Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story If you have naturally wavy hair that falls flat by midday—or just fails to hold any shape whatsoever—you might need to rethink how you’re washing. The best shampoos for wavy hair can be crucial when it comes to bringing life back into your strands. And while many shampoos these days are finally easing up on the harsh, oil-stripping cleansing agents (bye, sulfates!) and replacing them with more nourishing ingredients, the ratio isn't always quite right for waves.
Unlike curls and coils, wavy hair typically benefits from lightweight hydration—emphasis on “lightweight”—to maintain its pattern. In this case, "more moisture isn’t always better,” says Joseph Chase , a hairstylist based in Los Angeles. “The right amount of moisture is what gives you softness and definition.” In other words, wavy hair is like the Goldilocks of hair types: It needs just enough moisture to reduce frizz and add shine, but not so much that it weighs down, flattens, or stretches out waves.
What ingredients should people look for in a shampoo for wavy hair? How can I hydrate wavy hair? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers The right shampoo for wavy hair sets you up for an effective and low-maintenance hair-care routine that’s tailored to your texture. Whether you’re in need of a deep cleanse or hoping to add more volume, scroll ahead for tried-and-true shampoos for wavy hair that will keep your pattern defined and full of bounce.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Living Proof
Why we love it: Wavy hair requires a shampoo that meets it in the middle—namely, a formula that balances cleansing oily roots and lightly hydrating lengths without affecting its natural pattern. That’s where Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo shines. The formula (which has taken home both Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards, no big deal) mimics the key benefits of silicone—like softness, shine, to name a few—without actually using any silicone.
That leaves strands noticeably fresher and fuller, adding more movement without the heavy feel and buildup that can accompany silicones. “This gives you that balance: hair feels clean and light while staying soft and moving,” Chase says. Bonus: Its rich, satisfying lather has a light citrus scent to make wash days feel just a little more elevated.
Key ingredients: propylene glycol, sunflower and coconut derivatives Sulfate-free: yes Best for Fine Hair: Joico HydraSplash Hydrating Shampoo Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Joico
Why we love it: Lightweight hydration might be the name of the game, but if your waves are especially fine or thin, you might need to skip some of the more moisturizing ingredients. The Joico HydraSplash Hydrating Shampoo swaps the usual suspects for keratin (a protective protein) and natural hydrators like coconut water and sea kelp to replenish dry hair while thoroughly cleansing it.
In other words, it's a happy medium: “It's less rich than a shampoo for coarser hair, but it still adds all the moisture the hair needs so the finer waves stay light, defined, and bouncy,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Rikke Gajda . The formula also relies on a liposome delivery system (which encapsulates some of the active ingredients) to continuously release rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin throughout the day, locking in shine and smoothness long after you rinse.…