The 360 Waves Style

• This hairstyle is simply a short afro style that you most often see on African-American men; African-American women with short, natural hair can wear this style, too. Because it features wavy hair all around the head, that's where the name 360 waves comes from. It works best on tightly curled or afro textured hair that's about half an inch or shorter in length. For the neatest look, it also requires clean edges all around. You may need to visit your barber once a week to keep this style sharp.
  
  

Before You Begin Brushing

• Taking care of your hair at night is a crucial step to maintaining 360 waves during the day. You need to keep your hair properly covered and secured. You can use an old stocking cap or a "doo rag." The main consideration is that your hair cover fits snugly over your head and stays on while you sleep. It should be made of a slippery material like nylon or satin.
  
  You also need to make sure your hair and scalp are healthy. You should shampoo and condition your hair about once a week with moisturizing products.
  
  

How to Brush Your Hair into 360 Waves

• The first time you attempt to create 360 waves, you may not be completely pleased with the result. This is because your hair needs to be "trained" to fall into the wave pattern easily.
  
  Use a brush with natural boar bristles. You may need a soft or medium bristled brush. Some bristles will be too soft to give you the waves you're after, so you may need to experiment with more than one brush.
  
  Brush in sections, with slightly damp hair. Start at the top of your head and brush down to the front. Then brush from the top of your head to the nape of your neck. Finally, brush on either side of your head, from the crown toward the front of the ears. For each section, use about 50 strokes.
  
  You should do this first thing in the morning and continue it throughout the day whenever you have grooming time. You should also do this brushing routine before you go to bed, covering your hair after you've finished brushing.
  
  It may take a couple of weeks before you see a deep wave pattern forming. A light daily application of pomade may help your hair stay in place, as well as regular visits to your barber.