A method for developing wetting front profiles for the one-dimensional Richards' equation is given. The method is obtained by simplifying and extending a recent approximate solution and brings together features from several different studies. Difficulties associated with profile development are discussed by applying the method to several examples, providing a deeper understanding of the solutions of Richard' equation. For simplicity, we illustrate the improvements for soil-water diffusivities and conductivities which have a power law dependence on the water content although they should apply in general, and the appropriate generalization is given in the conclusion. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union