The American Wave

I’ve always wished my hair was wavy, but I was never into the idea of getting a perm. So when I heard about the American Wave, a curl treatment created by hairstylist Nick Arrojo, I immediately made an appointment. The service gives you texture that lasts three months and ranges from beachy waves to full-blown curls—I decided I wanted beachy waves.

When I arrived at the salon, I was first given a trim—you have to remove all split ends so they don't end up looking frizzy from the treatment. I was also given some layers lighten up my hair (the heavier the hair, the harder it is for the wave to “take”).

Then they checked to make sure my hair hadn't been bleached recently; bleach can react with the ingredients and damage your hair. However, it’s safe to use on demi- and permanent colored hair.

Here’s how the process went: They shampooed and conditioned my hair as usual. Then the stylist wrapped medium-size sections of hair around soft curl rods and applied the American Wave lotion, which stayed on my hair for 20 minutes.

Once the timer went off, the stylist rinsed my strands and blotted my hair dry. Then she applied the American Wave Neutralizer, which helps halt the curling process and leaves your hair smelling like eucalyptus instead of that nasty I-just-got-my-hair-permed stench. After rinsing that out, the soft curl rods were removed. Then they styled my new beachy waves.

I seriously couldn't believe my eyes—my poker-straight strands now resembled Sarah Jessica Parker's in Sex and the City!

The treatment is available at salons nationwide for $400. If you decide to get it, bring a picture as a reference so the stylist knows exactly what look you’re going for.

Do you think you’ll try an American Wave?