18 Best Products For Wavy Hair (2024) + Buying Guide – Expert’s Top Picks

Wavy hair needs a lot of moisturizing to keep it balanced and conditioned. The best products for wavy hair can strike a balance between frizz management and moisturization without making your strands crunchy.

Licensed cosmetologist and hair expert Laura Dale says, “Curls and waves need special care so using a product specifically designed for waves and curls is key. Waves may benefit from curl enhancing products to pump up the volume where curls need moisture, and a heavier product to keep frizz at bay.”

These specific products can restore shine and make wavy hair strands feel smooth by improving your hair health. In addition, some products can also improve hair texture. In the article, we have rounded up a list of the 18 best products for wavy hair. Keep scrolling to read more!

What Makes Hair Curly Or Wavy?

Professional hair stylist Tonya Thompson says, “In addition to genetic factors, the shape of our hair depends on the shape of our hair follicles. “If your hair follicles are round, you will typically grow wavy hair. If your hair follicles are more oval, hair will grow out more curly. Wavy hair is different from curly in that it can not form a twist or curl without manipulation via styling tools. Wavy hair can range from appearing straight to almost curly, whereas curly hair is clearly defined by having soft spiral-like curls to tight and defined corkscrew shapes.” 

To know more, check out this full curly hair guide and scroll down to check out the 18 best products for wavy hair.

18 Best Products For Wavy Hair (2024) – Tips & Buying Guide

1. Best For Blonde Hair:Bold Uniq Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair

4.2

Image: Bold Uniq

BUY ON AMAZON | $29.99

Buy on Walmart

If you have colored your wavy hair, and it has yellow, gold, red or orange tones, B Uniq Silver Shampoo can help get rid of them. The innovative UV filters in the product shield your hair from sun damage. The ultra-potent formula adds shine and volume to your hair and seals the color to make it last longer. In addition, the shampoo is formulated with a vitamin B5 derivative that helps soften your hair strands, keeps all the unwanted brassiness and yellow tones at bay. Online reviews claim that the product displays proven efficacy in giving instant results within 5 minutes. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this reviewer’s video.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 15,886 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

2. Best Non-Greasy:Herstyler Hair Serum

4.3

Image: Herstyler

Now 38% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.99

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The Herstyler Hair Serum is formulated with nourishing ingredients, antioxidants and vitamins that transform dry and damaged hair into lush and glossy tresses. This frizz control serum works on straight, wavy, and curly hair. It is formulated with a blend of aloe vera and argan oil that makes the hair soft, shiny, and healthy.

Aloe vera deeply moisturizes the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles. This serum is rich in vitamin E, which nourishes and leaves you with beautiful hair. In addition, argan oil improves elasticity and strength, and also restores shine. It also protects the hair from damaging UV rays. The restorative-care serum reduces frizz and split ends, detangles and conditions the hair, and restores sheen. It also works on hair extensions and wigs. Apply the serum on dry hair and brush your hair. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 4,859 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

3. Best Chemical-Free:Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

4.4

Image: Moroccanoil

BUY ON AMAZON | $36

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The Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream helps define your waves and curls. It contains argan oil that nourishes your hair and scalp and vegetable protein to combat split ends. The heat-activated advanced technology offers a curl memory factor that creates natural-looking bouncy curls. The oil-based product provides intense conditioning to minimize frizz and keep your hair well-defined. Have fun defining your curls with this cream and watch the video for visuals on the reviewer’s experience of testing the product.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 3,217 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

	Bold Uniq Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair Best For Blonde Hair	Herstyler Hair Serum Best Non-Greasy	Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream Best Chemical-Free
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Hair Type	Color Treated,All	Dry	Curly
Dimensions	2.17 x 2.17 x 6.69 inches	4 x 4 x 13 inches	2.5 x 2.5 x 8 inches
Weight	11.5 Ounces	0.04 Ounces	8.5 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	15,886	4,859	3,217
Price	$29.99	$9.99	$36

4. Best Non-Sticky:Amara Gel Aloe Vera Gel

4.3

Image: Amara Beauty

BUY ON AMAZON | $17.95

Buy on Walmart

The Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel is perfect for styling your hair without any dryness and frizz. It is made with 99.75% pure, cold-pressed aloe vera and contains food-grade preservatives. This multipurpose gel can be used to moisturize your skin and cuticles. It spreads smoothly and gets absorbed quickly while leaving your hair silky and smooth.

