Body Wave Hair Extensions

Body wave is a soft, rolling wave with real bounce and volume, sitting between water wave and deep wave in tightness. It suits 2B to 2C natural hair and is the texture to choose if you want movement rather than defined curl.

Body wave is the closest thing to a blow-dry that stays in. The pattern is uniform and full through the mid-lengths and ends, which is why it is the most popular wave texture for anyone who wants their hair to look styled without styling it.

What does body wave hair look like?

A consistent, rolling wave that lifts away from the head rather than lying flat. It has noticeably more volume than water wave, and the pattern is more even and predictable, so it photographs well and holds its shape through the day. It is looser and softer than deep wave, which forms tighter, more defined curls.

Who does body wave suit?

• 2B to 2C natural hair. The direct match, where your own wave and the extensions move as one.
• Anyone who blow-dries or curls daily. Body wave gives you that finish permanently, which saves both time and heat damage.
• Hair that needs volume, not just length. The wave lifts at the root area and holds through the ends, so it creates fullness that straight hair cannot.
• Occasion and bridal wear. It is the texture most requested for weddings because it holds a soft, romantic finish all day.

Which fitting methods does body wave come in?

All five, in the same texture, so pick on your hair type rather than the look.

• Nano bonds from £161.99. The most discreet, and the right call for fine or short hair.
• K-tips from £162.00. Flat bonds that sit close to the head and sleep comfortably.
• Tape-ins from £175.00. A full head in around an hour.
• Wefts from £199.99. The most volume for the money on medium to thick hair.
• Clip-ins from £229.99. In and out at home, no salon appointment.

Our guide to the types of hair extensions compares all five, including the downsides of each.

Looking after body wave extensions

Body wave is the easiest of the three wave textures to maintain. Wash once or twice a week with a sulphate-free shampoo, keep conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends, and dry with a diffuser on low to keep the volume. Avoid brushing it out when dry, which flattens the wave. Full routine in our wavy and curly care guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is body wave hair?
Body wave is a soft, uniform rolling wave in human hair extensions. It has more volume and a more consistent pattern than water wave, but is looser than deep wave. It matches 2B to 2C natural hair.

What is the difference between body wave and deep wave?
Deep wave is tighter and more defined, forming closer to a curl. Body wave is a wider, softer wave with more movement and less definition, closer to a blow-dry finish.

Does body wave hair stay wavy after washing?
Yes. The pattern is permanent in the hair, so it returns after every wash. Scrunch upward with a leave-in conditioner while damp and diffuse on low to bring the wave back to its best.

Is body wave good for thin hair?
Yes, and it is one of the better choices. The wave creates the appearance of thickness without the weight of adding more hair, which matters when your own hair cannot carry much. Pair it with nano bonds or K-tips for the lightest fitting.

How much do body wave hair extensions cost?
From £161.99 for the hair, depending on method and length, plus salon fitting for permanent methods. Our UK price guide breaks down the full cost including maintenance.

Ready to find your shade? Use our free colour match service, or browse all curly and wavy hair extensions.