Not quite curly, but not straight, wavy hair can be unpredictable and tricky to style. That’s why finding the best wavy hair products to enhance your kinks without weighing them down or leaving them frizzy feels like striking gold.
To figure out what really works, we didn’t just rely on buzz. We went straight to professional stylists and people living with this hair type. We started by gathering best-selling styling products and expert recommendations, then put them to the test. Over the course of about six weeks, people with naturally wavy hair tried everything from hair masks and curl creams to salt and texturizing sprays in their everyday routines, taking notes on ease of use, styling results, longevity, and any bonuses like great scent.
After testing more than a dozen curl-defining products, our top overall pick is the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream. It’s versatile and reliably shapes waves that last even through long, hot days, making it a standout choice for any season. But if you’re on the hunt for something else—a heat protectant, a hair mask, or even a diffuser—there are plenty of other product recommendations for your hair care routine ahead.
The best wavy hair products, at a glance
Best Overall: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream
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- What we love: Soft and flexible hold; moisturizing; great scent
- What could improve: May be a bit heavy for fine hair
This styling cream helps bring out natural wave and curl patterns while keeping hair frizz-free. The formula is free of silicones and made with nourishing ingredients like kokum-seed butter and a plant-based peptide blend, so it conditions as it shapes. It’s best suited for wavy to curly hair types (roughly 2A to 3B), especially those that want more definition and smoothness without the stiffness that some gels leave behind.
In testing, the cream felt lightweight and easy to work through my type 2B (wavy with a medium texture) damp hair, adding slip without greasiness. Once dry, waves looked shinier, smoother, and more uniform yet still felt soft and natural. I also loved the citrusy scent, which is fresh without being overpowering. Best of all, though, it avoids the common pitfalls of curl creams—there’s no sticky residue or crunchy finish.
Best Leave-In Conditioner for Wavy Hair: Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Conditioner
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- What we love: Light enough for fine waves; adds shine; smooths and protects split ends; heat-protecting
- What could improve: May be too light for thick, coarse curls
The Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner is especially well-suited for wavy hair that needs hydration without the heaviness that can flatten finer hair. It’s also a smart pick for color-treated, high-porosity, or dry strands, thanks to a formula enriched with amino acids and glycerin. “This weighs my fine hair down just enough, moisturizes my dry ends, and (gasp!) adds a little shine, even right after color appointments,” says Glamour contributor Petra Guglielmetti.
Testers also praised its frizz-fighting ability. “This product leaves my curls feeling so hydrated,” says Glamour contributor Allie Folino, who has 3A color-treated curls prone to frizz. “It gives my hair a bit of body and shape to the curl while keeping it hydrated. It is on the pricier end, though.”
Best Mousse for Wavy Hair: Ouai Air Dry Foam Hair Mousse
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- What we love: Lightweight; no crunchy finish; great scent
- What could improve: May not offer enough hold for coarser hair
Lightweight yet surprisingly effective, Ouai Air Dry Foam Hair Mousse gives wavy hair definition and hold without weighing it down or leaving strands stiff. It’s infused with kale extract, carrot protein, and panthenol (vitamin B) to condition and tame frizz. And like other Ouai products, its tropical, beachy scent makes styling feel like a mini escape.
In testing, the mousse impressed by keeping waves bouncy and soft while offering long-lasting hold. I found it perfect for wash-and-go days when I want to air-dry my hair without excess volume and puff. Just a few pumps left my medium-textured, frizz-prone waves soft, touchable, and well-defined.
Best Diffuser for Wavy Hair: T3 Aire IQ Hair Dryer Kit
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- What we love: Automatically adjusts heat and speed; sleek and attractive design; most attachments sit on the unit via magnets
- What could improve: There’s no place to store the diffuser attachment on the unit
If you want a hair dryer that makes diffusing waves effortless, the T3 Aire IQ Hair Dryer delivers. Its smart features—including heat and speed sensors that adjust to your hair type—make styling intuitive and gentler on strands. The sleek design and included stand mean it looks as good on your vanity too.
I’ve been using this styler for months, and find that the diffuser attachment excels at enhancing natural waves, creating definition without puffiness. There is one minor drawback: Unlike the other attachments, the diffuser doesn’t have a dedicated storage spot on the unit, which means you have to find a separate place to keep it. Otherwise, it’s a smart, efficient, and stylish option for quickly achieving wavy hair without a ton of product.
Best Hair Oil for Wavy Hair: Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil
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- What we love: A little goes a long way; lightweight; great scent
- What could improve: Need to wash hands after using
Wavy hair can be prone to frizz, flyaways, and dryness—especially on second- or third-day hair. This hair oil from Amika helps address all of that without weighing waves down. Its dry-oil texture smooths strands, adds slip, and enhances shine while keeping hair light and natural-looking. And like other Amika products, it smells fruity and fresh.
