wave or loose curl pattern; straight hair can achieve the look with heat styling or texturizing. Start with a clean, damp base and apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and heat protectant. Create a deep side part, then work in 1–2 inch sections using a 1–1.25” curling wand or a flat iron to bend the hair into alternating away-from-face S‑shapes, leaving ends slightly undone for a modern, lived-in finish. Use fingers to separate curls while warm, then mist with a salt or texture spray and tousle at roots for lift. Tools: curling wand or flat iron, diffuser (for natural waves), clips, wide-tooth comb, and a boar-bristle brush for smoothing the part. Products: leave-in, heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, texturizer, lightweight serum, and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple in a loose bun, refresh with water + curl activator, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep ends healthy and layers moving naturally.
Long Side-Swept Hollywood Waves with Deep Side Part and Slicked Edges
Suitable for medium-to-thick straight, relaxed, or heat-straightened wavy hair, this look delivers glossy, side-swept Hollywood waves with a deep part and soft crown lift. Technique: start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse, create a pronounced deep side part, and blow-dry using a large round brush to build volume at the crown. Form waves with a 1.25–1.5 curling iron or large hot rollers—curl larger sections into S-shaped waves, cool completely, then gently brush or finger-comb to soften. Smooth baby hairs/edges with edge control and lightly pin the root at the crown for extra lift if needed. Tools: blow dryer, large round brush, curling iron or hot rollers, sectioning clips, tail comb, and edge brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, light smoothing serum or cream, medium-hold hairspray, and shine mist. Difficulty: moderate—requires confident sectioning and heat styling; salon time typically 45–75 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh with a light mist and a bit of leave-in, re-curl individual pieces midweek, avoid heavy oils that weigh waves down, and trim layers every 8–12 weeks.
Half-Up High Knot with Long Wavy Layers and Laid Edges
This half-up high knot with loose, long waves and laid baby hairs works well on medium to thick textures — wavy, curly or relaxed hair that holds shape. Start by sectioning a top crown portion for the half-ponytail, smooth roots with a boar-bristle brush and light gel, then secure with a snag-free elastic. Twist the pony into a small top knot and pin with bobby pins for lift; leave the remaining lengths loose and enhance texture with a 1–1.25 curling wand or diffuser and curl cream for softer waves. Tools: rat-tail comb, edge brush, boar-bristle brush, small elastic bands, bobby pins, curling wand or diffuser, blow dryer. Products: heat protectant, edge control, lightweight mousse or curl enhancer, anti-frizz serum, and a light-hold spray or shine mist. Difficulty: moderate — requires clean edge work and smooth blending at the crown. Maintenance: sleep with a silk bonnet or scarf and loosely pineapple the knot, refresh waves with water + leave-in or a curl-refresh spray, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and deep-condition every 2–3 weeks to maintain bounce and shine.
Long Voluminous Loose Waves with Deep Side Part — Soft Glam Texture
A salon-friendly loose wave designed to add volume and movement to long hair. Best for medium to thick textures and natural waves — fine hair can achieve the look with extensions or extra product, while very curly hair should be blown out first. Technique: blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the roots, then wrap 1–1.25-inch sections around a curling wand away from the face, leaving the ends slightly straighter for a modern, lived-in finish. Alternate directions for natural flow and finish with a cool shot to lock the curl. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, medium round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand or iron, sectioning clips and a wide-tooth brush or finger-comb. Products required: lightweight heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, flexible-hold hairspray, texturizing spray or sea salt spray, and a small amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — takes 30–45 minutes on long hair. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely pineapple, refresh midweek with dry shampoo and a spritz of water + leave-in, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep ends healthy.
Long Layered Beach Waves with Deep Side Part
This long, layered beach-wave style is ideal for medium to thick hair and for clients with natural waves or relaxed curls. It creates soft, lived-in movement and works well on long-length extensions too; fine hair can achieve similar volume with root-lifting products or strategic layering. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray, then roughly blow-dry with a round brush or diffuser to enhance natural texture. Section the hair and use a 1¼–1½ curling wand or a flat iron to create large, loose S-shaped waves, alternating direction and leaving the ends slightly straighter for a modern finish. Clip top sections to add lift at the crown and finish by running fingertips through the waves while applying a small amount of lightweight oil to tame frizz. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser/round brush, large-barrel curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, mousse or sea-salt spray, lightweight oil/serum, light flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with water or texturizing spray, deep-condition monthly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape.
Voluminous Side-Swept Natural Curls — Defined 3C–4A Wash-and-Go
This look is a voluminous, side-swept wash-and-go that works best on 3B–4A textured hair wanting maximum body and defined curl formation. Technique: start on freshly washed, detangled hair divided into manageable sections. Apply a hydrating leave-in, a cream-based curl activator, then a light gel for hold. Use finger-raking or a Denman brush through each section to encourage clump definition, scrunch upward, and set with a diffuser on low heat or air dry for softer volume. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, Denman or curl-defining brush, microfiber towel or T‑shirt, hair clips for side-sweeping, diffuser, and a few bobby pins if you want to pin the crown. Recommended products: sulfate-free shampoo, rich conditioner, moisturizing leave-in, curl cream, light-hold gel, lightweight oil/serum for shine, and an edge control if desired. Difficulty: moderate — straightforward but requires sectioning and product layering for long-lasting definition. Maintenance tips: pineapple or satin bonnet at night, refresh with water + leave-in spray and light gel scrunching, deep-condition every 1–2 weeks, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to preserve shape and prevent frizz.
Side‑Swept Hollywood Waves for Long Medium-to-Thick Hair
This glossy side-swept Hollywood wave is ideal for long hair with medium to thick density and works well on naturally wavy, relaxed, or blowout-straight textures. Begin with clean, towel-dried hair; apply a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Create a deep side part and blow-dry smooth using a round or paddle brush and a concentrator nozzle, or diffuse to maintain natural texture. Section hair and wrap large sections around a 1–1.5 inch curling iron or wand, holding for 6–10 seconds for soft, elongated waves. Pin each curl to cool for lasting shape, then release and gently brush through with a boar-bristle or wide-tooth comb to soften into flowing waves. Finish with a light-hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum on mid-lengths and ends; use edge control sparingly at the hairline if desired. Tools: blow dryer, round/paddle brush, 1–1.5 curling iron, clips, comb. Products: heat protectant, mousse, light hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and heat control. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo and quick barrel touch-ups, and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine and bounce.
Choosing a lace frontal is an investment in versatility and confidence. My best professional advice: always get a proper consultation and custom install to protect your natural hairline, pick the right frontal size (13×4, 13×6, etc.) for your desired parting, and use quality adhesives or a well-fitted wig cap to avoid unnecessary tension. Care tips: cleanse your scalp gently, remove adhesive with a safe remover, deep-condition natural hair beneath the frontal, and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. Limit daily heat, refresh baby hairs instead of over-plucking, and book touch-ups every 4–6 weeks to extend longevity. If you’re trying a frontal for the first time, start with a soft, natural baby-hair application and a middle part to see how you like the look. For personalized styling or maintenance help, bring one of the 24 reference photos to your appointment — I’ll guide you to a durable, flattering result. — Lena, Senior Stylist