Knowing your hair type is the first step toward learning how to cleanse, style, and care for your hair. And one of the most misunderstood hair types is Type 2: wavy hair.
Unlike curly or coily hair, which has a distinctive corkscrew pattern, wavy hair has a more elongated “S” pattern. For some people, their waves are so subtle that they’re often mistaken for straight hair.
Dealing with your wavy hair can be challenging, but with a little help you can achieve a laid-back, beachy look that everyone will love! In this guide, we’ll help you understand what your wavy hair needs, how to craft the right routine for you, as well as our top wavy hair products.
Wavy Hair Care
Because it’s not quite curly but not quite straight, many people (even experts!) are confused about how to treat wavy hair. In fact, you may have tried countless products designed for straight and curly hair trying to find the ones that work for you.
The truth is that wavy hair is distinct from both straight and curly hair, so it needs to be treated differently.
Products designed for straight hair won’t help your waves reach their full potential. However, heavy products designed for curly hair can weigh down your waves, making them look limp and greasy.
Wavy hair products are designed to provide hydration, definition, volume, and hold—they’re truly the best of both worlds!
Wavy Hair Routine
The good news is that wavy hair can be just as easy to manage as any other hair type. Here’s how to develop a simple hair routine and find the wavy hair products that are right for you.
As with any hair care routine, it all starts in the shower. It’s tempting to think that all shampoos and conditioners are the same, but the products you use really matter! Shampoos and conditioners are developed to address specific hair concerns and types; using the wrong one can leave your hair feeling too dry, too greasy, or too weighed down.
Shampoo the roots of your hair, then follow up with a conditioner on the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair only. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse, preferably with cold water.
As for styling, what you do next (and which products you use) will depend on your individual hair needs.
For added hydration and softness, start with a leave-in conditioner and/or curl cream on soaking wet hair. These products help smooth the cuticle of the hair and infuse it with moisture.
If you want more volume, go with a mousse. Mousse expands as it dries, so it helps to create more distance between the hair strands. Apply mousse to the roots of your hair or anywhere that you feel needs extra volume.
Is frizz putting a kink on your day? Grab a lightweight gel for definition and hold. (Don’t worry, we’ll get rid of the crunch after it dries!)
You can either let your hair air dry or diffuse it with a hair dryer. Start by hovering the dryer a few inches away from your head until your hair is about 50% dry, then pixie diffusing to create volume at the roots.
Once your hair is completely dry, you may find that your gel has hardened into a “cast.” This cast is actually what prevents your hair from becoming frizzy as it dries. To regain your softness, rub a lightweight hair oil between your palms, then smooth it over the lengths of your hair as if you were putting your hair in a ponytail. Avoid “scrunching” your hair, as this can create more frizz. (Click here for more product recommendations for frizzy hair!)
To refresh your hair the next day, spritz it with some water and/or a curl refreshing spray.
Wavy Hair Products
There are so many wavy hair products on the market; it can seem impossible to know where to start. Don’t worry! We’ve curated a selection of amazing products that will help you get a great hair day everyday.
Shampoo
Matrix: A Curl Can Dream Weightless Shampoo For Waves ($20, 10.1 oz.)
Amika: Hydro Rush Shampoo ($30, 9.2 oz.)
Redken: All Soft Mega Curls Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($26, 10.1 oz.)
L’Oreal: Curl Expression Anti-Buildup Cleansing Shampoo ($40, 16.9 oz.)
Conditioner
Matrix: A Curl Can Dream Weightless Conditioner For Waves ($20, 10.1 oz.)
Amika: Hydro Rush Conditioner ($30, 9.2 oz.)
Redken: All Soft Mega Curls Conditioner ($26, 10.1 oz.)
Leave-In Conditioner
Amika: Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner ($32, 6.7 oz.)
Redken: All Curls Hydramelt Leave-In Conditioner ($30, 5.1 oz.)
Curl Cream
Amika: Curl Corps Defining Cream ($32, 6.7 oz.)
L’Oreal: Siren Waves Gel-Creme ($31, 5 oz.)
L’Oreal: Curl Expression 10-in-1 Cream-in-Mousse ($35, 8.5 oz.)
Gel
Matrix: A Curl Can Dream Light Hold Gel ($23, 6.76 oz.)
Amika: Curl Corps Enhancing Gel ($32, 6.7 oz.)
L’Oreal: Bouncy and Tender Curl Defining Gel ($31, 5 oz.)
Hair Oils
Matrix: A Curl Can Dream Lightweight Oil ($25, 4.4 oz.)
Matrix: Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum ($31, 1.69 oz.)
Refreshing Sprays
Matrix: A Curl Can Dream Scrunch and Go Defining Spray For Waves ($23, 8.5 oz.)
Amika: Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray ($32, 6.7 oz.)
L’Oreal: Curl Expression Curls Reviver Spray ($35, 6.4 oz.)
Wave Goodbye To Bad Hair Days!
Learning how to style and care for your wavy hair can be confusing at first, but with the right products and a simple routine, you’ll be out the door with a great head of hair in no time!
At Studio 312 Salon, helping you love your hair is what we do best. If you’re still having trouble getting the results you want, schedule an appointment with one of our talented hair artists. We can help you craft a routine for your hair that addresses your top concerns.
We also have a wide selection of treatment options available to smooth frizz, repair breakage, or even change up your curl pattern.
