What Products To Use For Your Wavy Hair Type
I started my wavy hair journey in 2020 and hands down, the hardest thing was figuring out what products to use and how to use them. After researching and trying A LOT of products over the years, I think I finally got it figured out. BUT - before we start, I want to mention that all hair is different and this is meant to be a general hair guide. The best kind of advice is to see a professional hairstylist who can look at and touch your hair in person to give you personalized feedback. After all, I’m just a person on the internet.
But with that said, I was able to transform my hair from frizzy and damaged to something so incredibly defined that I can’t even believe it’s my hair. Since then, I’ve shared tutorials and tips on my YouTube and many others have messaged me about how it has helped their hair too.
So if you’re getting started on your wavy hair journey, let’s figure out where you can start. All of the products that I’m recommending on this page are products that I’ve actually tried and used myself. And if my close friends asked me for advice, these are the same things that I would share with them. (Full Disclosure that this page uses affiliate links.)
General Wavy Hair Care Rules
Avoid sulfates and parabens
Don’t over wash (shampoo) your hair
Use heat protectant always (if you’re using heat)
Be patient if you’re just getting started or have damaged hair
Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, that means your hair can get weighed down easily so focus on lightweight products! I would try just ONE styling product in your routine first and then examining if you need anything else. Try this lightweight leave-in conditioner and scrunch your hair.
Medium Texture
If you have medium texture that’s on the drier side, I would try styling with a leave-in conditioner and then adding gel or mousse to hold. Gel has a more of firm hold and mousse is usually lighter weight. If you want more definition, try gel and if you want more volume, try mousse.
Thick Coarse Hair
If you have thick coarse hair, it’s naturally a lot drier and thirstier. I have this hair type and unfortunately, we need a lot of moisture. Try using leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and gel for firm hold or mousse for more volume.
Damaged / Transitioning Hair
Whether your hair is damaged through heat, bleach, or chemically straightened hair, it will take time for your hair to get back to normal. I recommend trying heatless hairstyles or minimizing the use of heat. For example, whenever I went through a transitional phase, I would style my hair with heat once a week WITH heat protectant and wear it as long as possible until the next wash.
I don’t like the idea of restricting yourself from doing certain hairstyles just because “it’s what’s best”. There’s always a medium in between and it’s important to wear your hair how YOU feel comfortable! Even when my hair is colored or in a weird “grow out” phase, I style it in ways that made me feel confident and took heatless breaks in between. As long as your general hair care is good, eventually you’ll reach your hair goal without sacrificing your confidence during the journey. It’s cliché but wear your hair the way YOU want and don’t let it wear you!
Here’s what I use whenever I need to repair damage:
