The 18 Best Shampoos for Wavy Hair
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Let’s be real—wavy hair can be confusing to shop for, mainly because it straddles the line between straight and curly. Explains MariLynne Cosmillo, a hairstylist and the founder of hOURS Haircare, “Straight hair often benefits from volumizing products and curly hair from conditioning products, but wavy hair is a little bit of both. The porosity of wavy hair can vary, but it generally always benefits from shine, moisture, and protection, which it tends to lack and can lead to dull, uneven, or inconsistent waves.” Because wavy hair can vary so much, the same hair mousses, salt sprays, and shampoos that work for one person aren’t always a match for another wavy-haired individual.
Our top picks for wavy hair shampoos in 2024
But there is one thing that everyone with wavy hair should keep in mind when shopping for a shampoo for wavy hair: moisture level. Basically, if you have wavy hair, you’re kind of like Goldilocks: you don’t want something with too little moisture, but you don’t want a formula with too much of it, either. “Too much moisture or heaviness can make waves go limp, and not enough can make waves matte and dry in appearance,” says Richard Marin, a celebrity hairstylist. However, as we’ve discussed, no two people with wavy hair have the same texture. Everyone has different moisture needs, so we’ve gathered the 18 best shampoos for wavy hair—there’s bound to be a pick on the list that’s meant to be your shampoo soulmate. Shop below and meet the one!
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Scent doesn't last
The Aveda be curly line has been a staple for so long–and there’s an excellent reason why. While many products designed for curly or wavy hair tend to fall either on the hydrating or volumizing side, this shampoo lands somewhere in the middle, offering hydration without weighing down finer textures.
Key ingredients: Wheat protein, aloe vera
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “So many shampoos I’ve tried are very moisturizing but don’t cleanse well (or the other way around), but this does both perfectly. I don’t feel like I need a lot, but I still shampoo twice, and it leaves my hair so soft and clean. Very reliable product!”
Pros
- Safe for all curl types
Cons
- May be too heavy for very fine hair
As opposed to slathering on lotions and potions once you’re out of the shower, LUS believes in allowing wash-out products to do some of the hard work, too. Packed with hydrating oils and butters, this shampoo gently cleanses the hair without leaving it feeling dry or too squeaky clean. The end result is hair that requires fewer leave-in treatments to add definition and texture.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, moringa oil
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is both wavy and gets greasy. I use the shampoo and conditioner to help keep my waves bouncy and fresh, moisturized without being weighed down. Love it!”
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
A drugstore favorite, this shampoo is great for people with fine waves and curls. Rather than piling on butters that might weigh down finer textures, this shampoo uses milder ingredients to encourage definition and volume instead.
Key ingredients: Flaxseed, coconut oil, citrus oil
Size: 13 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo is great if you have thin, fine, curly or wavy hair. It gives moisture without adding weight to the hair. My thin, fine, curly hair feels clean, and isn’t flattened by too much moisture.”
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May weigh down fine hair
For dehydrated waves, no brand packs on the hydration like SheaMoisture. While their viral leave-in products have created a community online, their shampoo deserves just as much credit. With neem oil and shea butter, this shampoo never strips healthy oils from the hair; instead, it replenishes them, so you encounter less frizz and more definition. “This is a staple in my bathroom. It’s super hydrating and quickly revives my curls,” says our digital beauty director, Danielle James.
Key ingredients: Silk protein, neem oil, coconut oil, shea butter
Size: 13 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I like this product and recommend it to people with curly or wavy hair. It didn’t make my hair as flat as other products, and it smells good.”
Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine/Thin Hair
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry hair
“Ceremonia just launched their new Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine/Thin Hair,” says hairstylist Rene Villalta. “This cocktail is sulfate-free and contains natural ingredients, including yucca extract and witch hazel, which make this an effective cleanser without stripping your scalp’s natural oils. Since wavy hair tends to have a finer texture, this product is perfect.”
Key ingredients: Yucca extract, witch hazel, keratin
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This shampoo lathers very nicely. I have curly/wavy hair and it really cleans my hair. The scent is pretty strong, and it does stay in your hair. The packaging is so nice because it has a pump, so it’s really easy to use in the shower!”
Pros
- Color-safe
- Moisturizing
Cons
- On the pricier side
This award-winning shampoo is full of ingredients that’ll give your hair lots of love. According to Cosmillo, while “humectants like glycerin and PCA lock in moisture for healthy, supple strands,” amino acids and coconut, avocado, and soybean oils “improve hair texture and strength, provide shine, and help protect hair from damage.”
