With so much information out there about curl care—products, techniques, wash day routines—it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. If you're ready to elevate the look, feel, and health of your curls, it might be time to re-evaluate your hair routine or experiment with a trending new style.
Enter: Cloud Waves — the soft, airy evolution of Botticelli Waves. This dreamy, romantic texture celebrates your natural curl pattern while embracing a lighter, more ethereal finish. Think weightless definition, lived-in texture, and curls that feel as soft as they look. Ready to get the look? Here’s how to create Cloud Waves and care for your curls with maximum results.
How To Create Cloud Curls/Waves
1. Minimize Heat for Maximum Health
Just like any curl pattern, Cloud Waves thrive with less heat. Frequent heat styling can lead to loss of curl definition, increased frizz, and dryness. Transition to air drying whenever possible and focus on moisture-rich styling routines that support curl integrity.
Pro tip: Start by applying leave-in conditioners and curl creams to soaking wet hair, then scrunch and air dry or diffuse on a low setting.
2. Detox, Treat, and Reboot Your Routine
If your curls feel weighed down or your products just aren’t hitting like they used to, a hair detox might be in order. Reset your scalp and strands with a weekly exfoliating scalp treatment. We love:
- SCALP.SPA SCRUB + WASH – Powered by perlite for gentle exfoliation, this duo is perfect for removing buildup while invigorating the scalp, especially important for textured hair.
Follow with a hydrating or smoothing WASH + RINSE system tailored to your curl type:
- For definition and control: SMOOTH.AGAIN.WASH + RINSE
- For softness and hydration: HYDRATE-ME.WASH + RINSE
3. Layer in Leave-Ins and Curl Enhancers
Cloud Waves are all about soft definition and light, floaty volume. Following any wash, always apply a leave-in treatment to lock in moisture and help deter frizz.
- For all textures: STAYING.ALIVE lightweight leave-in spray
- For thicker curls: LEAVE-IN.REPAIR to nourish and strengthen
Next, choose a curl enhancer that suits your texture and style goal:
- For soft hold and bounce: MOTION.LOTION
- For volume and shape: KILLER.WAVES
- For defined curls: KILLER.CURLS
Layering products ensures your Cloud Waves hold their shape while staying touchably soft.
4. Don’t Skip Volume Boosters
Even naturally voluminous curls can fall flat at the roots. While curly textures tend to have more volume, they can easily fall flat at the new growth area. Add strategic lift at the crown with volumising products that work well with curls. Try:
- EVER.SMOOTH for heat activated memory hold.
Use these before diffuse drying to bring dimension and movement into your Cloud Wave look.
5. Finish with Texture, Shine & Longevity
Curly hair often follows a wash and wear routine, but your style could seriously be missing out if you’re not following a finishing regimen. Once curls are completely dry, adding a texturiser, shine spray or oil can help lock in definition and extend the life of your style. To complete the Cloud Wave aesthetic, use a soft bristle brush or your fingers to gently separate and shape curls. This adds that cloud-like, romantic touch that makes the look so wearable—and undeniably on trend.
- Add DOO.OVER or BEDROOM.HAIR for airy texture
- Mist SHIMMER.SHINE for radiant, light-catching finish
- Set your style with SESSION.SPRAY to guard against humidity and hold your waves in place
Some of the products featured here may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on personal use, stylist feedback, or product performance.