23 Expert-Approved Wavy Hair Products That Define, Hydrate and Boost Shine
Embrace your natural waves
Recently, I've been gravitating more and more towards relaxed hairstyles, and for me, this means embracing the natural waves in my hair. I simply couldn’t do this without the best wavy hair products.
Like most wavy hair types, my hair is by no means straightforward to style. Along with being naturally wavy, my hair is quite fine, but I have a lot of it—meaning it tangles easily. Add to this the fact that it’s flyaway-prone and can get greasy quite quickly, and there are very few hair care products that tick all the boxes that my tricky hair type requires.
I wanted to find out a little more about wavy hair, so I spoke to Hair Stylist Edward James and Celebrity Stylist and Colourist Kris Barnes, who explained how best to care for and style it.
Best wavy hair products at a glance:
- Best shampoo for wavy hair: Function of Beauty Wavy Hair Shampoo | £12 at Boots
- Best conditioner for wavy hair: Function of Beauty Wavy Hair Conditioner | £12 at Boots
- Best hair towel for wavy hair: Good Wash Day Hair Towel | £32.50 at Amazon
- Best lightweight oil: Moroccanoil Treatment Light | £38.50 at Lookfantastic
- Best oil for damaged wavy hair: VIRTUE Healing Oil | £25 at Sephora
- Best volumiser: Christophe Robin Volumising Mist | £30 at Sephora
- Best hair dryer for wavy hair: Remington PROluxe You Hair Dryer | £58 at Amazon
- Best leave-in product: JVN Complete Air Dry Cream | £24 at Cult Beauty
- Best moisturising cream for wavy hair: Arkive Headcare The Good Calmer Moisture Cream | £14 at Lookfantastic
How can I tell if I have wavy or curly hair?
Most people have some sort of natural curl to their hair. While your genes, the humidity levels of the air and a host of other factors will affect your hair’s natural curl pattern.
Barnes tells me, "The easiest way to tell if your hair is curly or wavy is when it’s wet. Take a small section of your hair and wrap it around your finger. If it forms a spiral or coil, you likely have curly hair, and if not, then it is wavy."
Knowing what hair type you have is very important because wavy hair products are very different from the best products for curly hair. Most curl-defining products (like the best shampoo for curly hair) focus on hydrating and defining curls that already form without much encouragement. But what about those of us who want to enhance curl, bounce and movement in hair types which could easily go one way or the other depending on how our hair is styled and the products used?
I’ve found that products for curly hair types are too nourishing for my fine hair, often weighing down rather than defining any curls that might exist.
What's the best way to care for wavy hair?
"Wavy hair sits in the middle ground, so balance is everything," James says. "It needs enough moisture to control frizz and dryness but not so much that the wave pattern collapses. Start with a gentle, nourishing cleanse using something lightweight, which hydrates without coating the hair. Detangle carefully while the hair is wet using a wide-tooth comb, which smooths knots without pulling or disrupting the wave. Wavy hair responds best to minimal manipulation, so avoid brushing when dry and let the hair air-dry or diffuse whenever possible."
How can I enhance my wavy hair?
It's all about using the right products. I personally gravitate towards light formulas, and turns out I've been bang on the money. "Lightweight textures work best for waves," says James. "Heavy creams and oils can weigh the hair down, while strong gels can leave it stiff. Sprays, lotions and soft creams tend to enhance the natural pattern without overpowering it. The key is working the product evenly through the hair rather than just applying it on top. When product sits only on the surface, the crown can look flat while the underneath becomes frizzy and uncontrolled. A leave-in spray conditioner is ideal for hydration, heat protection and manageability. It’s also great for refreshing waves on day two with a light spritz. For added softness and shine, a small amount of hair cream through the mid-lengths and ends enhances the wave without killing movement."
What are the best ways to style wavy hair?
Whilst James says that air drying is the best option for wavy hair, he understands that lots of people prefer to use tools. "Heat styling can enhance waves when used thoughtfully. A hairdryer with a diffuser attachment is one of the best tools for wavy hair because it encourages natural movement while reducing frizz. Stick to low or medium heat with soft airflow, and always prep with a leave-in product for heat protection. The aim is to refine the wave rather than force it into curls or straighten it out. Used properly, heat simply elevates what’s already there while keeping waves soft and natural-looking."
How did we test the best products for wavy hair?
We always thoroughly test our beauty products before recommending them, and these are products that I’ve been using and loving for months or—in some cases—years. Read up on how we test our products right here.
This article isn’t for those who already have beautiful curls and want to nourish, direct and define them, but for those whose hair has the potential to create natural curls and waves, but just needs a little encouragement. As somebody with this exact hair type, and after testing the best hair products for years, the products below have never steered me wrong.
The best wavy hair products
As a shopping editor with a particular affinity for beauty, I’ve tested a fair few hair products in my time. After years of experimenting (sometimes with disastrous consequences), I believe I’ve finally found the Holy Grail of wavy hair products. I enlisted the help of the wider team, too. I asked Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas, whose hair is much like my own, Jadie Troy-Pryde, MC UK's news editor—who has slightly curlier hair than I do—and Nessa Humayun, our beauty editor, who has thick, wavy hair, to ensure we've covered all possible wavy-haired bases.
