15 Editor-Tested Wavy Hair Products You’ll Love
Wavy hair is one of the most versatile hair types, but it can also be one of the trickiest to care for. Some days it looks perfectly tousled and effortless; other days it falls flat, gets frizzy, or loses definition halfway through the afternoon. The challenge lies in finding products that bring out the best in waves—enhancing texture, boosting shine, and controlling frizz—without weighing strands down.
That’s where the right routine makes all the difference. Over six weeks, editors and testers with different types of wavy hair—from loose 2A waves to tighter 3A curls—put popular products through their paces. Each one was evaluated for performance, texture, scent, ease of use, and long-term results. The goal: to build a toolkit that works for everyday styling, whether you air-dry, diffuse, or heat-style your hair.
Here are the 15 best wavy hair products that stood out—tested, loved, and recommended for every step of your routine.
⭐ Best Overall: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream
- Key Ingredients: Kokum seed butter, plant peptide blend
- Why it works: Moisturizes, defines, controls frizz
- Perfect for: Wavy to curly hair types (2A–3B)
This cream is the hero product of our testing. It enhances natural waves while leaving hair soft, shiny, and touchable—no crunch or residue. The kokum seed butter provides long-lasting moisture, while the peptide blend helps smooth and strengthen strands.
Editor note: “On my 2B waves, this cream gave definition and shine without heaviness. It smelled fresh and clean, and my waves lasted through a humid day.”
💡 Pro tip: Apply to damp hair and scrunch gently, then air-dry or diffuse for defined, frizz-free waves.
💧 Best Leave-In Conditioner: Olaplex Nº.5 Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in is a lifesaver for waves that need hydration without losing bounce. The amino acid blend strengthens, while glycerin locks in moisture. It’s especially good for color-treated, damaged, or high-porosity hair.
Tester feedback: “It adds moisture and shine after coloring without flattening my fine waves. My hair feels stronger and smoother.”
💡 Pro tip: Use a small amount on mid-lengths to ends. Too much can overwhelm fine strands.
🌬 Best Mousse: Ouai Air Dry Foam Hair Mousse
If you prefer a lightweight product that enhances waves without stiffness, this mousse is for you. It adds volume and texture with a soft, bouncy finish. Kale extract and carrot protein nourish while panthenol reduces frizz.
Why we love it: It’s perfect for “wash-and-go” days. The tropical scent feels like a mini vacation every time you use it.
💡 Pro tip: Work a few pumps through damp hair and let air-dry for natural, undone waves.
🔌 Best Diffuser: T3 Aire IQ Hair Dryer Kit
Diffusing is a game-changer for wavy hair, and this dryer makes it foolproof. Its smart heat and speed sensors adjust to your hair type, preventing damage while enhancing texture.
Tester feedback: “It defined my waves without frizz or puffiness. My hair looked styled but still natural.”
💡 Pro tip: Always diffuse on low heat and speed to preserve your wave pattern.
✨ Best Hair Oil: Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Styling Oil
Unlike heavier oils, this dry-oil formula smooths frizz, adds shine, and nourishes without greasiness. It’s especially great for refreshing second- or third-day waves.
Tester feedback: “Even when my hair was dry and frizzy, a couple of drops smoothed everything out.”
💡 Pro tip: Warm a drop between your palms before applying to mid-lengths and ends. Avoid roots to prevent flatness.
🛁 Best Hair Mask: Eva NYC Therapy Session Deep Conditioning Mask
Infused with argan oil and keratin, this mask restores hydration and repairs damage. It also makes detangling much easier.
Tester feedback: “My hair felt silky after just a few minutes. Plus, the scent was mood-lifting.”
💡 Pro tip: Leave it on for 3–5 minutes in the shower for quick results or up to 15 minutes for deep repair.
📈 Best Texture Spray: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Perfect for waves that need extra lift, this cult-favorite spray adds body, separation, and volume while absorbing oil. Unlike hairspray, it leaves hair touchable.
Editor note: “I love using it to refresh second-day hair. It instantly makes waves look lively again.”
💡 Pro tip: Flip your head upside down and spritz for maximum volume at the roots.
🔥 Best Heat Protectant: Kérastase Nectar Thermique Cream
This lightweight cream hydrates with proteins and niacinamide while protecting against heat damage. It’s ideal for waves that are prone to dryness but need definition.
Tester feedback: “My fine waves felt shinier and softer, and they didn’t get weighed down. Huge win.”
💡 Pro tip: Apply before blow-drying or diffusing to prevent frizz and breakage.
🪮 Best Detangler: Mizani 25 Benefit Miracle Milk
A lightweight spray with coconut oil that softens, detangles, and protects against heat. It’s gentle enough for fine waves and versatile enough to use daily.
Tester feedback: “My hair was easier to comb, softer, and shinier—even after blow-drying.”
💡 Pro tip: Use before brushing to avoid breakage and split ends.
🌊 Best Salt Spray: Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray
This unique formula combines the tousled texture of a salt spray with the moisture of aloe and glycerin. It defines waves without dryness.
Tester feedback: “This gave me volume, definition, and shine—all without stiffness. I got compliments every time I used it.”
💡 Pro tip: Scrunch into damp hair and let it air-dry for natural, beachy texture.
💦 Best Deep Conditioner: Color Wow Money Mask
A rich, hydrating treatment that restores bounce and smoothness to damaged or color-treated waves. Unlike many masks, it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave residue.
Tester feedback: “After using it, my hair looked like I just left the salon—soft, shiny, and full of life.”
💡 Pro tip: Leave on for 3 minutes for a quick boost or up to 20 for deeper repair.
🥛 Best Styling Milk: JVN Complete Blowout Styling Milk
This product delivers lightweight hydration, frizz control, and heat protection in one. It enhances texture while keeping waves soft and flexible.
Tester feedback: “It smelled amazing, felt luxurious, and left my hair soft without greasiness.”
💡 Pro tip: Ideal before blowouts or air-drying to smooth frizz.
🧴 Best Shampoo: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
Sulfate-free and packed with hydrating oils, this shampoo gently cleanses while smoothing waves. It lathers richly and leaves hair soft and shiny.
Tester feedback: “My hair felt clean but not stripped. The frizz at my roots was gone.”
💡 Pro tip: Pair with a lightweight conditioner for best results.
🧖 Best Hair Towel: Crown Affair The Hair Towel
Drying technique is crucial for wavy hair. This microfiber towel absorbs water quickly while reducing friction, which means less frizz and more defined waves.
Tester feedback: “My waves looked smoother and more defined after using this towel compared to regular cotton.”
💡 Pro tip: Try “micro-plopping” to encourage natural wave patterns while hair dries.
🌿 Best Gel: Ceremonia Pequi Medium-Hold Styling Gel
Unlike sticky gels, this one defines waves while keeping them soft and shiny. It’s made with nourishing pequi oil, aloe vera, and açai.
Tester feedback: “No crunch, no stickiness—just shiny, bouncy waves. Plus, it smells incredible.”
💡 Pro tip: Use sparingly on damp hair to lock in definition without stiffness.
Final Thoughts
Wavy hair doesn’t need to be high-maintenance—it just needs the right products. From lightweight leave-ins to nourishing masks, each of these editor-tested picks helps bring out the best in your natural texture. Whether you’re air-drying for an effortless finish, diffusing for extra definition, or refreshing waves on day three, these products give you the tools for soft, shiny, frizz-free hair every time.