5. Best Color-Safe:Peter Namrongput’s As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

4.5

Image: As I Am

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.97

Buy on Walmart

The As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner contains a blend of natural ingredients that stimulate healthy hair growth. This cowashing conditioner removes dirt and product residue from the hair and scalp without causing dryness. This hair care product is infused with nourishing ingredients, including coconut oil, castor oil, saw palmetto, phytosterols, and tangerine. It spreads through the hair easily and can be used on chemical and color-treated hair. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product from the tester’s experience of using it.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 10,788 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

6. Best Volumizing:MopTop Curly Hair Custard Gel

4

Image: Moptop

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.99

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The MopTop Curly Hair Custard Gel is a curl activator that enhances the structure of wavy to kinky hair. It adds definition, texture, and a natural sheen to the hair. The restorative-care formula contains aloe vera, nettle, silk amino acids, sea botanicals, and honey, which offer maximum hold and is perfect as a daily moisturizing treatment for your hair. Honey, nettle, and silk amino acids give a smooth definition and control frizz. Aloe vera and sea botanicals restore damaged hair. The curl enhancing product moisturizes the hair, reduces dryness, and adds lightweight volume without weighing it down. It has a refreshing citrus, kumquat scent.

Pro Tip

You can use a hair custard gel to refresh your second or third-day curls. Spray water and apply a little hair custard on the frizzy sections of the curls.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 1,087 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.

7. Best Lightweight:John Frieda Frizz Ease Air Dry Waves Styling Foam

4.1

Image: John Frieda

Now 24% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.1

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The John Frieda Frizz Ease Air Dry Waves Styling Foam is ultra-lightweight and enhances natural curls and waves without making the hair sticky and stiff. The smooth formula of this lightweight product creates a flexible barrier around waves and curls and adds natural texture to the hair to enhance curl definition. This styling foam is infused with moringa oil and special polymers for hydration and keeps the hair frizz-free, soft, and shiny. It suits all hair types and is safe on chemical and color-treated hair.

Pro Tip

Do not brush your wavy hair when dry, as it may disturb the wave patterns and make your hair frizzy. Instead, style your hair when wet and use hair products specifically designed for wavy or curly hair.

8. Best For Deep Treatment:LuxeOrganix Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

4

Image: Luxeorganix

BUY ON AMAZON | $36.47

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LuxeOrganix’s Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo And Conditioner strikes a perfect balance between hydration and nourishment. The shampoo contains argan oil that protects the hair from the harsh sun rays and provides thorough cleansing. It is expert-recommended for all hair types. The hydrating conditioner works like a therapeutic hair treatment. It moisturizes, nourishes, and rejuvenates your hair without weighing it down. The shampoo and conditioner duo helps maintain scalp and hair health and keeps the hair dandruff-free. They are perfect for colored and keratin-treated hair.

Pro Tip

Use this conditioner for your hair when detangling. It will make your hair slippery and ensure the detangling process is easy and painless.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 2,775 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

9. Best Frizz Control: DevaCurl Wave Maker Lightweight Moisturizing Definer

4.3

Image: Devacurl

BUY ON AMAZON | $34

Make your waves and curls bouncy with the DevaCurl Wave Maker Lightweight Moisturizing Definer. This leave-in conditioner helps define your natural wave and curl patterns while controlling the frizz and flyaways for up to 48 hours. It is a lightweight cream that moisturizes, hydrates and nourishes your hair while giving you smooth and voluminous waves. The hydra-definition blend provides lightweight moisture and helps in adding shine to your hair, encourages curl clumping, and boosts manageability. In addition, it has a juicy and fruity scent that lingers on your hair until you wash it away.

