Dirty Girl Workout Plan: Retro waves ‘80s Edition
The 80’s and Innovation
Some truly amazing things came from the ‘80s. For one, I did! But more importantly, it was the beginning of Madonna, Prince, hip hop, breakdancing, stone-washed jeans, banana clips, and SCRUNCHIES! This was an era that produced some iconic hairstyles. Think perms, rock bands, and those glorious workout videos. We have come a long way when it comes to hair. Back then, they could only work with what they had: sticky, nasty gels and those awful, drying, harsh chemicals from that super-firm aerosol hairsprays. Those tragic products can still be found in stores today.
Don’t worry though, evolution is here. There are better products, better tools now that can still achieve the glorious ‘80s vibes that are coming back. Stick with me because I’m going to show you how to create some beautiful, beachy waves that only need a few products and tools!
Step 1: Hydrate
major hydration station
Hydration is not just important when we exercise. One of the most important ways to enhance texture and curl in hair is to keep the moisture, and most of the time, this happens in the shower! So, we want to choose a really hydrating lather shampoo that can cleanse and moisturize the scalp. Then, our conditioner needs to be liberally applied to the ends, working up to the top. Detangling has to happen here as well with that wide-toothed comb. I prefer the Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb, using it with the conditioner still in.
Bonus Tip:
Rinse only about 80% of that moisturizing conditioner! Leaving a little in will help detangle and keep moisture in which controls the natural curl pattern.
Step 2: Hydrate Again
don’t stop get it, get it
Double-whammy. As soon as we get out, the first product we are going to use is a leave-in conditioner, and my favorite is the Paul Mitchell Super Strong Liquid Treatment. It has beautiful moisture, has that marine extract, and it really just hydrates and protects your hair. I am going to use this liberally all over the hair, making sure every strand is well-saturated
Step 3: Sculpt
refine and define
Now, it’s time to sculpt. Divide your hair into two sections, one on the top and one on the bottom. Secure the top portion into a bun with a scrunchie or claw clip . We’re focusing on the lower half first! Then, take the Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam and apply a pretty liberal amount into your palm. Use your fingers to gently rake the product in and make sure it is thoroughly, evenly applied. After all the product is in, scrunch your hair up towards your scalp. Add a little more hair from that top section you sectioned away, and repeat the sculpting foam and scrunching process. Continue until all of your hair gets some love!
Bonus Tip:
As you scrunch, make sure you can hear that product! It should sound like it's juicy which means it’s saturated into your hair and mixing in with the water inside it to control that frizz.
Step 4: The Accordion
scrunchin’ and scrunchin’
If the curl pattern is different at the back from the front, or have an area that is more resistant to the curl or wave. Use the Accordion Technique. Take some product and apply it to a specific section that needs help. Then, fold that piece of hair from the bottom like an accordion, back and forth. Squeeze and scrunch, and squeeze and scrunch! It’s a workout, but the “s” wave you end up with is worth it. Even if you don’t have much curl to your hair, this will enhance the texture. Once it’s wet from our double hydration, texture is very easily manipulated.
Step 5: Dry Time
yes way!
Now, you let your hair dry. If your wanting extra volume at the base, my bonus tip is to take clips and clip the hair near the roots at your part scrunched up a little so it keeps the volume. Then, take the Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine hairspray to create an outer shell that keeps the moisture in as your hair dries. We will break this up when it’s completely dry.
Bonus Tip:
NO TOUCHY TOUCHY.
DO NOT touch your hair once that Freeze and Shine is in and your hair is drying! The oils in your hair will make it really frizzy. So…
set it and forget it.
The best way to dry this hairstyle is a natural air dry; however, if you are busy and have need speed up the process, using a diffuser for your blow dryer can really help you out! The diffuser diffuses the heat, mimicking an air dry. You can also play with the settings.
High heat, high blow can cause hair to dry too fast and create frizz.
Low speed, low heat is more of an air dry feel.
You want to find the perfect temperature and speed for your unique hair texture. Once the hair is 80% dry, feel free to pop that diffuser off and use the cool shot finish the rest of the way.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
looking fantabulous!
Pop off those clips! It’s time to add the bling. the Kelly Cardenas Bling, that is. Apply a few drops in your hands and pull back into a ponytail to run through ends to break up that shell from the hairspray. Fluff and style as needed! That’s it!! You’re done!
Beautiful, beachy, voluminous waves. Just like mega babe Julia Roberts!
products used
