If you’ve always had in-between hair that’s not quite straight, not quite curly, welcome. You might know all too well the trick of trying to style those soft and slightly unruly waves that can never quite make up their mind. For me, I have days when my hair falls into those perfectly imperfect twists that look effortlessly cool; On others, it flattens, becomes limp and resists every product I throw at it (often I have to reach in to wave the hair).
Having worked with some of the best stylists over the years, there’s one thing they all agree on: wavy hair isn’t difficult, it’s just misunderstood. His number one rule? it is not needed taming Or over-styling; It needs the right balance.
If you’re struggling to find the best products for wavy hair, you may also want to turn to the people I trust most: fellow beauty editors with similar fuzzy textures. I asked them to share their ride-or-die products and the techniques that really work in them Hair routine, because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that the best products don’t fight wavy hair; They simply help it do its job better. But first, I spoke to two leading London stylists to get expert advice on decoding your waves and caring for them like a pro.
Best products for wavy hair
1. Larry King My Nanna Moose
Completely chaotic waves can be obtained.
“Mousse can be hit or miss for me because my hair is quite thin, so it can easily fall down or feel sticky, but it’s really lightweight and easy to work with. It gives my waves and volume without making them feel crunchy or stiff. I apply it to wet hair and tousle them, and it helps accentuate any natural bends. It’s great when I have a little something to do without overloading my hair with product. Want more grip and body.’ –Perdita NourielBeauty editor at Women’s Health and Who Wears UK contributor.
2. Hair Cool Girl Barely There Textured Hair Mist by Sam McKnight
Hair by Sam McKnight
Cool Girl Barely There Textured Hair Haze
“‘Barely there’ can sometimes mean ‘barely works’, especially on thin hair that tends to frizz, but this texturing spray is an absolute keeper. Instead of forcing structure, it gently moves the waves into place. I’ve been using it as a refresher on second and third day hair: a light mist, a quick scrub, and my waves are good to go again. However, what I love most That’s how forgiving it is, it works with any shape of my hair. – Perdita
3. Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream
(Image credit: @alexfriendwritesbeauty)
“I have thick, wavy hair, so I struggle a lot with frizz and it can feel frustrating sometimes, but there are a few products I swear by. I have Living Proof Smooth Styling Cream. Every stylist I know swears by this cream, and I apply it before blow-drying because it gives me a really sleek, polished finish. Then I apply the sadly discontinued Aveda I layer the Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss. My hair just drinks it up, and I can use it liberally without ever feeling sticky, plus, they really keep the grease and hair under control.” – alex friendBeauty Director of Red Magazine
4. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
(Image credit: @amerleyollennu)
“To eliminate frizz and add definition, I have to use a few products, from leave-in conditioners and styling gels to creams and hair oil control. Every few days, I splurge on a reviving mist and add a few more creams. Needless to say, the product build up on the scalp is real, which makes owning a diligent shampoo essential. I’ve been using the Sachajuan Clarifying Shampoo, and it’s fantastic. It removes product build-up and excess oil from your scalp and hair, without completely stripping them to the point of stiffness, dryness or irritation. Upon opening, the citrus scent instantly lifts my spirits, and after rinsing, my hair feels soft and feather-light, while my scalp feels clean, balanced and refreshed. – amerli olennufreelance beauty editor
5. Davines Beautiful Things Restoring Leave-In Mask
(Image credit: @humera)
“Let’s start with some context: My hair used to be wavy, but now they’re damaged beyond repair. I don’t mind, I have a committed relationship with crazy dyes and bleach, so it’s my own fault. But it does mean that when it comes to making my waves look like real waves, not just crunchy whispers of straw. Enter: Davin’s Beautiful Things Restorative. Leave-in mask, which smoothes and hydrates within seconds. It smells like a salon treat and has a deliciously light, milky texture that doesn’t weigh down my waves and even protects against heat.” – humera mohammedfreelance beauty editor
6. Archive Headcare Moisture Cream
(Image credit: @katie_thomas_hayne)
“Over the years, I’ve learned that my wavy hair loves hair creams. Since turning my back on weighty oils, my waves are so much happier. For me, that’s the number one product category you should invest in for wave definition. There are two that I always have in rotation. I use the Archie The Good Calmer Cushioning Moisture Cream on wet hair on the lengths and ends, then use the Shampoo to ‘activate’ and perm my waves. I use the scrunch method to let them dry naturally. This makes my hair super silky and looks healthy on dry hair. Hersheyson’s Almost Everything CreamWhich revives two-day-old waves, defines natural movement and adds shine.” – katie thomasSenior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK
7. Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrubbing Jelly
(Image credit: @chloeburcham)
“I absolutely love this curl jelly. When I wear my hair naturally wavy, I try not to overload it with products – my hair is quite fine, so too much either makes it frizzy or causes build-up that makes it heavy (and I end up with that “spaniel ears” look). This is one of the few products that actually works for me. It defines my waves beautifully. And smoothes frizzy hair without leaving a harsh, crunchy finish. A little goes a long way, so I just apply a little. It’s like soaking wet hair and let it do its thing.” – chloe burchamfreelance beauty editor
What is the difference between wavy and curly hair?
“Wavy and “Curly hair sits on the same spectrum, but the main difference is in the structure of the pattern,” explains Hadley Yates, celebrity stylist and Curated co-founder.
While curls form full spirals or ringlets and begin to curl straight from the root, wavy hair is changeable and more reactive. Lucy Jones, stylist Larry King, South Kensington adding that “the waves create a soft, loose S shape that sits close to the head, while the curls are more defined and spiral from the root.”
When it comes to styling waves, Hadley revealed that wavy hair is also typically thinner and more prone to breakage or breakage. “It requires a light touch when it comes to using the product,” he advises.
How I Style My Wavy Hair As a Beauty Editor
- Style with ease: There is a rhythm to it. I’ve found a softer, more effortless way of styling that requires less intervention and more restraint. lucy To put it simply: “Most people get it wrong by either working too much on their hair or assuming it’s straight.”
- Styling wet hair: “Reach for lighter formulas, like “Mousses, gels and barely-there curl creams,” advises lucy.
- Spread on low flame: “If you’re using a hair dryer, select a speed that can help set the shape, but equally important to avoid excessive brushing or excessive handling, which can break the wave and cause frizz,” says. Hadley.
- Change brush for hands: “Tilt your head forward and upward – this creates a natural wave pattern,” suggests lucy.
- The correct cut key is: “Layers are your best friend for creating volume and balance. Blunt cuts can drag waves down and fall flat,” adds lucy.
How to Protect Wavy Hair Between Washes
Wavy hair can quickly lose its shape between washes, so it’s important to use smart protection. “Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase helps reduce friction, while keeping hair loosely tied in a soft, A bun or braid can keep the wave pattern secure throughout the night. In the morning, a light mist of water or refreshing spray, followed by light rubbing, is often enough to bring the waves back to life without the need to completely restore them,” advises Hadley.
why trust us
At Who What Wear UK, we know beauty isn’t one size fits all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years, including skin care, makeup, hair and nails, and worked closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, makeup artists, and leading industry insiders—to make sure each guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver results, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selections are based on real results, ingredient information, and what we would actually recommend to a friend.