Key ingredients: Glycerin, PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), amino acids, coconut oil, avocado oil, soybean oil
Size: 8 fl. oz.
hOURS haircare rating: 5/5 stars
An hOURS haircare reviewer says: “I love this shampoo. It’s rich, and a little goes a long way. I like how my hair feels soft and not dry or stripped when I rinse it out!”
Pros
- Removes build-up from scalp
Cons
- May not be suited for looser waves
The newest launch from scalp-focused hair brand Act+Acre is their Soft Curl collection. “I love our Curl Cleanse for anyone with wavy hair,” says trichologist and Act+Acre founder Helen Reavey. “It’s packed with glycerin for added hydration and formulated with fulvic acid, which acts as a probiotic for the scalp to remove product buildup and balance the scalp microbiome.”
Key ingredients: Glycerin, fulvic acid, carrot seed oil
Size: 10 fl. oz.
Act+Acre rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Act+Acre reviewer says: “I am very sensitive to chemical fragrances in many hairstyling and cleansing products. I was so excited when I used this shampoo for the first time. It’s natural, smells beautiful (subtle and lovely), and it works great!”
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Pros
- Repairs breakage
Cons
- Can weigh down very fine hair
Olaplex has made a name for itself as the brand for damaged hair. Whether your wavy hair is highlighted or you’ve used a flat iron one too many times, this bond-building cleanser repairs damage in the long run and helps your strands appear healthier, less frizzy, and more hydrated immediately.
Key ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Not getting this for your hair is doing a disservice for yourself. This revived my hair after just one use. I can feel a difference. My hair is so soft and the ends have been brought back to life. My hair feels and smells amazing. Clean and really soft and ALIVE!”
Sachajuan Curl Shampoo
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- Can feel drying
Sachajuan is one of those underrated Scandinavian brands that’s all about helping your hair look its best with minimal interference. This shampoo uses strengthening ingredients to make your waves and curls less prone to breakage, making them appear healthier and bouncier.
Key ingredients: Wheat protein, ocean silk, vitamin C
Size: 8.4 fl. oz.
Dermstore rating: 5/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “Love this and how it made my curls smooth and bouncy! I am so happy I decided to try this curl shampoo. Worked well for me and I will buy again!”
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
Not only is Davines’ packaging ultra-chic, but they have a less-is-more policy regarding their ingredients. With hydrating ingredients and gentle cleansers, this shampoo allows your natural texture to flourish, rather than taming it into the status quo.
Key ingredients: Almond extract
Size: 8.45 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have fine, curly hair and this product is a rockstar. It doesn’t dry out my hair like other shampoos. I’ve tried a bunch of products and this is by far the best. Worth the $$ and never going back.”
Pros
- Scalp-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Can feel stripping for some hair types
Achieving optimal scalp health is the first step to having your hair look its best. This shampoo uses ingredients commonly found in skincare, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to reduce unwanted oiliness while still giving your hair and scalp the hydration they need. It will provide a very deep clean, so if your hair is on the dryer side, use this as a detox once a week, and use a more hydrating formula on alternate wash days.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Size: 8.4 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I tried this shampoo on a whim and I was not expecting to love it as much as I do! It doesn’t irritate my scalp and my hair doesn’t get greasy as quick as it used to.”
Christophe Robin Regenerating Shampoo with Prickly Pear Oil
Pros
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Pricey
Wavy hair can be prone to frizziness, so if that bothers you, a smoothing shampoo is a low-effort way to reduce flyaways without affecting the overall texture of your hair. Using prickly pear oil, this shampoo cleanses without stripping, leaving the hair feeling–and looking–healthier than before.
Key ingredients: Prickly pear oil
Size: 8.4 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Gently foaming and with a lovely aroma. This shampoo detangles gently and leaves hair sleeker and shinier. It definitely helps my dry, damaged-colored hair. I really liked the shampoo and will be buying it again. I also recommend this to other customers.”
Pros
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Some dislike the strong scent
If you’ve been blessed with thick hair, this shampoo was made for you. This product uses strengthening and hydrating ingredients like keratin and avocado oil to reduce frizziness and add shine, without leaving a residue on the scalp.
Key ingredients: Keratin, shea butter, avocado oil
Size: 10 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I wash my hair 2-3 times a week, give or take, depending on how greasy it gets through my daily activities. This shampoo has saved me from an itchy, dry, flaky scalp! I love it! The cost is honestly SO worth it. I have never been able to find a shampoo that works for my hair to treat my scalp and also get rid of the greasiness until now!”
