What’s the Best Wave Pattern to Start With

A Deep Dive into the 5 Key Wave Patterns

Introduction: Unveiling the Best Wave Pattern for You

If you’ve ever set out to achieve perfect 360 waves, you know the journey can feel exciting yet overwhelming. With so many wave patterns to choose from, it’s important to select the right one that matches your hair type and desired look. Whether you’re starting with the classic 360 waves or aiming for more advanced patterns like 540 waves or 720 waves, understanding the wave patterns and how they develop is crucial.

This post is your guide to the best wave pattern to start with and how to take your waves from basic to exceptional. By exploring the five key wave patterns—Beehive, Swirlhive, 360 Waves with a Swirl, 540 Waves, and 720 Waves—you will gain the knowledge to make an informed decision about where to begin and how to perfect your technique.


Understanding Wave Patterns: The Foundation of Your Wave Journey

Before diving into the specifics of each wave pattern, it is essential to understand the concept of wave formation. At its core, a wave pattern is the way your hair naturally forms when you brush and lay it down in a circular motion. The pattern you choose will depend on several factors, including hair texture, length, and the method you use to brush.

Key Factors That Affect Your Wave Pattern

  • Hair Texture: Coarse, thick hair typically responds better to deep wave patterns (like 540 Waves or 720 Waves), while finer or looser curls may work better with gentler wave patterns (such as Beehive or Swirlhive).
  • Hair Length: Short hair typically requires more intense brushing techniques, while longer hair needs a lighter touch and may benefit from products that define and hold the waves.
  • Brushing Technique: Brushing against the natural hair growth pattern (against the grain) is essential for laying the hair down flat and encouraging wave formation. Consistency in your brushing technique is what sets the foundation for all the wave patterns discussed here.

RELATED: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET WAVES


The 5 Wave Patterns to Choose From

1. Beehive Pattern: Simplicity with Strong Definition

Beehive Wave Pattern for 360 Waves

The Beehive wave pattern is one of the most beginner-friendly wave patterns, known for its simplicity and defined structure. It’s the starting point for many who are new to wave formation due to its straightforward approach and quicker results. Most people’s crowns naturally swirl, so you may be fighting against your crown, which will make the waves around it take longer to form because they are being forced.

  • How it Works: The Beehive pattern is created by brushing in a circular motion, typically focusing on the crown and moving outward. The key is to keep the brush strokes consistent and follow the natural wave movement from the top of the head outward to the edges. The result is a smooth, consistent wave formation that does not require complicated angles.
  • Ideal For: The Beehive is perfect for those with coily or curly type hair, as it does not require intense manipulation. It provides defined waves with a natural, uniform look.

Pro Tip: Start with a soft or medium brush to avoid overworking your hair, especially if you are new to waves. Be consistent with your brushing technique, and make sure to maintain moisture with a light-wave pomade to prevent frizz.


2. Swirlhive Pattern: A More Intricate Design

Swirlhive Wave Pattern for 360 Waves

The Swirlhive is a more advanced pattern that builds on the Beehive. It incorporates a swirl at the crown, which requires more attention to detail and precision during brushing. This pattern creates a more dynamic wave shape, with distinct curves and swirls that radiate outward from the crown. Most people’s crowns naturally swirl, so instead of fighting against it like with the Beehive, the Swirlhive pattern allows for your waves around your crown to form more naturally.

  • How it Works: To achieve the Swirlhive, you need to focus on the crown area, brushing in a circular motion that forms a swirl. The key is to guide your brush strokes in a way that encourages the hair to form a defined spiral without disrupting the flow.
  • Ideal For: The Swirlhive works best for those with kinky, coily, or curly hair types who want a little more flair than the Beehive pattern offers. It requires a bit more time and patience to get the swirl just right, but the results are worth it.

Pro Tip: Use a hard brush to help create the deep swirl pattern, and be sure to consistently brush in a circular motion around the crown to define the shape. It’s important to also maintain a brushing schedule—about 20 minutes a day—so the swirl begins to form and settle naturally.