In testing, the oil performed beautifully on my wavy hair. Even third-day strands were softer and more manageable after just a few drops. Just remember: A little goes a long way to smooth midlengths and ends without weighing down the roots.
Best Hair Mask for Wavy Hair: Eva NYC Therapy Session Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
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- What we love: Only requires 3–5 minutes to sit; super hydrating; effective detangler; great scent
- What could improve: Scent may be overpowering to some
Wavy hair can be prone to frizz and dryness, and this hair mask helps tackle both. “It has a blend of argan oil and keratin, which restores moisture and improves the overall health of your hair, leaving it soft and silky,” says Rita Hazan, celebrity colorist and founder of the Rita Hazan Salon. “It’s perfect for repairing damage and preventing split ends.”
Our testers experienced great results too. “This hair mask smells so divine that it instantly brightens my mood. I have long thick hair, so I have to spend a good amount of time shampooing, so by the time to I have to condition, I’m over it,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “But I actually enjoy using this mask in my shower routine because it makes detangling so easy. Plus, it only needs to sit for three to five minutes. My hair feels so soft after.”
Best Texture Spray: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
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- What we love: Lightweight with no stiff or sticky residue; adds volume to second-day hair; great scent
- What could improve: Pricey
For wavy hair that needs a little extra lift, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is a standout. It adds instant volume and separation while absorbing excess oil and keeping strands looking cleaner on non-wash days. It’s all thanks to crystalline zeolites that act like tiny sponges for dirt, oil, and odors. And unlike traditional hairsprays or powders, it leaves strands touchable and soft, not stiff or sticky, so you can enjoy your natural hair texture.
In testing, it consistently impressed for giving waves body and bounce. I found it particularly great for reviving flattened second-day hair. It was also a great companion for casual everyday updos—like my favorite claw-clip style. It is pricey, but the lightweight formula, long-lasting texture, and signature Oribe scent make it worth the investment for wavy hair that needs a little extra oomph.
Best Heat Protectant: Kerastase Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Cream
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Glamour reviewer Carolyn Todd testing Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Leave-In Cream
- Original photo from Carolyn Todd testing Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Leave-In Cream
- Original photo from Carolyn Todd testing Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Leave-In Cream
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- What we love: Strengthens and enhances natural waves; deeply conditions thick hair; heat-protectant
- What could improve: Fragrance may be too strong for some
“Wavy hair loves lightweight moisture with some protein to define the waves without weighing them down,” says Chantell Carrtherol, a professional hairstylist and curl specialist. This leave-in from Kérastase fits the bill, with plant-based proteins that lock in hydration and niacinamide to strengthen the follicle and reduce breakage. Great for all hair types, its formula smooths and defines waves without disrupting their shape.
“I love my wavy hair, but since it’s pretty fine, I find it hard to get enough moisture into it to plump up and define my waves—without it getting greasy,” says Glamour reviewer Carolyn Todd. “Creams can be a little heavy or gluey, so I was pleased at how lightweight this one felt. I scrunch a dime-size amount into my damp waves post-shower from the ends up to the midlengths, and once it’s 50% air-dried, I finish with a diffuser. My waves were significantly softer, smoother, shinier, more defined, and hydrated than usual. And they weren’t weighed down by the product at all. I’m a big fan!”
Best Detangler for Wavy Hair: Mizani 25 Benefit Miracle Milk Leave-in Conditioner Heat Protectant
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- What we love: Lightweight texture; detangles; heat protects
- What could improve: Not creamy enough to act as a moisturizer on its own
This lightweight spray is a pick from professional hairstylist and trichologist Keka Heron, who tells Glamour she likes how gentle it is on fine waves and curls. Its formula is packed with coconut oil to seal in moisture and reinforce the hair shaft without weighing strands down.
“I have pretty fine, wavy hair and am not best served by thick creams, which is why I tested this gentle spray. It has an appealing, tropical scent and a milky consistency, and was pretty easy to spray and comb through my hair,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “It left my curls feeling soft and shiny, even after blow-drying. I’ll keep using it as a heat protectant and detangler, though I’ll pair it with a leave-in cream or mousse for added moisture and hold.”
Best Salt Spray for Wavy Hair: Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray
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- What we love: Creates beachy waves and volume without a crunchy feel; moisturizing ingredients; works well for multiple hair types
- What could improve: Some online reviewers dislike the fruity, tropical scent
Unlike traditional sea salt sprays that can leave waves crunchy and stiff, Rahua’s spray hydrates and softens strands with aloe vera and glycerin. Antioxidant-rich morete oil and guayasa extract also provide natural UV protection, helping prevent color-fading and environmental damage—perfect for maintaining healthy, moisturized waves.