From the best wavy hair shampoo and conditioner to treatment oils and other sleek hair products that will hydrate without weighing down your waves, these are hands down the best products we’ve tried.
1. Bouclème Curl Defining Gel
When it comes to creating waves in my freshly-washed hair, nothing beats a good curl defining gel, and Bouclème’s option is among the best I’ve tried. I use this as the last step before air-drying my hair - after I’ve applied my oils and volumising sprays - scrunching a generous amount into my hair from root to tip to encourage curls to form. This gives me the long-lasting hold and definition that I simply wouldn’t achieve with curling creams alone. Oh, and it helps to tame flyaways too as a bonus.
2. Function of Beauty Custom Wavy Hair Shampoo
I can’t stress enough how important it is to use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and curl pattern, and Function of Beauty's wavy hair shampoo has never failed me. I often find that shampoos are either too volumising (causing flyaways and dryness) or too nourishing for my hair, weighing down any potential curls or bounce and meaning it gets greasy faster than it should. This shampoo is the perfect balance of hydrating and volumising, allowing my hair to curl more easily after air drying.
3. Function of Beauty Custom Wavy Hair Conditioner
Similar to the matching shampoo, this conditioner for wavy hair is the only formula that doesn’t weigh my hair down but still thoroughly detangles and hydrates. You can tailor the haircare set further with Function of Beauty’s innovative hair boosters, which you can choose based on your hair’s specific needs - I use the shine, volumise and strengthen options. Also, both the conditioner and shampoo smell incredible which definitely helps to boost them further in my good books.
4. Only Curls Starter Bundle
This brand has received rave reviews on its curl-enhancing products. I can’t really pick a favourite, so I’ll go back to the start of my wave-defining journey, which was helped along massively by this starter bundle. It includes a shampoo, conditioner, curl cream and defining gel, which you use together as the instructions dictate.
This set gave me the best natural waves of my life. The bundle also contains a microfibre towel that dries my hair quickly, defining waves and curls without causing flyaways - needless to say, it’s perfect for plopping.
5. Dr Paw Paw 7 in 1 Does it all Hair Treatment
While not specifically formulated for wavy or curly hair, I think that’s where this product's strengths lie. It’s suitable for all hair types and has so many different purposes - from heat protection to taming flyaways. I find that when I use this before styling my hair and as a moisture boost between washes, my waves have a lot more definition and bounce, without any greasiness. It also smells absolutely incredible.
6. Good Wash Day Hair Towel
If you’re still using a rough textured towel to dry your hair, I weep for your lengths and ends. When I want to encourage my natural waves to form, I don’t tend to use a hairdryer, as the hot air can straighten my lengths (making any curl definition impossible), so a really good towel dry is essential.
This towel is made from organic jersey cotton with flat fibres which soak up excess moisture and allows me to thoroughly towel-dry my hair without being too rough. Crucially here, I ensure to scrunch, rather than rub my hair dry. Causing less friction means less flyaways immediately after drying, and far less damage in the long run. Also, the lightweight, thin design makes this towel ideal for travelling—it barely adds any weight to your suitcase or backpack!
7. Remington PROluxe You Adaptive Hair Dryer
As I mentioned above, I usually avoid blow drying my hair when I want to create natural waves, as the hot hair can straighten any curl, but when I do choose to dry my waves, I make sure to use the diffuser attachment on my favourite hair dryer: the Remington PROluxe You Adaptive.
Similar to the Function of Beauty shampoo and conditioner that are tailored for your specific hair type, this clever hair dryer actually adjusts itself to suit your hair’s specific needs. Since I’ve started using this hair dryer (and the hair oils above) I’ve noticed significantly less breakage to my hair. At £159.99, affordable it is not, but it’s genuinely the best hair dryer I’ve used. Oh, and it’s currently on sale for 50% less, so if you’re keen to try it for yourself then now is a great time to snap it up.
8. Christophe Robin Instant Volumising Leave-In Mist
As my hair is pretty fine, a volumising product is essential to lift the roots and give my lengths the curl and bounce I crave. The only problem? Most volumising products are tailored for silky fine hair, which requires much more grit and hold than my flyaway-prone hair does. It’s for this reason that I’ve never gotten along with gritty, texturising and mattifying products (salt sprays, I’m looking at you).
I was on the hunt for the product that would provide volume and sleekness, and I found it in this volumising mist. It provides me with lift at the roots, volume and definition through the lengths and—most importantly—without turning my hair into a tangled mess. Plus it smells like fresh roses. I’m a fan.
9. Kurl Kitchen Deep Cleansing Black Soap Shampoo
If I want to style my hair wavy (e.g. with tongs, a waving wand or my favourite heated hair rollers) as opposed to letting it dry naturally, I need to make sure my hair is as clean and free of product buildup as possible. Enter: the Kurl Kitchen Deep Cleansing Black Soap Shampoo. It pretty much does what it says on the tin, giving my hair a super deep clean and leaving it soft, shiny and volumised.
