How to Do Undone Waves in 5 Minutes: A Step-by-Step Guide

The beauty industry is constantly evolving, but if there is one hairstyle that has stood the test of time over the last decade, it is the undone wave. Unlike the rigid, uniform ringlets of the past, undone waves are all about movement, texture, and an effortless aesthetic. Often referred to as “lived-in” hair or “beach waves,” this style is designed to make it look like you woke up with perfect hair, even if it actually took a bit of strategic styling.

At Nubi, we know that your morning is likely a whirlwind of coffee, emails, and getting out the door. You do not have an hour to spend in front of the mirror, but you still want to look polished. The good news is that the secret to perfect undone waves does not lie in a complex twenty-step routine. If you have ever wondered how to do undone waves in 5 minutes without sacrificing style, this comprehensive guide will walk you through a streamlined, professional technique using tools designed for efficiency.

The Foundation: It’s All About the Prep

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To achieve a 5-minute style, you cannot be fighting your hair’s natural state. Styling always begins with the right foundation. To get that airy, voluminous look that defines undone waves, you need to start with hair that is prepared for heat.

If you are starting from scratch after a shower, the way you dry your hair sets the stage for how quickly you can style it later. For the fastest, most efficient prep, we suggest using a high-performance hair dryer like the Nubi Blow Me Away. This dryer is a favorite for a reason: it is designed to offer a powerful airflow that significantly cuts down on drying time. Not only is this super convenient on busy mornings, but research shows that it’s also the least damaging way to dry wet locks.

When you are in a rush, use the Blow Me Away dryer to “rough dry” your hair until it is about 90% dry, then use a round brush for the final minute to lift the hair at the root. By directing the airflow upward at the base, you create a foundation of volume that means you will need to spend less time using your straightener to create lift. Using a high-quality dryer also helps to smooth the hair cuticle before the flat iron even touches it, which means you won’t have to spend extra time “fixing” frizz later in the process.

Don’t forget, a heat protectant is a must as well! Apply this while your hair is still slightly damp, before you finish the job with your blow dryer.

The 5-Minute Tool: The Power of Ceramic

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When speed is the priority, the tool you choose is the most important variable. You need a styler that heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature so you do not have to pass over the same section of hair multiple times.

Our favorite? The Nubi Soft ‘n Straight 1.25″ Ceramic Purple Styler. This specific tool is the “express lane” for the undone look for several reasons. First, the 1.25-inch plates are slightly wider than the standard 1-inch iron. This extra width allows you to take larger sections of hair at once, which is the ultimate secret to finishing your entire head in five minutes.

The second reason is the ceramic material. Ceramic is a non-metallic, inorganic material that offers incredibly even heat distribution. Unlike some metal-based plates that can develop “hot spots”, ceramic ensures that every millimeter of your hair strand receives the same temperature. This leads to a smoother glide and a more consistent wave on the first try. Furthermore, ceramic plates are known for emitting negative ions. From a stylistic perspective, negative ions help to seal the hair cuticle. This results in a finish that looks shiny, healthy, and polished even when you are rushing.

How to Do Undone Waves in 5 Minutes: The Express Tutorial

If you have five minutes on the clock, forget about intricate sectioning with dozens of clips. Follow this simplified, high-speed method:

Step 1: The Four-Section Split (30 Seconds)

Instead of meticulously dividing your hair into layers, simply split your hair down the middle into two sides. Then, split each side into a front and back section. This “macro-sectioning” is the key to speed. You are dealing with four large chunks of hair rather than twenty tiny ones.

Step 2: The Large Section “Twist and Slide” (3 Minutes)

Take a large two-inch section of hair. Holding the Soft ‘n Straight Styler vertically with the cord pointing toward the ceiling, clamp the iron about mid-way down the hair shaft.

Once clamped, rotate the iron 180 degrees away from your face. While keeping the iron rotated, gently slide it down the hair shaft. Because the 1.25″ Ceramic Styler has such consistent heat, you can move at a steady, medium pace. Do not linger too long on one spot; the goal is a “bend” in the hair, not a tight coil.

Step 3: The Golden Rule: Leave the Ends Straight

The single most important secret to learning how to do undone waves is what you do with the ends. To keep this look modern and fast, always release the clamp about one to two inches before you reach the bottom. By leaving the last inch of hair straight, you create that chic, “lived-in” silhouette that requires zero touch-ups.

