Which Is Better: Deep Wave or Body Wave Hair?
Choosing between deep wave and body wave hair can feel surprisingly overwhelming for clients—and even for stylists advising their customers. Both textures are beautiful. Both create stunning transformations. Both can be used in sew-ins, wigs, quick weaves, microlink installs, and ponytail extensions.
Yet the results, the maintenance, and the long-term experience are very different.
If you’re a stylist, you’ve probably heard all of these:
I want something natural—but also something that looks full.”
I want curls—but I don’t want to do too much maintenance.”
I want vacation hair that can get wet and still look cute.”
I want to straighten my hair sometimes—will this pattern work?”
This expanded guide gives you everything you need to confidently answer those questions.
Whether you're a stylist, salon owner, or client planning your next style, this article breaks down texture behavior, maintenance, styling versatility, durability, face-shape suitability, and lifestyle matching. By the end, you’ll know exactly which texture is right for you.
Let’s begin.
Understanding Wave Patterns: Why Texture Matters More Than You Think
Hair extensions aren’t just about length or density—they’re about texture.
Texture determines:
-
how your install looks,
-
how easy it is to maintain,
-
how long it lasts,
-
how well it blends with your natural hair,
-
and how it behaves when exposed to heat, humidity, or water.
Wave patterns fall on a spectrum:
Straight → Body Wave → Loose Wave → Deep Wave → Water Wave → Curly → Kinky Curly
Body wave and deep wave are two of the most frequently chosen textures because they sit right in the middle—not too straight, not too tight.
But their differences are bigger than people expect.
Body Wave = soft, flowing, glamorous, versatile
Deep Wave = defined, textured, voluminous, bold
A stylist must consider the client’s:
lifestyle
hair texture
styling habits
face shape
maintenance level
comfort with daily hair routines
A client who hates daily styling may not enjoy a deep wave pattern.
A client who loves big, bold curls may find body wave too subtle.
This is why choosing the correct pattern from the start prevents frustration for both stylist and client.
What Exactly Is Body Wave Hair?
Soft, Versatile, and Universally Flattering**
Body wave hair is one of the most classic, elegant textures in the hair industry. If you think of “old-Hollywood glam,” soft curls on the red carpet, or effortless blowout movement—that’s body wave.
It’s ideal for women who want a polished, feminine look without too much drama.
Body Wave Texture Overview
Body wave features large, loose S-shaped waves that flow smoothly from root to tip. It mimics naturally wavy hair and adds soft fullness without looking excessively curly.
Clients often describe it as:
-
“pretty but not too much,”
-
“the perfect everyday glam,” or
-
“luxurious without being overly dramatic.”
Why Clients Love Body Wave
-
Requires low to moderate maintenance
-
Blends beautifully with straight or slightly wavy natural hair
-
Holds curls when styled, but also straightens easily
-
Works for weddings, office environments, brunch days, date nights, and everything in between
-
Gives softness, elegance, and movement
If your client loves versatility, this pattern is nearly foolproof.
Body Wave Styling Benefits
Where body wave truly shines is in its styling flexibility.
Clients can wear:
-
Soft waves (its natural pattern)
-
Silky straight styles
-
Hollywood curls
-
Barrel curls
-
Beach waves
-
Pin-up styles
-
Voluminous blowout-inspired looks
It transitions seamlessly between styles without losing quality or bounce.
GOOD TO KNOW (For Stylists)
Body wave does loosen slightly after several washes. If the client wants intense curls, you’ll need to add heat styling or rollers. But for those who prefer soft waves, this natural loosening becomes even more beautiful over time.
Who Body Wave Hair Is Best For
Body wave is ideal for clients who:
-
Want a texture that is easy to maintain
-
Prefer a natural, professional look
-
Work in environments where big curls may feel too bold
-
Want the flexibility to straighten or curl their extensions
-
Enjoy soft glam instead of dramatic volume
-
Prefer medium density
-
Have straight or wavy natural hair (best blending results)
This texture is especially popular with:
-
Brides
-
Corporate professionals
-
Women new to extensions
-
Women who want a timeless look
-
Clients who don’t want heavy styling routines
Body wave is the “safe but stunning” choice.
