Quick answer: the best products for wavy hair are lightweight ones that add moisture and definition without weighing waves down. A simple wavy hair routine is a gentle shampoo, a light conditioner, a leave-in, then a small amount of curl cream scrunched into damp hair, with a light-hold spray if your waves drop during the day. Use less product than you think, apply it to soaking-wet hair, and don't brush your waves once they're dry.
What does wavy hair need?
Wavy hair (Type 2, from 2A to 2C) forms a soft S-shape rather than full curls. It sits between straight and curly hair, and it often gets the wrong products: straight-hair routines can leave waves flat and frizzy, while rich curly-hair products can weigh them down until they disappear.
Waves usually need three things:
- Lightweight moisture, so the hair is soft and the S-shape can form, without heaviness.
- Gentle definition, so the waves clump together instead of puffing out into frizz.
- Light hold, so the waves last through the day without going crunchy.
Not sure if your hair is wavy or curly? Read our guide to curl types from 2A to 4C.
Why do my waves go flat or frizzy?
- Heavy products: rich creams, butters and oils used in large amounts drag waves straight.
- Harsh cleansing: very stripping shampoos can leave waves dry and frizzy. Many people with wavy hair prefer a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo.
- Brushing dry hair: brushing breaks wave clumps apart and turns them into frizz.
- Rubbing with a towel: roughs up the cuticle and disturbs the wave pattern.
- Product on dry hair: styling products work best on soaking-wet hair, when the waves are forming.
A simple wavy hair routine
1. Wash gently
Use a mild shampoo and focus it on the scalp. Pure Mild Shampoo is sulphate-free and made for wavy, curly and coily hair, with coconut, chia and sacha inchi oils. If frizz is your biggest problem, Hydrating Shampoo from our award-winning Anti-Frizz range smooths the cuticle without SLS or SLES.
2. Condition the lengths
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, keeping it off the roots so your waves don't go flat at the top. The Curly Hair Detangling Mask from our Elasti-Curl range is gentle enough to use every time you wash, in place of a conditioner: it detangles, adds moisture and controls frizz. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. If your waves are fine and easily weighed down, use a small amount on the ends only, or choose the lighter Hydrating Hair Conditioner.
3. Add a leave-in
While your hair is still soaking wet, mist or smooth in a light leave-in. Leave-In Detangling Hair Milk moisturises, detangles and preps waves so they hold their shape and stand up to humidity.
4. Scrunch in curl cream
Yes, curl cream works on wavy hair. The trick is to use a small amount. Rub a pea-to-grape-sized amount of Curls Defining Hair Cream between your palms, smooth it over your hair, then scrunch upwards from the ends towards the roots. It defines waves and controls frizz without crunch. Fine 2A waves need very little; thicker 2C waves can take a bit more.
5. Dry without disturbing
Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt rather than rubbing. Then either air-dry without touching your hair, or use a diffuser on a low heat and speed, cupping sections of hair up towards the scalp.
6. Set and refresh
If your waves tend to drop, finish with a mist of Light Hold Fixative Hair Spray, which defines and fights humidity without stiffness. On day two, mist your hair with water, scrunch in a tiny bit more cream and let it dry.
Need more hold? If you have medium or coarse waves that drop out by lunchtime, swap the curl cream for Shaping Cream, a strong-hold cream that shapes and controls waves and curls for longer-lasting definition. Use a small amount on damp or dry hair.
The best products for each wave type
- 2A waves (fine, loose, easily weighed down): keep it very light. Pure Mild Shampoo, conditioner on the ends only, Leave-In Detangling Hair Milk and a tiny amount of curl cream. For a more tousled, beachy look, try Texturizing Sea Salt Spray instead of cream.
- 2B waves (defined waves, some frizz at the crown): the full routine above, with curl cream and a light-hold spray for frizz control.
- 2C waves (strong waves, some loose spirals, thicker and frizz-prone): more moisture. Use the Curly Hair Detangling Mask every wash, use a little more curl cream (or Shaping Cream if your waves need stronger hold), and smooth a drop of Bouncy Curls Hair Oil over the ends once your hair is dry.
Browse all our curly and wavy hair products and wave and curl styling.
Wavy hair for men
The same rules apply to short wavy hair: wash gently, use a light leave-in, and work a small amount of curl cream through towel-dried hair with your fingers rather than a comb. For shorter styles, a little cream scrunched in and left to air-dry gives natural-looking texture without the stiff, wet look of gel. For more control on medium or coarse waves, use Shaping Cream, which gives a strong hold and can also be used to shape beards and moustaches.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use curl cream on wavy hair?
Yes. Curl cream helps waves clump together and reduces frizz. Use a small amount on soaking-wet hair and scrunch it in, so it defines your waves without weighing them down.
Is leave-in conditioner good for wavy hair?
Yes, as long as it's lightweight. A leave-in adds moisture and slip, helps waves form, and protects against frizz in humid weather.
Should I brush wavy hair?
Detangle when your hair is wet and full of conditioner, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Avoid brushing once your waves are dry, as it breaks them up and causes frizz.
Why is my hair straight when wet but wavy when dry?
That's typical of wavy hair. The weight of the water pulls the waves straight, and they form as the hair dries.
Do I need sulphate-free shampoo for wavy hair?
You don't have to, but many people with wavy hair find a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo keeps their waves softer and less frizzy. If you use a lot of styling products, a deeper cleanse now and then helps prevent build-up.
How do I stop my waves going flat?
Keep conditioner off the roots, use lightweight products in small amounts, apply them to soaking-wet hair, and avoid touching your hair while it dries. A light-hold spray helps waves last.
About the author
Charlotte Read has spent six years in the hair industry with Insight Professional and holds a First Class BSc in Business Management and Marketing. She writes with reference to real salons across social media and the wider Insight community, and draws on the Insight office team, who between them bring over 100 years of combined experience on salon floors.
Where technical expertise is needed, Charlotte consults Lorraine Matic, Head of Insight UK Education, who brings over 38 years of global experience in colour, technique and hair science.