All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Wavy hair has a charm of its owneffortlessly cool, perfectly undone, and full of personality.
Sources images: Courtesy ofAllureeditors; Collage: Laneen Wells
But finding the best products for wavy hair can take a whole lot trial and error.
Too heavy, and your waves fall flat; too light, andfrizztakes over.
And while it might seem low-maintenance at first glance, waves have their challenges.
Interim shopping director Deanna Pai applying Ouai Wave Spray to her hair
Without the right formulas, they can lose their bounce, become lackluster, or get tangly and unmanageable.
Thats why finding tailored solutions for your unique wave pattern is key.
I consider it a worthwhile tradeoff, especially on days when it’s not humid.
Pai before applying Ouai Wave Spray to her hair
“The result is a nice amount of texture and wave.
Its perfect for those wash-and-wear days when you want effortless, polished hair.
It delivers effortless volume and tousled waves with zero crunch or dryness.
Pai after applying Ouai Wave Spray to her hair
Spray, scrunch, and boomthis give you instant beach waves without even leaving the house.
Its the multitasker designed for soft, healthy-looking hair day after day.
Plus, ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and tsubaki seed oil offer deep hydration while strengthening strands over time.
Contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman applying Sachajuan Styling Cream
How to use it:Use 1-2 pumps post-shower to lock in hydration and air-dry for definition.
Or use it on dry hair to refresh and style waves.
Rahuas Aloe Vera Hair Mousse locks in flexible, medium hold while delivering volume, body, and shine.
Blackman before applying Sachajuan Styling Cream
How to use it:Work it into towel-dried hair, then style it like normal.
How to use it:Start with a pea-sized amount and add more if needed.
Oribe Matte Waves Texture gives a tousled, piecey effect of a salt spray reminiscent of breezy beach days.
Blackman after applying Sachajuan Styling Cream
This lightweight lotion enhances natural texture while adding grip for styling and a matte finish.
Its perfect for creating beachy waves or tousled bends with a soft, airy texture and all-day hold.
Plus, it works like magic on finer waves, bringing volume and definition that wont fall flat.
Commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream
How to use it:Apply to damp hair and use your hands to twist and define waves.
It hydrates, smooths, and preps waves, making it a must-have for soft, defined hair.
This reparative gel makes detangling easier and ensures waves stay soft, manageable, and frizz-free.
Hussein before applying the Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream
This 3-in-1 leave-in treatment detangles, smooths, and enhances definitionwhether air-drying, blow-drying, or refreshing.
How do I enhance my wavy hair?
Enhancing your waves always starts with the correct products, says Rose.
Hussein after applying the Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream
Then, do a quick diffuse to redefine your waves.
This simple method revives your natural texture while keeping your routine fuss-free.
How do I make my wavy hair less frizzy?
Shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray
Keeping wavy hair frizz-free comes down to hydration and the right styling techniques.
Rose emphasizes the importance of letting your hair dry completely before touching it.
Try not to touch the wave until its 100% dry, she says.
Trakoshis before applying the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray
How your hair looks when its wet is generally how it will look when its dry.
Whether you use a diffuser on low heat or let it air-dry, the wave pattern needs to set.
Should you oil wavy hair?
Trakoshis after applying the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray
Oil on wavy hair can be beneficial, but its all about balance and program.
Just avoid the roots because it will weigh down the hair.
Grant agrees that oil can play a helpful role in hydration.
I wouldnt apply oil to the roots but focus more on the mid-shaft to the ends.
Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?