Maintenance Tips for Body Wave Hair
Body wave maintenance is generally simple, which is why so many stylists recommend it for beginners.
Night Routine
-
Use a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase.
-
For maximum wave longevity, braid loosely or use large flexi rods.
Product Tips
-
Avoid heavy oils near the roots.
-
Use lightweight serums on the ends only.
-
Deep condition regularly to maintain shine.
Styling Tips
-
Use heat protectant ALWAYS, especially if straightening.
-
Let the hair air dry in braids for natural waves without heat.
-
Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to preserve the wave pattern.
With proper care, body wave hair stays soft, silky, and manageable for months.
What Is Deep Wave Hair?
Defined, Dramatic, and Full of Personality**
If body wave is soft glamour, then deep wave is high-impact glamour. It’s for clients who want bold textures, rich definition, and a hairstyle that stands out instantly.
Imagine big, juicy curls with tons of bounce and body—this is deep wave.
Deep Wave Texture Overview
Deep wave hair forms tight, springy S-shaped curls that create fullness from root to tip. It gives a “supermodel vacation hair” kind of look—lush, textured, and eye-catching.
Most clients choose deep wave for its:
-
Volume
-
Curl definition
-
Ability to hold texture
-
Versatility in curly styling
-
Natural look for curly-haired clients
If your client naturally has curly or coily hair, deep wave is often the easiest texture to blend.
Deep Wave Styling Benefits
Deep wave offers several beautiful styling options:
-
Defined curls (its natural form)
-
Wet and wavy look
-
Afro-inspired blowouts
-
Layered curly cuts
-
Boho-chic messy curls
-
Half-up, half-down styles
-
Voluminous ponytails
Deep wave also looks amazing in photos and videos—making it extremely popular among influencers and brides wanting dramatic hairstyles.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Deep wave can be straightened, but frequent heat styling may loosen the curl pattern permanently. Clients should choose this pattern only if they love wearing curly styles.
Who Deep Wave Hair Is Best For
Deep wave is ideal for clients who want:
-
Big, bold, voluminous curls
-
Lots of fullness and texture
-
A style that looks good both wet and dry
-
A curly pattern that mimics their natural hair
-
Low heat styling (most styling is done with product, not tools)
This pattern is especially popular with:
-
Younger clients
-
Vacation travelers
-
Celebrities and influencers
-
Women who love statement hair
-
Natural hair clients wanting protective styles
Deep wave instantly transforms a look—from subtle to completely glamorous.
Maintenance Tips for Deep Wave Hair
Deep wave isn’t difficult to maintain, but it is more involved than body wave. It behaves like curly hair, so hydration is key.
Daily or Every-Other-Day Routine
-
Mist with water
-
Apply curl mousse or curl cream
-
Finger detangle (never brush when dry)
-
Scrunch curls gently to define pattern
Night Routine
-
Pineapple the hair
-
Or braid in 4–6 loose braids
-
Use silk or satin bonnet
Detangling
-
Only detangle when the hair is wet and conditioned
-
Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers
-
Start from ends and work up
Avoid
-
Heavy oils
-
Alcohol-based products
-
Excess heat
Deep wave is luscious and beautiful—but like all curly textures, it requires commitment.
Deep Wave vs Body Wave: Side-By-Side Comparison
Here is an expanded comparison table with more detail:
| Feature | Deep Wave | Body Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Density Look | Full, voluminous, dramatic | Soft, medium fullness |
| Curl Pattern | Tight S-curls | Loose S-waves |
| Blend Match | Curly/coily natural hair | Straight/wavy natural hair |
| Styling Versatility | Best curly; harder to straighten | Straightens easily; can curl |
| Maintenance Level | Moderate–High | Low–Moderate |
| Best Lifestyle Match | Vacation, glam, photo-ready | Work, daily wear, classic beauty |
| Heat Usage | Minimal recommended | Suitable for frequent heat styling |
| Water Reaction | Curls revive beautifully | Waves loosen slightly |
| Longevity | Longest when worn curly | Longest with minimal heat |
| Good For Beginners? | Not recommended | Yes, very beginner-friendly |
Both textures are gorgeous—it truly depends on the client’s lifestyle and preferences.
