The newest wave in the celebrity hair world, from the sun-kissed beaches of Malibu to the dazzling lights of red carpet appearances are the Mul-Gyul waves. Also known as the undone wave, Mul-Gyul literally translates to water ripple waves in Korean. The It-girl hairstyle du jour goes on to embrace the natural movement with the lived-in texture and a dash of tousled perfection. A must-know trend for every hairstylist aiming to cater to the style-conscious clientele, here’s a closer look at it.
Understanding the Mul-Gyul Waves
Having gained prominence in South Korea, these waves are characterized by their natural, flowing appearance, reminiscent of gentle ripples on water. Unlike traditional curls that can appear uniform and structured, Mul-Gyul waves have a more organic, S-shaped bend. They often start slightly away from the root, adding volume without excessive lift at the crown, and cascade down with varying degrees of definition.
K-Pop divas have long favored this style. The key to Mul-Gyul waves lies in creating movement and texture all while retaining softness and shine and enhancing the natural texture of the hair.
How to achieve the celebrity look in your salon
Mastering the undone wave and Mul-Gyul technique is essential for any salon professional looking to stay relevant. Here’s a breakdown of how to achieve these coveted looks:
- Product is Key: Start with lightweight, texturizing products. Sea salt sprays are fantastic for creating that beachy, slightly gritty texture. Mousse can add volume and hold without stiffness. For a softer approach, try texturising sprays or lightweight styling creams. Avoid heavy serums or gels that can weigh the hair down and create unnatural-looking waves.
- The Right Tools: Forget perfectly round curling irons for this look. Opt for larger barrel sizes (1.25-1.5 inches) or even a flat iron to create bends rather than tight curls. Wand curling can also be effective, wrapping sections loosely around the barrel and leaving the ends out for a more natural finish.
- Technique Matters: Don’t curl every section in the same direction or to the same height. Alternate the direction of the waves and start curling at different points along the hair shaft. For a more authentic undone look, leave the very ends straight.
- Breaking it Up: Once the hair is waved, the crucial step is to “break it up.” Use your fingers to gently separate the waves and tousle the hair. A wide-tooth comb can also be used to softly loosen the curls. This is where the “undone” element truly comes into play.
- Finishing Touches: A light-hold hairspray is essential to maintain the texture without stiffness. Dry shampoo can also be used at the roots for added volume and to absorb any excess oil, enhancing the lived-in feel. For added shine and definition, a touch of lightweight hair oil applied to the mid-lengths and ends can work wonders.
Celebrity Inspiration for Your Clients:
Showcasing celebrity examples to your clients is a powerful way to introduce them to the undone wave trend
- Beachy Vibe: Gigi Hadid’s signature loose, textured waves that look effortlessly cool.
- Soft Glamour: Lily James’ romantic, flowing waves that are perfect for evening events.
- Edgy Texture: Kristen Stewart’s slightly more tousled and disheveled take on the trend.
- K-Pop Mul-Gyul Inspiration: S-shaped waves on Lisa of BLACKPINK
The Future of Texture:
As celebrities continue to champion the Myu-Gul waves, their influence on mainstream trends will only grow.
By mastering these techniques and understanding the nuances of creating natural-looking movement, salon professionals can cater to this growing demand and position themselves as experts in modern, wearable hairstyles.