“Out of every spray I tested, this is the only one that delivered equally on volume, wave definition, and shine, without dryness or tangles,” says Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk. “All I did was scrunch the spray into damp hair and let it air-dry. I loved that I didn’t have to finger-twist my hair to add more definition—I really could just spritz this on and forget about it. Even on my third day between washes, my hair looked voluminous. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I received a few compliments each time I tested this.” While Wodarcyk has fine, wavy hair, the product works well on other hair types too—another Glamour tester noted how shiny and soft it left their coarse, 3A curls.
Best Deep Conditioner for Wavy Hair: Color Wow Money Mask
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- What we love: Deeply hydrating; great shine booster; flexible wait time, depending on desired results
- What could improve: Tub is slippery in the shower
The Color Wow Money Mask is a cult favorite, because it’s designed to deliver intense hydration and repair without weighing hair down. Formulated for color-treated or damaged hair, it melts right into strands to provide deep conditioning in just a few minutes. For even more dramatic results, you can leave the mask on for up to 20 minutes, according to package directions.
I’m not usually a hair-mask person, because I hate the waiting time, but after putting this one to the test, I’m hooked. My 2A hair is dry and damaged from regular heat-styling, and this product masks that. When I use it, I look like I just stepped out of the salon. My waves are soft, bouncy, and refreshed—even when air-dried. My only gripe: The shiny tub is slippery in my hands.
Best Styling Milk: JVN Complete Blowout Styling Milk
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- What we love: Lightweight; great scent
- What could improve: May not be as effective on coarser hair types
A styling milk is a lightweight leave-in product that nourishes, smooths, and protects hair while enhancing natural texture—perfect for wavy hair, which can easily get frizzy or weighed down by heavier creams. The JVN Complete Blowout Styling Milk hits all the marks: it softens strands, tames frizz, and protects against heat and humidity without flattening waves.
“First off, I loved how this product smelled! It really was great and the glass packaging with the pump looked and felt really premium,” says Dana Smith, VP, content lead, Condé Nast Health. “I have thin, dry, curly hair so it straightens pretty easily but it can also get weighed down with heavier products. This didn’t make my hair feel greasy. My hair felt soft after it was dry and the scent lingered, as well, which I thought was a big pro.”
Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
- Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
- Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
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- What we love: Cruelty-free; has natural ingredients; keeps hair flyaway-free
- What could improve: Pricey
This sulfate-free shampoo is designed to gently cleanse while taming waves and light curls with a boost of moisture. Its creamy, thick lather comes from a blend of deeply hydrating ingredients, including rose hip, argan, and coconut oils. The result is smoother strands, better frizz control, and more shine without weighing waves down.
“This curly hair shampoo has a nice floral scent and a runny, milky consistency that lathers easily,” says Griggs, who notes that her lightly curly hair skews frizzy, especially at the roots. “After use my hair felt very clean, light, and smooth. Shiny too! I was pleased and will keep using this in my wavy hair routine for sure.”
Best Hair Towel: Crown Affair The Hair Towel
- What we love: Soft and lightweight fabric; generously sized; self-secures with built-in elastic
- What could improve: Expensive compared to other hair towels
For wavy hair, how you dry your strands can make a huge difference in frizz, wave definition, and overall texture. Crown Affair’s microfiber towel is ideal for “micro-plopping,” a technique that scrunches waves gently while hair dries to enhance natural shape and minimize frizz. Its soft microfiber fabric is highly absorbent, reducing drying time while preventing the friction that often leads to puffiness or breakage.
The first thing I noticed was how generously sized the towel is, which makes it perfect for long or thick hair like mine. You can even wrap hair and secure it with the built-in elastic if you prefer to dry that way. The fabric is also lightweight and soft to minimize the friction that can lead to frizz. After micro-plopping with just a bit of curl cream, I was impressed by how defined and soft my waves looked—no puffiness or frizz.
Best Gel for Wavy Hair: Ceremonia Pequi Medium-Hold Styling Hair Gel
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- What we love: No stiff or crunchy finish; medium hold; boosts moisture and shine; great scent
- What could improve: May not offer enough hold for coarser curls
Unlike many styling gels that leave hair stiff or crunchy, this one defines waves while keeping them soft and bouncy. Infused with pequi oil, aloe vera, and acai extract, it nourishes strands, tames frizz, and enhances shine without weighing hair down, plus offers a medium hold for definition.
Glamour’s Calle loves to use this gel for her air-dry routine or for a slicked-back bun. “I’m used to sticky, heavy gels from the drugstore. This Ceremonia gel is a huge upgrade from that. There’s no crunch on my waves and it smells delicious.”
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