How to Tell If You Have “Irish Curls”

Ireland is at the top of our minds right now, and it’s not just because a new Sally Rooney book just dropped and Ayo Edibiri looked adorable at the Emmys. If you’re anywhere near #beautytok, you might’ve seen “Irish Waves” or “Irish Curls” appear on your FYP. In these videos, you’ll see a magic trick of sorts: someone examines their (straight-ish on top, wavy on bottom) hair texture before going through a routine and coming out with a full head of lush curls.

Ahead, everything you need to know about Irish waves: what they are, if they’re real, how to deal with them, and what they have to do with the Emerald Isle (actually, I’ll answer that one right now: absolutely nothing).

What are Irish waves?

“Irish Waves” or “Irish Curls” describe a head of hair with an uneven curl pattern, explains trichologist Shab Caspara. The hair typically has more curls or waves in the underneath sections, with the top section straighter and less wavy.

“The dilemma arises because when hair is air-dried, the sections underneath retain more moisture and dry more slowly, leading to more pronounced curls. In contrast, the top layers, which are more exposed, dry faster and are often more damaged due to factors like sun exposure, highlighting, and heat styling,” the growth expert tells Byrdie. “People with minimally layered or blunt haircuts are more likely to notice this unevenness, as the longer top layers tend to weigh the hair down, making it appear straighter. Additionally, the top layer is more exposed to air and friction, causing it to dry with more frizz.”

As for that name, the texture is supposedly often seen in those with Irish heritage. It’s less obvious a moniker than, say, black cherry hair—but that’s how it goes.

How to Style Irish Waves

Libby Brenner, a Curly Hair Specialist and Innersense Organic Beauty educator, originally discovered her curl pattern when she ditched hot tools—the hair straightener and curling iron to be specific—and began to wear her hair naturally.

“I started using Innersense Organic Beauty’s products and a diffuser to learn how to set my waves and get the most out of them,” she says. “Your true curl pattern can take years to fully present itself if you have previous chemical or heat damage that needs to grow out.”

If you’re wondering if you might have Irish waves, Brenner says it can be helpful to see pictures or examples of people with multiple curl patterns to compare to your own hair.

“I have had so many people see pictures of Irish Waves and tell me that a lightbulb went off. They feel relieved to know that they aren’t the only person with two or three varying hair textures,” she adds. “But if pictures or videos aren’t available, simply looking for the characteristics I mentioned above can help confirm if you have it.”

How to Treat Irish Waves

According to Caspara, the best way to enhance the texture of hair that struggles to maintain a curl pattern is adding moisture and hold.

“A great concoction I like to make to create defined and enhanced curls without feeling stiff or sticky is by first applying the It’s A 10 Miracle Styling Mousse to towel dried-hair, followed by the It’s A 10 Miracle Firm Hold Gel on top,” she says. “I use my fingers to scrunch and squeeze large sections of my hair firmly and allow it to air dry without touching my hair any further. ”

Meanwhile, Brenner suggests getting in touch with a stylist that specializes in curls so you can get a cut that offers a cohesive shape. For styling, she’s loves Innersense’s I Create Hold Styling Gel, I Create Lift Volumizing Foam, and I Create Finish Hairspray.

“You’ll want to rake I Create Hold in sections on soaking wet hair,” she says. “Next, flip your head forward and scrunch in I Create Lift. Diffuse, and then spritz in I Create Finish all over for a little added shine and a bit more hold for your waves.”

As for how not to treat your precious curl pattern? You’ll want to avoid switching back and forth between heat styling and wearing it naturally. (I know—hard. But your waves are worth it.)

“Heat styling can damage your waves and make the straighter pieces of your Irish Waves more straight and flat,” says Brenner. “I would also recommend staying away from heavy creams. Creams tend to weigh your hair down more and Irish Waves need more lift and movement to come alive.”

Future curly girls: may the luck of the Irish be with you.