10. Best For Beachy Waves:Kick Active Sea Salt Spray

4.2

Image: Kick

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.95

The Kick Active Sea Salt Spray is a wave spray that adds a natural, beachy texture to hair. It enhances the wave structure and perfectly creates a beachy and tousled-hair look. The formula contains sea salt, Epsom salt, kelp extract, and magnesium. This unique fusion of ingredients provides all-day hold and adds texture to limp hair without making it stiff. The texture spray fortifies, protects it from daily damage, helps control frizz, and nourish hair.

11. Best For Curls And Waves:Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm

4.3

Image: Curlsmith

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.5

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The Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm is a smooth whipped cream moisturizer that enhances and defines curls and waves. The balm offers a soft hold without making the hair crunchy. The formula is enriched with coconut oil to lock in moisture and reduce protein loss and breakage, andiroba extracts for nourishment, and a blend of olive, avocado, and apricot kernel oils to provide intense hydration and boost shine and softness. It also contains a nourishing blend of sunflower oil and aloe, sage, rosemary oil, pepper, and basil extracts for added nourishment. It works on all curl types and is the best for medium to coarse hair.

12. Best Hydrating Ingredients:LuxeOrganix Deep Mask And Conditioner

4.1

Image: Luxeorganix

BUY ON AMAZON | $29.97

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This product by LuxeOrganix works as a deep conditioner and hair mask to strengthen, nourish, and hydrate your wavy locks. The formula is enriched with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and quinoa protein to prevent hair breakage. It works effectively, is suitable for wavy and curly hair types, and leaves you with smooth and healthy hair strands after each application.

13.Best Matte Finish: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

4.3

Image: Bumbleandbumble

BUY ON AMAZON | $27.44

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Add texture and volume to your hair with the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. It is specially formulated for fine to medium density hair and is suitable for straight to wavy hair. The spray can be used for everyday styling and keeps the hair moisturized without any greasy residue. It offers a matte finish, and you can use it on damp hair for a perfect windswept look.

14. Best humidity blocking:R+Co Turntable Curl Defining Cream

4.3

Image: R+co

BUY ON AMAZON | $32.0

Buy on Walmart

The R+Co Turntable Curl Defining Cream is a lightweight talc-free cream that spreads easily on your wavy and curly hair without weighing it down. The cream is infused with rice protein, flax seed extract, chia seed extract, and coconut oil. The rice protein retains moisture in your hair and provides flexibility to it while preventing breakage. The flax seed extract adds moisture to your hair without making it greasy. It also provides elasticity to your strands. The chia seeds nourish your scalp and add shine to your stands. The formula is also enriched with coconut oil that conditions your hair and scalp.

15. Best Anti-Humidity Curl Gel:SheaMoisture All Day Frizz Control Milk Gel

4.1

Image: Sheamoisture

BUY ON AMAZON | $21

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The SheaMoisture All Day Frizz Control Milk Gel is perfect for taming unruly waves, flyaways, and frizz. This anti-humidity curl gel contains papaya, neroli, elderflower, and shea butter and adds a dose of moisture and shine, providing complete frizz control. It efficiently blocks humidity and defines smooth, silky curls and waves.

16.Best Curl-Enhancing Formula: Wet-n-Wavy Creme Moist Curl Creme

4.2

Image: Wet-n-wavy

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.69

The Wet-n-Wavy Creme Moist Curl Creme has a rich moisturizing curl-enhancing formula that provides smoothness for defined curls and flowing waves, even in high humidity. This lightweight and non-greasy curl cream tames frizz and flyaways. It also protects, conditions, and restores natural moisture balance to your curly or wavy hair textures.

17. Best Witch Hazel Extract:Rene Furterer Okara Radiance Enhancing Shampoo

4.3

Image: Rene Furterer

BUY ON AMAZON | $32

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If you have colored and wavy hair, you will love the Rene Furterer Okara Radiance Enhancing Shampoo. This sulfate-free shampoo is gentle, prevents hair color from fading, and improves its vibrancy. It is clinically-proven to help maintain your hair color intensity for almost two months. The shampoo contains okara extract that reinforces the hair structure and witch hazel extract that maintains hair color.

