What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curls
Example
She styled her hair in loose curls for the party. [curls: noun]
Example
He curled his hair with a curling iron before going out. [curled: verb]
waves
Example
She brushed out her waves for a more relaxed look. [waves: noun]
Example
He used a sea salt spray to create beachy waves in his hair. [waves: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Waves are more commonly used than curls in everyday language. Waves are a popular choice for casual and formal occasions, while curls are often reserved for more formal or glamorous events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curls and waves?
Both curls and waves can be used in formal and informal contexts, but curls are often associated with a more formal or glamorous tone, while waves can be used in a wider range of formality levels.