10. Bouclème Curl Conditioner
"I’ve been endlessly testing curly conditioners since embracing my natural texture a year ago, and Boucleme’s Curls Redefined is undoubtedly one of my favourites. It smells delicious - think a punchy blend of grapefruit and patchouli - and does an excellent job at hydrating and smoothing my curls. The consistency is creamy without being heavy, so it doesn’t drag my curls and they retain their bounce." - Jadie Troy-Pryde, News Editor
11. Moroccanoil Treatment Light
Most oils can be too heavy for my fine hair, but since it’s also flyaway-prone, some sort of treatment oil is essential to smoothen and enhance shine. I don’t like making my hair too sleek with heavy oils, as that makes encouraging any type of curl pattern near-enough impossible. I’d actually previously written off Moroccanoil products as being too heavy for my hair—that was, until I tried the Light version of the brand’s iconic treatment oil.
This oil provides shine and definition without weighing down my fine hair. I apply it after towel-drying and before blow drying, and I’ve noticed a considerable improvement in the shine and hydration levels of my hair.
12. Virtue Healing Oil
Fine, densely-populated hair that’s prone to flyaways is basically a recipe for damage—not a good look when you’re aiming for beautifully soft natural waves. My hair is so damage prone that I’d almost given up hope, leaving my straggly ends to fend for themselves, but this lightweight healing oil is pure magic.
I mix 3-4 drops in with my Moroccanoil treatment oil to add lightweight hydration, shine, softness and help protect against heat damage. I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my split ends since using the Virtue healing oil, and it’s even extended the longevity of my trims as a result. It might be pricey for a small-ish bottle, but you’ll only need a tiny amount at a time, so it will last you ages.
13. Umberto Giannini Coco Beach Waves Shampoo
I know what you’re thinking - I already have a couple of favourite wavy hair shampoos, right? Well, when on holiday I’m a fan of letting my hair dry in the sun after drenching it in salt water. Brilliant for enhancing beachy waves, not so great for my lengths and split ends. That’s where this shampoo comes in: it deeply moisturises dry and dun damaged hair - you guessed it - without weighing down my hair. I like to wash my hair with this after a beach day and let it air dry completely for naturally defined and flyaway-free waves. Oh, and it smells like warm vanilla and coconut - a summer holiday dream.
14. Noughty Scalp Massager
After seeing shampoo hair brushes all over curltok, I decided to try one for myself - and now it’s a washday staple. Not only does it give an amazing scalp massage, but it helps to remove product build-up and has noticeably improved long-standing patches of dryness (dandruff, begone).
15. JVN Complete Air Dry Cream
"As a wavy-haired girl, I am no stranger to humidity. The weather can make my hair go from smooth and sleek to frizzy and unruly within seconds, and this also disrupts my wave pattern, rendering any styling useless. The JVN Complete Air Dry Cream is my favourite product for getting around this. It tames frizz, smoothes, and crucially doesn't leave that awful crunchiness that some products do. It also claims to protect against humidity and UV damage, and I believe it really does help!" - Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor
16. Arkive Headcare The Good Calmer Moisture Cream
"This is single-handedly the best product I have used for my waves. For the longest time I used hair oil on my damp hair, as I felt that's what my dry ends needed. However, after testing this for the Marie Claire Hair Awards a couple of years ago, I realised I had it all wrong. This hair moisturiser nourishes my ends and lengths beautifully and, because it's lightweight, never weighs my hair down. Plus, once I've applied it I scrunch my hair and it's like my waves have stood to attention. I can leave it to dry naturally or rough dry and my curls are perfectly defined." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
17. Ouai Medium Hair Bundle
This is James's pick for a gentle, nourishing cleanse that's lightweight. It hydrates without coating the hair.
18. Kent Brushes Wide-Tooth Detangling Comb
When hair is wet, James recommends detangling with a wide-tooth comb and this is the one he recommends most.
19. Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Purpose Hair Spray
To hydrate your waves, add heat protection and make it more manageable, James says this Pureology leave-in conditioner is best. It also refreshes waves on day two.
20. Aveda Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masque Light
"For deeper nourishment, particularly on fine to medium hair, the Aveda Botanical Repair Mask Light is ideal, strengthening and repairing the hair without weighing it down," says James.
21. K18 Professional Repair Hair Mist
For hair that's quite compromised and damaged, James says that this spray from K18 reinforces the hair internally while keeping it light.
22. Champo Leave-In Perfecting Hair Cream
For those that prefer a creamy texture to a spray, a small amount of this Champo hair cream works beautifully to smooth frizz and add softness while allowing the wave pattern to stay relaxed and natural.
23. Dyson Wave+Curl Diffuser
James recommends drying wavy hair with a diffuser to reduce frizz. "The Dyson diffuser gently dries the hair without breaking up the wave formation".