18.Best Weightless Texture: Hair Play Set 3 Hair Styling Foam

4.3

Image: Hair Play

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.13

Hydrate and define your frizzy, wavy, curly hair with the Hair Play Set 3 Hair Styling Foam. This wavy hair product works like a leave-in, deep conditioner and makes your hair smooth, shiny, bouncy, with no residue and flakes. The weightless texture of this styling product suits wavy hair as it does not weigh it down, allowing more control over the wave definition. Additionally, it protects the hair from sun damage and works on short hairstyles to offer a great hold.

Picking the perfect product for the right wave type requires a thorough understanding of the hair needs and suitable ingredients. Here are a few things you need to consider before buying products for wavy hair.

Things To Consider Before Buying Products For Wavy Hair

• Determine The Wave Type

Wavy hair is type 2 hair and classified into three types. Type 2A is mostly straight with a slight “S” curve and volume towards the hair ends. Type 2B has slightly more defined waves but is straight at the root. This wavy hair is more prone to frizz but acts well with a curl activator and defining creams. Type 2C is the thickest, and it is close to forming curls rather than just waves. It is the most voluminous of the three types. Nowadays, different hair products are available based on your wave type. Read the packaging and, if required, go through reviews before choosing a product for wavy hair.

• Check The Ingredients List

No matter what finish you are looking for, the key to creating long-lasting waves is to start with the right products. When you wash your hair, use moisturizing formulas to avoid frizzy or dry hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain harsh ingredients like sulfates and alcohol denat as they may make your curls frizzy and dry. Instead, look for shampoos with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, vitamins, and other natural oils.

• Balance Your Use Of Silicone-Based Products

Silicones stay on the outside of the hair shaft, providing slip and shine. This is excellent the first time you use a product, but products heavily laden with silicones can cause buildup. While reading about silicones, you will often find that some rave about them, and others tell you to avoid them at all costs. The real answer is somewhere in between. When appropriate, they should be swapped with natural emollients like abyssinian and argan oils.

Once you get the right products, set a proper hair care routine. Here is a guide.

How To Take Care Of Wavy Hair: A Basic Hair Care Routine

• Wash Your Hair

If you have curly or wavy hair, you are most likely to follow the curly girl method for washing your hair. One of the CG method principles is that hair with texture requires more moisture than completely straight hair. Unfortunately, using regular shampoos will leave your scalp and hair dull and dry. Start your wavy hair care journey by cutting out the shampoo from your routine, and instead, use a CG-friendly (silicone-free) deep conditioner to cleanse your hair. If your hair becomes greasy after a month of this routine, switch to a low-poo routine with a sulfate-free shampoo.

• Rinse With Cold Water

Rinse your hair with cold water. Though hot showers feel great, they are not good for your hair as they can dry your hair out. So, even if you start with a warm shower, end with a cold one. A cold shower will close the cuticles and help seal the moisture from the shampoo and conditioner.

• Detangling Your Hair

Detangling wavy hair is a tricky process. The first rule: don’t use brushes. Second: detangle only in the shower, using liberal amounts of conditioner. Do this while your hair is wet and evenly covered with conditioner. Third: use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to work out knots and tangles slowly. Finally, be gentle with your hair. Don’t use force, as it might cause breakage.

• Conditioning Hair

Using a CG-friendly conditioner to co-wash and condition doesn’t mean your hair is getting everything it can out of your conditioner. Allow the conditioner to penetrate deep within the hair shafts to get maximum nourishment. This will leave your natural waves bouncy and moisturized.

• Moisturizing Your Hair

Conditioning is only half the battle – for truly healthy hair. Wavy hair requires even more moisture. If your hair is frizzy or dull, incorporate a silicone-free, moisturizing hair mask into your routine. Start using it once a week and increase or decrease the frequency as required. If your hair is damaged or has very high hair porosity, consider supplementing these nourishing hair masks with protein-rich products that will help your hair retain moisture.

• Drying Your Hair

Freshly washed hair and hair with the product can be dried in two ways – air drying or diffusing. Let your hair air dry if you have got time to spare and are not craving additional volume. For faster drying and to boost volume, opt for the latter.

