I want to share a tip I learned from Uber Brazilian Bombshell Model, Giselle, in a recent issue of InStyle and a bit I added myself...
Shampoo and Condition hair as per your usual routine. I find that combing the conditioner through my hair before rinsing helps to make it smoother. Blot with a towel and then comb through a big puff of volumizing mousse. (I'm using L'Oreal Studio Line right now) Now- if you have time, (and you should because this whole routine is to be done in the evening before bed) I like to wrap my hair up in my linen-y "Curl-ease" towel and let it soak up a lot of the excess water from my hair. After a while, blow dry just the roots and then twist your hair into a loose bun. Now sleep on it. (that's the only Giselle part, really) In the morning, unroll and you'll have soft, smooth, waves.
I did this, and got tons of compliments on my hair at my bombshell bunco party the next night.