JVN Embody Daily Volumizing Shampoo
Pros
- Clean ingredients
Cons
- Can cause hair tangling
Wavy-haired people with fine hair know the struggle with balancing definition and volume. This shampoo, created by Jonathan Van Ness, uses skin-loving ingredients like squalane and aloe to gently cleanse, removing residue that can weigh down the hair.
Key ingredients: Squalane, caffeine, aloe leaf juice
Size: 10 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Loving this. My hair is thin and curly. Added a lot of volume and has a nice fragrance.”
Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
Pros
- Large bottle
Cons
- May be too heavy for fine hair
Wavy and curlier hair types are prone to dryness because of the shape of each hair strand, and oftentimes shampoos are the cause exacerbating this issue. But Briogeo is here to change all that with this ultra-hydrating cleanser that uses shea butter and coconut oil to add strength and moisture to even extremely brittle, damaged hair.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, biotin
Size: 33.8 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Amazing. I’ve been looking for an everyday shampoo like this for a while. It is so simple and light. It cleans the hair really well and doesn’t leave a gross residue. I use a clarifying shampoo once a week and this every other day! I love this shampoo.”
Pros
- Lathers nicely
Cons
- On the pricier side
Nature lovers, meet your new favorite cleanser. This everyday shampoo uses natural ingredients and extracts to give a gentle shampoo that’s no-muss, no-fuss. An extra bonus? It smells incredible.
Key ingredients: Bergamot, licorice, macademia, aloe leaf juice
Size: 8 fl. oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “Above and beyond everything else. Super smooth, clean, shiny hair without stripping all the moisture. Plus, the smell is fantastic. Very natural and invigorating.”
Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can feel greasy
While I’m all for embracing frizz, it can feel frustrating to feel like your styling never lasts. This shampoo changes all that, using gentle oils to increase hydration in and out of the shower.
Key ingredient: Babassu oil
Size: 10.1 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve used just about every anti frizz shampoo on the market, and nothing works quite like this. You don’t need a lot, so the bottle lasts a long time. It leaves my hair fresh and clean, without stripping moisture, or fading color. I highly recommend!”
Pros
- Adds hydration
Cons
- Can weigh down fine hair types
This nozzle for this ultra-hydrating shampoo makes it easy to get the product directly onto your scalp. With shea butter and castor oil, this cleanser adds a healthy shine to dull, damaged strands that crave extra hydration.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil
Size: 10 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “Love this product! My first time switching to a cleaner brand and I’m so happy I made the switch! Definitely never going back to cheap, stripping shampoos ever again. It smells and feels just like you left the salon! The bottle design is fabulous as well! 10/10!!”
Meet the Experts
Angela Onuoha is a trichologist specializing in scalp and hair health.
Helen Reavey is a trichologist and the founder of Act+Acre.
Anne-Sophie Brac de la Perriere is the Research & Development Director for Prose Hair.
Rene Villalta is Ceremonia's Hair Expert and a hairstylist at the Fabio Scalia Salon in Soho, New York.
MariLynne Cosmillo is a hairstylist and the founder of hOURS Haircare.
Richard Marin is a celebrity hairstylist who works in Los Angeles and New York City.
How are the needs for wavy hair different than for other hair types?
“Wavy hair (also known as type II hair) is by nature neither straight nor curly and can be easily identified by its loose S shape,” says de la Perriere. “It’s a rather versatile hair type that can easily become straight or curly with the use of styling tools such as curling irons or flat irons. Hence, people with wavy hair often use styling products such as curl cream to create their desired hairstyle, such as beach waves or defined curls. They may also need special hair care products such as leave-in conditioners to protect their hair fiber from the heat of styling tools and to fight unwanted frizz.” With Prose, people can complete an online consultation to create a custom shampoo.
Often, dryness is the leading complaint from wavy-haired people. “Both wavy and curly hair tend to become dry more easily than other hair types, so it’s important to ensure you’re using moisturizing and hydrating shampoos in order to maintain your wave patterns,” says Reavey. “Dryness typically stems from the scalp, which has a delicate microbiome and a low barrier function, meaning that it has difficulty maintaining and replenishing moisture. This can leave the scalp prone to dryness and irritation, which can lead to drier waves and texture issues. Using moisturizing shampoos and hydrating serums on the scalp will balance the microbiome while restoring your natural wave pattern.”
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