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Smooth the top layer of waves while styling

Use this wet-styling step when surface groups separate into a halo before drying and you want the canopy to dry in larger connected sections.

Two flat palms lightly glazing the outer surface of wet wave groups without raking through them.

Step by step

  1. Wet formed wave groups resting over the shoulders before the top canopy is smoothed.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Set the wet wave groups

    • Apply the selected styler through wet hair according to its label, then form the wave groups with your usual scrunch or brush method.
    • Lower your hands and identify only the outer layer that needs smoothing; do not rake through the formed groups.
  2. Two flat palms lightly glazing the outer surface of wet wave groups without raking through them.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Glide over the canopy

    • Spread the label-directed remaining product thinly across wet palms.
    • With flat hands, lightly glide over the outer surface from below the roots toward the ends, then cup upward once if needed.
  3. Hands lowered as smooth wet canopy groups rest untouched for drying.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Stop touching

    • Arrange the canopy once and lower both hands. Air-dry or use a separate diffuser method without reopening the groups.
    • Wait until fully dry before breaking any cast or adjusting the part. Clean product from your hands.

About 30 sec–2 min hands-on for lightly smoothing the canopy of already formed wet wave groups and cleaning hands. Initial product application and wave shaping are separate; add complete drying.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. The added surface pass takes seconds to a couple of minutes and should not reopen every curl group.

You’re done when…

The canopy is fully dry in connected groups and can rest without repeated glazing, raking or touching.