3. 360 Waves with a Swirl: Best for Beginners

360 Waves with a Swirl Wave Pattern

360 Waves with a Swirl is the most traditional wave pattern and one that many aim for when they begin their wave journey. The classic 360 Waves encompass the entire scalp in a circular wave formation, but adding a swirl at the crown enhances the depth and flow of the pattern. Most people’s crowns naturally swirl, so instead of fighting against it, the waves form more simply.

  • How it Works: The 360 Waves pattern involves brushing in a circular direction from the crown to the edges of your head. The addition of a swirl requires more precise brushing around the crown area. To create this, you’ll need to brush in the same circular direction but slightly shift the angles to form the swirl, which adds a unique twist to the otherwise uniform pattern.
  • Ideal For: 360 Waves with a Swirl are great for those who are looking for a classic yet advanced pattern. This works well for people with medium to coarse hair textures, and the swirl adds a signature touch of complexity to the standard wave design.

Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the crown area. The swirl needs to be consistently brushed in the right direction, as this area can often be the hardest to perfect. Be patient—this pattern will take some time to develop, but with consistency, you’ll see stunning results.


4. 540 Waves: Complex Angles with Flair

540 Waves Wave Pattern

540 waves are an intermediate pattern that involves more angular, curved waves than the 360 waves. The 540 pattern introduces sharper angles, particularly around the sides of the head, and is often seen as a more intricate style for those who have mastered the basics of 360 waves. Since most people’s crowns naturally swirl, it is easier to achieve the 540 crown; however, the waves that form away from the crown begin to fight the hair’s natural growth direction.

  • How it Works: This pattern requires brushing in multiple directions, but the main focus is on creating sharp angles around the sides and back of the head. You’ll need to brush diagonally across the sides to create those crisp lines that define the 540 look. The crown area typically stays circular, but the sides are brushed at different angles to give the waves their layered structure.
  • Ideal For: The 540 Waves are perfect for people with coarser hair types who want defined, layered waves. It’s a step up from the 360 Waves but doesn’t require the extreme complexity of the 720 Waves.

Pro Tip: Focus on using medium to hard brushes and be mindful of how you angle your strokes. The sharper the angle, the deeper the wave, so it’s important to consistently brush the sides in the right direction to get that signature 540 look.


5. 720 Waves: The Pinnacle of Wave Mastery

720 Waves Wave Pattern

720 Waves are the most complex and advanced pattern, requiring dedication, patience, and a high level of skill. This pattern is all about sharp, defined waves that wrap around the head in a circular, layered formation.

  • How it Works: The 720 pattern combines the most difficult brush angles compared to the classic 360 waves and the angular 540 waves. 720 waves provide an additional layer of depth, which results in a multi-dimensional wave pattern that circles the entire head, including the back and sides, with precise definition. The technique involves brushing in perpendicular directions to create waves that are visually striking.
  • Ideal For: 720 Waves are perfect for individuals who possess a high level of wave expertise and are prepared to elevate their wave skills. Coily, curly and wavy hair types are most suited to this style, as the pattern requires deep grooves and sharp angles.

Pro Tip: This pattern requires a firm and consistent brushing technique. A combination of soft, medium, and hard brushes will help define the various layers of waves. Don’t forget to use a wave cap to maintain the compression while you sleep, as the 720 Waves need to be preserved in a consistent direction.


RELATED: HOW TO GET WAVES FOR BEGINNERS

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Wave Pattern

Selecting the best wave pattern to start with ultimately depends on your hair type, your dedication, and your wave goals. The key is to match your pattern with your hair’s natural texture and understand that every pattern requires its own specific technique and level of commitment.

Whether you start with a simple Beehive or dive into the complexity of 720 Waves, the most important aspect is consistency. Stick to a brushing routine, invest in quality products, and stay patient as your waves develop. No matter the pattern, each one offers a unique style that reflects your personal taste and hair care journey.

Remember, the perfect wave pattern isn’t just about achieving a goal—it’s about learning to care for your hair in a way that results in a truly refined and polished look. Stay committed, and your waves will not only reflect your effort but also your passion for wave mastery.

How Long Does It Take To Get 360 Waves - JustinTime YouTube Channel

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