Wavy hair might be one of the most versatile hair types, but it can still be challenging. Yes, you can choose to wear it straight or use curl-boosting products for an extra oomph of texture, but there are so few products actually created for wavy hair. I have curls that can become waves or spirals, depending on my mood (and energy levels), so I think I can relate. Here to help with the wavy hair woes are two incredible hair experts, Brad Mondo, hairstylist, founder, and creative director of XMONDO, and Ceremonia’s Product Development Manager, Mateo Acosta Medina.
Here, they break down how to properly style wavy hair.
What are some common issues people with wavy hair have when styling?
“Everyone’s waves are different, and finding the best routine for your hair type takes trial and error,” says Mondo. “Weather plays a huge role in how your hair will look day-to-day and can be one of the biggest challenges in achieving the perfect waves. Frizz is one of the most common issues that arise from the weather.” Along with frizz, breakage is widespread when trying to style wavy hair, says Medina. “This is due to the structural appearance of the hair shaft that protrudes from the follicle—the shape makes it more vulnerable and resistant to grooming.” When the hair is damaged, the result can be dullness. “Another issue can be lack of shine if cuticles are damaged, possibly due to heat damage or dryness. The more lifted the cuticles are, the less shiny they appear because they will reflect less light. Finally, dryness can become an issue when styling wavy hair due to denser fibers, therefore reducing the ability of the hair to absorb moisture,” says Medina.
What are products everyone with wavy hair should be using?
“Hydration and hold are essential for wavy hair,” says Mondo. “If your hair is dry, your waves will not form to the best of their ability.” Adding hydration starts in the shower by incorporating hydrating shampoos and conditioners, like Mondo’s new Wavetech Wave System products. Adding hydration also helps combat damage and breakage, which increases flyaways and frizz. “For those suffering from breakage or dry strands—and those who have to detangle and groom extensively—consider incorporating moisturizers, such as conditioners and leave-in conditioners to increase strands’ lubricity and lower the chances of breakage,” adds Medina. “To combat a lack of shine, lipid-rich treatments help lock in moisture and active ingredients smooth down the cuticles to create the appearance of shinier hair.” This includes nourishing hair oils, boosting shine, reducing frizz, and hydrating frazzled strands.
Here, find 19 incredible wave-boosting products to nourish, boost, and protect your wavy hair.
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1
Best For Second Day Hair
Wavetech Wave Revival Mist
Lightweight
Some dislike the scent
If your hair starts to go a little limp a few days post-wash, this spritz can bring back bounce and curl to your strands. It can also be used as part of your styling routine, to protect your hair from humidity and reverse damage.
2
Best For Lightweight Hydration
Guava Leave In Conditioner
Prevents damage
May not be suited for very dry hair
For hydration that doesn’t weigh down your waves or curls, this lightweight leave-in conditioner is a dream. Not only does it smell like the best tropical vacation, but just a few drops of this can give your hair some much-needed nourishment.
3
Best For Air Dry Styling
Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Cream
Adds texture
Some may dislike the scent
Lazy girl hair has a new hero product. This cream adds hydration and a slight bit of hold to wavy hair to give it body and nourishment, without disrupting a wave pattern. All you have to do is wash your hair, scrunch this in, and you’re good to go.
4
Best Wave Spray
Wave Spray
Adds texture
A wave spray minus the sticky salt, this product adds texture to make your wavy hair voluminous, with extra curls. Simply spritz, scrunch, and watch your hair become perfectly beachy.
5
Best For Frizzy Curls
Frizz-Ease Take Charge Curl-Boosting Mousse
John Frieda
Affordable
Can weigh down fine hair
The old adage says, frizz is just a curl waiting to happen. This mousse can give your wavy hair the boost it needs to become curlier, minus any flyaways. There’s no crunchy, sticky residue–just more volume.
6
Best For Defining Curls
Curl Defining Cream
Moroccanoil
If you want to add some more definition to your hair, a hydrating cream might be the way to go. Formulated for dry, frizzy hair, this cream will make sure you get the most out of your texture.
7
Best For Dull Hair
be curly Curl Enhancer
Some may dislike the scent
To add some gloss and shine back into dull strands, this cream uses natural extracts for smooth, frizz-free hair. It’s designed to work with your hair’s natural texture, not against it, so you can be assured that your waves won’t be weighed down.
8
Best For Very Dry Hair
Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
SheaMoisture
Now 58% off
May not be suited for fine hair
A must-have for many curly girls, this cream is packed with hydrating ingredients for extremely parched, damaged hair. A tiny amount will go a long way, but the end result is nourished, hydrated hair.
9
Best For Hold
Curl Defining Gel
Lightweight
Some may dislike the scent
If your waves look amazing right after wash day, but start to go limp and frizzy soon after, it’s time to invest in a gel. This version is serum-like and incredibly lightweight, so you’ll have no crunch at all. The results are waves that actually stay wavy, even through humidity and rain.
10
Best For Damaged Hair
No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray
Better Not Younger
This spray has a dual purpose, both protecting your hair if you decide to occasionally heat style, and reducing frizz on a day-to-day basis. With a combination of hydrating argan oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E, your hair will thank you for adding this to your routine.
Frizz is a battle that can seem never-ending, but this cream makes it easier than ever to combat. With amino acids and avocado oil, a small dollop of this can help smooth and enhance your hair’s texture.
12
Best For Added Texture
Fiber Pomade
Adds texture
Scent may be too strong for some
Considered a must-have for shorter styles, even long locks can reap the benefits of a pomade. This product adds texture to hair that needs an extra oomph. Plus, it smells beautiful, so everyone will want to know what you’re wearing.
13
Best For Encouraging Curls
VitalCurl+ Soft Defining Mousse
Curl-enhancing
Need to break the cast when hair is dry
If your hair texture is somewhere in between wavy and curly, a hair mousse can bridge the distance and give you consistent, spiraling curls. Scrunch in a few handfuls for frizz-free, incredibly soft hair.
14
Best For An Investment
Curl Control Silkening Creme
For all wavy or curly hair types, this nurturing cream banishes frizz and leaves you with silky soft hair. It uses a combination of argan, coconut, and avocado oil to add much-needed hydration to your hair.
15
Best For Flyaways
Nourish Oil
Rizos Curls
May not be suited for oily hair
Wavy hair can be prone to flyaways, but this oil tames them in an instant. With a combination of hydrating and nourishing oils, this product can be used in so many ways, either as a scalp treatment, a body oil, or to sleek down any frizz.
16
Best For Quick Styling
Leave In Conditioning Balm
For a one-product wonder, this balm hydrates, defines, and nourishes wavy and curly hair. Don’t overthink it–just rake a little but through your hair for low-maintenance upkeep.
17
Best For Hair Prep
Smooth Conditioner
Reduces frizz
A good hair day starts in the shower. This product contains natural extracts and keratin to strengthen, smooth, and repair damaged hair. That means less frizz when you’re styling, so you can enjoy beachy waves minus the flyaways.
18
Best For All Hair Types
Styling Cream
Reduces frizz
If you’re not sure where your hair type lands in the complicated charts, this easy-to-use cream was made for you. Designed for straight hair, waves, curls, or anything in between, it uses a combination of natural extracts and panthenol to either boost or smooth your texture, whichever you prefer.
19
Best All-In-One
Perfect Hair Day (PhD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
Living Proof
Multiple benefits
There’s no need to layer ten products when you have this in your arsenal. It reduces frizz, adds hydration, and adds volume to your hair. Basically, it’s a dream come true for anyone who gets overwhelmed in the hair section of Sephora.
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