Discover the secret to flawless waves with expert-approved products tailored for your unique texture.
Wavy hair naturally forms an elegant “S” pattern from roots to tips when dry, offering both distinctive advantages and challenges. Its inherent texture and volume often make it a coveted feature, with many opting for salon treatments to replicate this look. Wavy hair provides significant styling versatility, allowing you to enhance your natural waves, straighten your strands for a sleek blowout, or use a rotating curling iron to achieve voluminous curls reminiscent of a Victoria's Secret Angel.
However, wavy hair also comes with its own set of issues. The strands can be prone to frizz, making it essential to use styling products that offer extra hold and control. Finding the right products can help manage this challenge while preserving the beauty of your natural waves without adding weight or stiffness to your style.
To navigate these challenges and get the most out of your wavy hair, I consulted a professional hairstylist for her top product recommendations. These expert picks are designed to enhance your waves, provide frizz control, and ensure your hair looks stunning with minimal effort.
1. Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner
Mielle Organics gained popularity on TikTok for its Rosemary Oil, praised for promoting rapid hair growth among Black women. Another standout product is their Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner, recommended for wavy hair. This conditioner, featuring honey to lock in moisture, is great for detangling with fingers and helps prevent breakage and split ends without weighing hair down.
2. The Seaweed Bath Co. Citrus Vanilla Argan Shampoo
For wavy hair, a high-quality hydrating shampoo is essential, according to Hardges. She recommends The Seaweed Bath Co.'s smoothing shampoo, which aids in shine and taming waves and curls. This shampoo, enriched with broccoli seed oil, argan oil, and aloe vera, is effective but should be used sparingly due to its thin consistency. The brand also supports marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation.
3. Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair
Investing in a leave-in conditioner can greatly benefit wavy hair, especially if it's color-treated or damaged. Aveda's Damage Remedy is highly recommended for this purpose. You can use it daily or a few times a week, depending on your schedule. It combines quinoa protein and macadamia oil to reduce breakage by up to 90% in a week. Hardges highlights its effectiveness in strengthening and fortifying hair, with noticeable improvements in strength and health after a month of use.
4. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Oil, a fan-favorite previously featured in a guide to the best hair serums, is highly praised for its ability to nourish, smooth, and add shine to dull hair. Hardges recommends it for wavy hair, highlighting its blend of castor oil, marula oil, argan oil, and camellia for intense hydration. Unlike heavier serums, Elixir Ultime has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and works well on both thick and fine wavy hair.
5. Ouai Wave Spray
For soft, beachy waves, Ouai Wave Spray is a go-to. This lightweight formula adds texture and volume without the crunch. Infused with rice protein and chia seed oil, it helps to create natural-looking waves while keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.
6. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Perfect for achieving that sun-kissed, just-off-the-beach look, Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray provides a matte finish and effortless texture. It’s a great choice for those who want to add a bit of volume and definition to their waves without the greasy feel.
7. Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel
Aveda’s Confixor Liquid Gel is perfect for those who need a bit more control and hold. This gel offers a flexible hold that won’t weigh down your hair, allowing you to sculpt and define your waves with ease.
8. Oribe Texturizing Spray
Oribe’s Texturizing Spray is renowned for its ability to add instant volume and texture. Ideal for creating tousled, effortlessly chic waves, this spray provides a dry finish that helps your waves stay in place without feeling stiff or sticky.
9. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
While not exclusively for waves, Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is fantastic for refreshing and reviving your waves on day two (or three). It absorbs excess oil and adds volume, making your waves look fresh and vibrant.
10. TIGI Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver
For those who prefer using tools, the TIGI Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver creates stunning, deep waves with ease. Its tourmaline ceramic technology ensures even heat distribution, reducing frizz and delivering long-lasting, defined waves.
11. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Spray
Designed to boost volume and thickness for fine or limp hair. It features natural thickeners and clarifying agents like lemon and witch hazel to absorb excess oil and extend time between washes. The spray includes maltodextrin for immediate fullness and ginger, ginseng, and biotin for long-term scalp and follicle health. With a formula that is 98% naturally derived and free from sulfates, silicones, and artificial dyes, it’s also gluten-free and cruelty-free, making it perfect for nourishing color-treated or chemically treated hair.
12. Kenra Volume Spray 25
Kenra Volume Spray 25 offers an ultra-firm hold that helps maintain the shape of your waves throughout the day. Its humidity-resistant formula ensures your waves remain frizz-free and looking flawless, no matter the weather.
13. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Ideal for thick, wavy hair, SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie is packed with coconut oil and hibiscus. It delivers excellent curl definition and frizz control, making your waves look sleek and well-defined.
14. Amika UnDone Volume and Matte Texture Spray
Amika’s Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray is perfect for creating tousled, beachy waves. It adds volume and texture while offering a matte finish that helps your waves look naturally effortless.
15. R+Co Sail Soft Wave Spray
R+Co’s Sail Soft Wave Spray provides a light hold with a touch of texture. Perfect for a soft, natural finish, this spray adds just the right amount of definition without making your hair feel stiff or sticky.