Real Stylist Scenarios: When to Recommend Each Texture
Scenario 1: The Low-Maintenance Client
She doesn’t want to style her hair every day.
Recommendation: Body wave
Less upkeep, easier long-term management.
Scenario 2: The Glam Girl
She wants curls that look camera-ready 24/7.
Recommendation: Deep wave
Volume and definition come naturally.
Scenario 3: The Vacation Traveler
She’ll be swimming, sweating, or dealing with humidity.
Recommendation: Deep wave
Curls revive beautifully with water.
Scenario 4: The Professional
She wants a polished appearance for work.
Recommendation: Body wave
Soft and elegant without being dramatic.
Scenario 5: The Natural Hair Client
She wants extensions that match her curly texture.
Recommendation: Deep wave
Seamless blending, especially around leave-out areas.
Scenario 6: The Bride
Both work depending on bridal aesthetic:
-
Body wave: soft glam, romantic
-
Deep wave: dramatic, voluminous, bold
Which Texture Lasts Longer?
Both can last 12–18 months or more with proper care—but longevity depends on how the hair is worn:
Deep wave lasts longer when:
-
worn mostly curly
-
hydrated regularly
-
minimally heat-styled
Body wave lasts longer when:
-
heat protectant is used
-
excessive straightening is avoided
-
waves are preserved with rollers or braids
Care—not just the texture—determines lifespan.
Cost Comparison
Retail prices for body wave and deep wave tend to be similar.
However, maintenance cost differs:
Body Wave: Lower Cost
Needs:
-
heat protectant
-
light serums
-
occasional curl refresher
-
minimal detangling
Deep Wave: Higher Cost
Needs:
-
curl creams or mousse
-
detangling conditioners
-
hydrating leave-ins
-
microfiber towel to prevent frizz
If the client isn’t ready to commit to curly-hair care, body wave might be better.
Pros and Cons Summary
Deep Wave Pros
Full, glamorous volume
Curls remain defined for days
Ideal for curly style lovers
Great in humid or wet environments
Blends with natural textured hair
Deep Wave Cons
Requires moisture and routine care
More prone to tangling if neglected
Cannot be straightened frequently
Body Wave Pros
Easy to maintain
Highly versatile
Straightens beautifully
Blends with most hair types
Great for beginners
Body Wave Cons
Waves may loosen over time
Doesn’t create tight curls without styling tools
Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
There is no universal “best” texture—only what is best for your lifestyle, hair type, and styling habits.
Choose deep wave if you want:
-
big curls
-
major volume
-
low heat styling
-
water-friendly hair
-
a bold, glamorous look
Choose body wave if you want:
-
versatility
-
soft, flowing elegance
-
easy maintenance
-
everyday wear
-
a professional or subtle finish
Both are stunning.
Both can transform your look.
Both should be staples in every stylist's hair catalog.
If You Want High-Quality Body Wave or Deep Wave Hair… Choose Cooviphair
The beauty of either texture depends heavily on the quality of the hair itself.
That’s why stylists and clients trust Cooviphair:
100% premium human hair
Long-lasting wave patterns
Silky, soft texture
Minimal shedding
True-to-length bundles
Perfect blending
Available in both deep wave & body wave
Whether you're:
-
a stylist stocking high-end bundles,
-
a salon offering premium installs, or
-
a client wanting flawless luxury hair,
Cooviphair delivers beautiful hair that lasts.
DM Cooviphair today to order, request wholesale pricing, or sample textures.
Your next transformation starts with quality extensions.







