How to Get 360 Waves (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

Last updated: December 2025

If you’ve ever wondered how to get 360 waves, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re just starting or struggling to connect your pattern, this guide breaks down exactly what you need, how to brush, and what routine actually works to build deep, defined 360 waves.

360 waves aren’t about genetics — they’re about consistency, technique, and the right tools. Let’s get into it.

What Are 360 Waves?

360 waves are a circular hair pattern that forms around your entire head, mimicking waves from the ocean. Waves are laid down curls. Imagine a strand of hair. If its curly, it looks like a wave, hence, laid down curls.

A person brushing their 360 waves hairstyle

They’re most common on short, curly hair textures, but anyone willing to stay consistent can develop waves.

The key is training your hair, not forcing it.

What You Need to Get 360 Waves

Before you start brushing, make sure you have the essentials. Using the wrong tools is one of the biggest reasons beginners fail.

1. Wave Brush

A good wave brush is non-negotiable. You’ll typically need:

Soft brush – for short hair and finishing. Adds shine and works on connections.
Medium brush – for daily training. Firm enough to pull the hair, soft enough to lay it down.
Hard brush – for wolfing (longer hair) Used for penetrating thick hair to reach teh scalp

If you’ve never heard of “Wolfing,” its one of the most important steps in achieving 360 waves. Read this article for more.

👉 Start with a medium brush if you’re a beginner.

2. Durag or Wave Cap

A durag locks your progress in while you sleep and prevents frizz. Wearing a durag nightly is mandatory if you want waves to develop evenly.

A durag is like a memory card to your waves; it saves your progress. When youre not brushing, you should be wearing your durag.

👉 Click here for a full breakdown tutorial on durags; how to tie them, what material to choose, and the full benefits.

3. Wave Cream or Moisturizer

Dry hair won’t wave properly. With A lightweight wave cream helps:

Moisturize your hair which promotes growth and easy manipulation with the brush
Enhance definition. A cream will help nourish your hair, while promoting shine
Reduce frizz and breakage. Constantly brushing dry, brittle hair is more damaging then when the hair strands are moisturized.

Avoid heavy products that clog your scalp. An all natural wave cream works best for your hair. It will promote hair growth, wont clog your follicles, and make it easier to brush.

4. Clean Hair Routine

Healthy waves start with a clean scalp. Use a quality shampoo and conditioner regularly to remove buildup and keep your hair responsive to brushing. Hygiene is important.

If you’re unsure of how to wash your 360 waves, start with this tutorial.

How to Start 360 Waves (Beginner Routine)

Step 1: Get the Right Haircut

Ask for a 2 with the grain haircut. This is the most common length when starting your wave journey. Cutting your hair too low will slow wave development.

This walkthrough explains everything you need to know about cutting your waves.

Step 2: Learn Your Brushing Pattern

Brushing randomly will ruin your progress. Every section of your head has a specific angle it needs to be brushed.

General rule:

Crown (the little bald spot on top of your head)→ brush outward in a circular motion
Same angles every time. Consistency will develop a cleaner wave pattern.
Never switch patterns mid-process. When you confuse your brush strokes, your waves dont know which way to flow, thus causing forks in your pattern.

Consistency beats speed.

Step 3: Brush Daily (A Lot)

Brushing is how waves are created. The more you brush your hair, the better your waves will look.

Beginner target:

15–30 minutes per session, 2-3 sessions per day.
ALWAYS use a hand mirror to see exactly what youre doing.
Always brush lightly moisturized hair. Moisturized hair is easier to manage.

Quality brushing matters more than brushing hard.

How Often Should You Brush 360 Waves?

The reason why I love 360 waves is because you get out what you put in. If you barely brush your hair, your results will show. Time in = time out. There’s no shortcut here.

Daily brushing is required. Youre either brushing or wearing a durag.
Missed days = slower progress. Stay consistent with your brush sessions.
More brushing = faster connections. Continuously training your waves to lay down will greatly improve your connections and depth.

Think of brushing like the gym — results come from repetition. 1% better each day.

How Long Does It Take to Get 360 Waves?

This depends on:

Hair texture
Brush consistency
Product quality
Hair length

When I started my wave journey, I achieved waves 1 day. They weren't connected, but i noticed waves starting to form throughout my hair. This is because my hair was at a curl length, and waves are just laid dow curls. I never cut my hair below curl pattern.

General timeline:

1–2 weeks: ripples appear
1–2 months: visible wave pattern
3+ months: deeper connections and definition

Patience is part of the process.

Common 360 Wave Mistakes (Avoid These)

❌ Brushing in different directions. This confuses your pattern. If youre training your wave to grow in one way, but the next day youre brushing it a completely different angle, your hair will be confused, and not know which way to lay. Develop a pattern and stick to it.

❌ Not wearing a durag at night. This is one of the most important steps in getting 360 waves. You want your hair laid down, and its pattern saved. Twisting and turning throughout the night will scramble your hair, thus weakening your pattern.

❌ Cutting hair too low too often. Never cut your hair below its curl length. For example, my hair is barely curly at a 2 with the grain, so I can never go lower than that. It takes a few haircuts to determine what length you should cut your hair without going below its curl length.

❌ Using heavy, greasy products. This clogs your hair follicles, slowing growth and air flow. This damages your hair long term. Use natural, light products.

❌ Neglecting scalp health. Your hair grows from your scalp. Maintain a healthy cleaning routine to further promote better 360 waves.

Fix these and your progress will skyrocket.

Best Products for 360 Waves

The right products make everything easier.

Look for:

Durable wave brushes that don’t shed. A soft, medium, and hard brush will be necessary at different stages of your wave journey.

🔗 Shop Wave Brushes

Silky durags with long straps. A durag saves your progress, and reduces frizz.

🔗 Shop Durags

Lightweight wave creams made for daily use. A natural wave cream will add moisture, shine, and help lay your hair down without clogging your follicles.

🔗 Shop Wave Creams

Brush cleaners to keep brushes hygienic. Your brush will collect loose hair, and grime throughout its use. A brush cleaner will help maintain hygiene.

🔗 Shop Brush Cleaners

Using quality tools saves time and frustration.

My Personal Advice After Years of Waving

One thing I learned early on: waves reward discipline.

You don’t need perfect genetics, fancy cuts, or overnight hacks. You need:

A routine you stick to. Consistency beats everything. 1% better everyday compounds to big results.
Tools that don’t work against you. Using the right products will simplify your wave journey. Work smarter, not harder.
Patience to trust the process. Greatness takes time. I have bad hair days, and good hair days. No matter the day, I always show up and do the best I can.

If you stay consistent, waves will come.