18 Best Shampoos for Wavy Hair in 2024: Expert Picks & Tips
Discover the top shampoos for every type of wavy hair, plus tips from stylists and real user reviews to keep your waves healthy and defined.
18 Best Shampoos for Wavy Hair in 2024: Expert Picks and Tips
Wavy hair sits at the crossroads between straight and curly, and deserves special care to maintain its natural body, definition, and shine. If you’re looking for the best shampoos for wavy hair in 2024, this guide features top-rated products tested by users and recommended by professional stylists, plus practical tips for stronger, healthier waves and less frizz.
Why Wavy Hair Needs Specialized Shampoos
Wavy hair (types 2A, 2B, 2C) often faces unique challenges:
- Prone to Frizz: The natural bend makes it susceptible to humidity and dryness.
- Needs Balance: Overly hydrating shampoos can weigh it down, while harsh cleansers strip moisture.
- Build-Up: Wavy hair often needs regular clarifying to prevent product and scalp build-up.
Choosing the right shampoo can greatly impact your hair’s texture, shine, and overall health.
Our Top 18 Shampoos for Wavy Hair in 2024
Each shampoo below was selected based on ingredient quality, real user reviews, stylist recommendations, and specific benefits for various wave types.
1. Aussie Miracle Volume Shampoo
- Best For: Affordable, volumizing care
- Key Ingredients: Gentle cleansers, grape seed extract, citric acid
- Best Feature: Adds volume and hydrates without heaviness
- Size: 26.2 oz
- Pros: Widely available, excellent for thick and frizzy waves
- Cons: Not Curly Girl Method (CGM) approved
Review Highlight: Affordable, detangles wavy hair easily, no greasiness.
2. Matrix Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Shampoo
- Best For: Fragile, breakage-prone waves
- Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat, corn and soy proteins
- Size: 10.1 oz
- Pros: Sulfate-free, works on all wave types
- Cons: Some users note dryness
Review Highlight: Gentle yet effective for cleansing and repair without stripping.
3. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Best For: Damaged, color-treated, or heavily styled waves
- Key Ingredients: Patented Olaplex bond-repair, panthenol, gentle cleansers
- Size: 8.5 oz
- Pros: Strengthens hair, improves moisture, fights split ends
- Cons: Results require regular use
Review Highlight: A favorite for color protection, texture improvement, and scent.
4. Amika Normcore Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Best For: Frizz-prone, drier waves
- Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn (rich in omega-7 fatty acids)
- Size: 9.2 oz
- Pros: Sulfate-free, deeply moisturizes, suits medium to coarse hair
- Cons: May be heavy for very fine hair
Review Highlight: Removes build-up, boosts shine, essential for dry shampoo users.
5. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
- Best For: Moisture and curl definition
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, silk protein, neem oil
- Pros: Hydrating, CGM-approved, pleasant scent
- Cons: Can weigh down fine hair
Review Highlight: Leaves waves soft, shiny, and easy to manage.
6. L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo
- Best For: Color-treated wavy hair
- Key Ingredients: Hibiscus, sulfate-free cleansers
- Pros: Gentle, enhances wave pattern, affordable
- Cons: Scent may be too strong for some
What others are reading
Review Highlight: Good for deep hydration without stripping color.
7. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
- Best For: Defined, frizz-free waves
- Key Ingredients: Rice amino acids, quinoa extract, avocado oil
- Pros: Clean formula, vegan, prevents frizz on humid days
- Cons: Higher price point
Review Highlight: Encourages clumping and holds wave shape well.
8. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Care Shampoo
- Best For: Loose to defined waves, budget shoppers
- Key Ingredients: Rice curl complex, keratin amino acids
- Pros: Lightweight, non-stripping, easy to find
- Cons: May not hydrate coarse hair enough
9. Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo
- Best For: Fine or greasy-prone waves
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, hibiscus water, coconut water
- Pros: Refreshing, sulfate-free, adds bounce
- Cons: Scent may be tropical/intense for some
10. OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo
- Best For: Nourishment and shine
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, honey, citrus oil
- Pros: Enhances wave pattern, accessible price
- Cons: Contains silicones
11. Redken Curvaceous High Foam Lightweight Shampoo
- Best For: Deep cleansing waves
- Key Ingredients: Moringa oil, sugar crystals
- Pros: Boosts volume, removes product build-up
- Cons: Higher cost
12. Verb Curl Shampoo
- Best For: Lightweight definition and clean ingredients
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed extract, glycerin
- Pros: Affordable, free from sulfates and parabens
- Cons: May not lather as much as some prefer
13. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
- Best For: Managing humidity-induced frizz
- Key Ingredients: Sericin (including silk proteins)
- Pros: Softens, controls, ideal for humid climates
- Cons: Can be expensive
14. DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Cleanser
- Best For: Dry, sensitive, or curly-wavy blends
- Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, grape seed oil
- Pros: Non-foaming, highly moisturizing, CGM-approved
- Cons: Unusual texture, may not suit oilier scalps
15. Living Proof Curl Shampoo
- Best For: Modern, science-backed curl and wave care
- Key Ingredients: Proprietary curl complex
- Pros: Cleans while enhancing definition, lightly scented
- Cons: Premium price
16. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo
- Best For: Easy scalp cleansing, textured/porous waves
- Key Ingredients: Aloe, micellar water
- Pros: Lightweight, minimizes tangling, lathers well
- Cons: Watery consistency may take some getting used to
17. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo
- Best For: Easy detangling and frizz protection
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, coconut oil
- Pros: Budget-friendly, softens and defines
- Cons: Contains some synthetic fragrances
18. Aveeno Oat Milk Blend Shampoo
- Best For: Sensitive skin and scalps
- Key Ingredients: Oat milk, chia seed
- Pros: Soothes itchy scalp, gently cleanses
- Cons: May be too light for very thick or dry waves
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Wavy Hair Type
Selecting a shampoo tailored to your specific wave pattern and concerns is essential. Consider these tips:
- Check Ingredients: Avoid heavy sulfates if your waves are dry or color-treated; opt for moisturizing oils and proteins if breakage is a concern.
- Match Formula to Density: Fine waves need lightweight, volumizing formulas; thick/coarse waves need more hydrating, creamy shampoos.
- Scent/Allergy Preferences: Natural, fragrance-free options are better for sensitive scalps.
- Specific Needs: Look for “clarifying” or “anti-frizz” on the label if you struggle with oil build-up or humidity.
Stylist-Recommended Wavy Hair Care Routine
| Step | Tip | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Shampoo | Use lukewarm water, massage scalp gently | Protects scalp health, minimizes frizz |
| 2. Condition | Focus on mid-lengths and ends | Prevents heaviness at the roots; targets dry spots |
| 3. Leave-In/Serum | Apply small amounts to damp hair | Locks in moisture, adds definition |
| 4. Drying | Use microfiber towel or T-shirt; air-dry or diffuse | Reduces frizz, avoids disrupting wave pattern |
| 5. Occasional Clarifying | Use once every 2 weeks | Removes build-up without over-drying |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use sulfate-free shampoo for wavy hair?
A: Yes. Sulfate-free shampoos are excellent for wavy hair, as they gently cleanse without stripping natural oils, helping waves stay hydrated and frizz-free.
Q: How often should wavy hair be shampooed?
A: Wavy hair can be shampooed 2-3 times per week or as needed based on oiliness, product build-up, or dryness. Overwashing can lead to frizz and dryness.
Q: Why does my wavy hair get frizzy?
A: Frizz is often due to dryness, humidity, or harsh shampoos. Look for shampoos with hydrating ingredients and follow with a conditioner to reduce frizz.
Q: Are clarifying shampoos necessary?
A: Occasional use of clarifying shampoos helps remove product and oil build-up, but frequent use can dry out waves. Use only once every couple of weeks or as needed.
Q: What’s the difference between shampoo for wavy and curly hair?
A: Shampoos for wavy hair are often lighter and less creamy than those for curly/coily hair. They focus on balancing moisture without weighing down the hair.
Final Tips for Healthy, Bouncy Waves
- Use a wider-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle, especially when hair is wet and conditioned.
- Experiment with gentle plopping methods using a microfiber towel or old T-shirt to define waves while drying.
- Protect your waves overnight with a silk pillowcase or hair wrap to reduce friction and frizz.
- Listen to your hair: adjust your wash routine, amount of shampoo, and styling products as the seasons or your hair’s moisture needs change.
With the right shampoo and care routine, your wavy hair can be soft, defined, and healthy—no matter your specific texture or lifestyle. Ready for your best wash day ever?
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g40276442/best-shampoos-for-wavy-hair/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a65562666/wavy-hair-routine/
- https://rizoscurls.com/blogs/press/cosmopolitan
- https://www.haircosmopolitan.com/collections/curly-hair
- https://www.cosmoprofbeauty.com/USA-007911.html
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