However, whichever way you choose to dry your hair, start with a plop. This is a unique CG approach to drying and styling and is meant to give your hair a gentle start as it begins to dry. With this method, you don’t have to worry about frizz and tangles from terry cloth towels. Use either a microfiber towel or a plain cotton tee for the plop method.

• Protecting Your Hair

Your wavy hair needs the best care and protection from anything that can cause frizz, tangles, and other harm. To avoid frizz altogether, use a silk pillowcase or bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep. If you want to use any heat tool to turn your waves into curls or straighten them, be very careful of heat damage and use a CG-friendly heat protectant.

Professional hair stylist Sharie Wilson says, “To preserve the shape and flow of waves, we recommend using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. It is important to use products sparingly not to weigh your hair down. For shampoo, you should be using about a quarter-sized amount, and for the conditioner, you should be using about two-quarters worth focusing on the ends of your hair.” 

Wavy hair is appealing because it can be achieved with different techniques. No matter what length, style, and texture you have, wavy looks great all the time. Here are some tips and tricks on how you can style wavy hair.

Best Tips And Styling Hacks For Wavy Hair

• Use sea salt spray as it is typically designed to be used on the hair ends and helps create a beachy natural wave. As your hair is coated with the salt in the spray, the hair cuticle begins to swell, and this results in a coveted beachy look.
• To make your wavy hair more defined, use a curling wand. You don’t have to divide the hair into sections as you go; simply pick a few pieces at random to curl. These perfectly formed spirals will boost your hair volume and leave you with a more fine finish.
• You can also try using the hair plopping technique to create more precise waves. This keeps the hair compressed to the top of the head while it air dries. It also allows your waves to have a more refined look than simply letting them dry loosely.
• Use a defining cream. Apply a small amount of curl cream to the mid-shaft through the ends of your hair and then comb to distribute. Scrunch your hair to get well-defined and gorgeous waves.
• Choose a hair brush depending on the type and thickness of your hair. It is important to follow one golden rule while brushing wavy hair: be gentle. As the brush manipulates curls and waves, do not be too rough. This can cause damage to the surface of the hair, leading to frizz.

Tony adds, “For styling wavy hair, the same rule of not applying too much product should apply as well to maintain volume. A hack we recommend is using your fingers to lightly detangle your hair, followed by using a wide-toothed comb. This will help prevent breakage while allowing products to be evenly distributed throughout your hair.”

Infographic: How To Buy Hair Products For Wavy Hair

Everybody loves clean, frizz-free, and moisturized hair. Wavy hair needs extra care because it gets dry more easily and is more prone to breakage. Check out the infographic to know what to look for when buying products to pamper your wavy hair.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you layer hair products for wavy hair?

After shampooing, use a leave-in conditioner. Then, you can go ahead with a hair mousse or moisturizing and frizz control styling or curl cream. If you want to style your hair, use a heat protectant.

How many products should you use on wavy hair?

Choose products depending on your wavy type and the techniques that work the best for you.

What products are bad for wavy hair?

Products that contain parabens, sulfates, alcohol denat, artificial fragrances, and other harmful substances are bad for wavy hair.

Can you use curly hair products on wavy hair?

Yes, most curly hair products are also suitable for treating wavy hair. Just like curly hair, wavy strands are often dry, and the same formulas can be used to moisturize them. However, some intense formulas for curly hair can be a bit greasy on wavy hair.

How often should you wash wavy hair?

Use a moisturizing and curl-defining shampoo to wash your wavy hair 2-3 times a week. If you have thick hair, washing twice should suffice. If you have thinner and wavier hair, you can wash it thrice a week.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skincare coach and loves experimenting with a multitude of skin and haircare products. She has reviewed many products that are good and essential to maintain wavy hair and curated a list of the best ones available in the market. The products listed below can moisturize the hair and manage its frizz while enhancing the hair texture.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Laura DaleLicensed Cosmetologist

   

Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.

Read full bio of Laura Dale

Oyendrila KanjilalCommerce Writer

 

Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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