Step 4: Alternate for Speed (1 Minute)

For the most natural look, alternate the direction of your twists. For the sections closest to your face, twist away from your features to open up your face. For the next section, twist toward your face. This prevents the waves from clumping together, giving you instant volume that doesn’t require a lot of manual fluffing afterward.

Step 5: The Cool-Down Shake (30 Seconds)

While your hair is cooling, use this time to put on your shoes or grab your bag. Once the hair is no longer warm to the touch, run your fingers through the waves starting from the roots. Give your head a gentle shake to break up the sections. Because you used larger sections and the Soft ‘n Straight Styler, the result will be soft, effortless waves.

Versatility with “The Set Up”: Beyond the Flat Iron

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While the Soft ‘n Straight Styler is the hero of the 5-minute wave, sometimes your hair needs a different approach to achieve that “undone” texture. This is where Nubi’s The Set Up Purple becomes your best friend:

The Simply Sleek Brush for Prep and Day 2

One of the best ways to speed up your 5-minute waves is to ensure your hair is smooth before you start waving. If you woke up with bedhead or “kinks” in your hair, the Simply Sleek Brush is much faster than a traditional flat iron for smoothing large surfaces. You can brush through your entire head in sixty seconds to create a sleek canvas, then go in with your Soft ‘n Straight Styler to add the waves. This prevents you from having to “fight” your natural texture while trying to create a new one.

The Sleek Curl Clipless Curling Wand for a Different Texture

The clipless curling wand in The Set Up is another excellent way to create undone waves. Instead of the “twist and slide” method, you simply wrap a large section of hair loosely around the barrel. Again, the rule of leaving the ends straight applies. This provides a more rounded, voluminous wave compared to the slightly flatter “S-wave” created by a flat iron. Having both tools allows you to choose the vibe that fits your outfit best.

Lifestyle Integration: Why Undone Waves is Such a Winning Style

One of the reasons we advocate for this style at Nubi is its incredible versatility. The undone wave is the chameleon of hairstyles. In 2026, we are seeing a shift away from overly curated “Instagram hair” toward something more authentic and manageable.

• The Professional Look: For the office, undone waves provide a “relaxed professional” vibe. It looks like you put in effort without appearing overly formal.

• The Weekend Vibe: This is the quintessential “brunch hair.” It looks effortless and breezy, making it the ideal companion for casual wear.

• The Travel Essential: Because this style thrives on imperfection, it is the perfect look for travel. Even if your hair gets a bit windblown or frizzy, it only adds to the “undone” aesthetic.

Maximizing Longevity: Making 5 Minutes Last 3 Days

The greatest benefit of the undone wave is that it actually looks better as it ages. To make your 5-minute style last for several days, follow these simple maintenance tips.

The Pineapple Method

Before you go to bed, gather your hair loosely at the very top of your head and secure it with a silk scrunchie. This prevents you from crushing the waves while you sleep. In the morning, simply let the hair down and give it a good shake.

Refreshing with the Simply Sleek Brush

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On Day 2 or Day 3, your roots might start to look a bit flat or messy. You can use the Nubi Simply Sleek Brush to quickly smooth the top layer of your hair without flattening the waves on the bottom. This keeps the look intentional and polished with almost zero effort.

The “Skinification” of Hair Care

In 2026, we are seeing a major trend toward treating the hair with the same care as our skin. To keep your waves looking fresh, focus on using products that maintain your hair’s natural elasticity. Botanical-rich oils and serums can help keep your ends looking hydrated, which is crucial when you are leaving them straight as part of the “undone” look.

Common Mistakes That Could Slow You Down

If you find that your “5-minute” routine is taking much longer, check for these common hurdles:

1. Taking Sections That Are Too Small: Small sections lead to tight curls, which take longer to style and longer to brush out. Trust the 1.25″ plates and go big.

2. Using Too Much Heat: Higher heat does not always mean a better wave. Start with a medium temperature and only increase if your hair isn’t responding. Ceramic plates are efficient enough that you rarely need the highest setting.

3. Hesitating with the Iron: The “twist and slide” should be one fluid motion. If you stop and start, you will create “crimp marks” in the hair that you’ll have to go back and fix.

4. Styling Damp Hair: Even if you are in a rush, hair must be dry. Styling damp hair takes twice as long because the heat has to evaporate the water before it can set the shape. Always ensure your hair dryer has finished its job first.

Creating Undone Waves in Just 5 Minutes

Mastering how to do undone waves in 5 minutes is about working smarter, not harder. It is about understanding that beauty does not have to be a chore. By investing in the right tools, you can achieve professional results on even your busiest mornings.

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