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My hair isn’t straight—and yet, somehow, it never occurred to me that I needed a wavy hair routine. I spent most of my tweens, teens, and twenties heat-styling it into submission with a blow dryer or flat iron. Sometimes, I’d even curl it back into an artificial beach wave with a curling iron. The signs were all there, of course, quietly screaming that I was not doing my hair type justice: We’re talking about regular dryness, immediate frizz the moment humidity hits, and a constant battle with tangles.
According to pro hair stylist Samantha Draper, I’m not alone in realizing my hair texture later in life—she explains clues to look for if you suspect you may have wavy hair too. “Typically an indicator of wavy hair is air-dried hair that holds an S-shape wave. Wavy hair also has more volume than straight hair and often can be described as poofy or puffy,” Draper tells Vogue. “Frizz is a symptom of wavy hair because waves crave moisture. If you feel your hair can be frizzy, dry, and reactive to humidity, you likely have naturally wavy hair.”
Vogue’s Wavy Hair Essentials
- The Hair Wash Duo: Alterna Caviar Replenishing Moisture Shampoo Conditioner, $90
- The Weekly Mask: Nutrafol Build Up Blocker Scalp Mask, $49
- The Lightweight Styling Product: Oribe Matte Waves, $44
- The Diffusing Hair Dryer: T3 Featherweight StyleMax Dryer, $210
- The Gentle Hair Towel: Volo Hero Hair Towel, $44
- The Silk Pillowcase: Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, $105
Believe it or not, waves are just a looser curl pattern—and like curls and coils, they need their own specific routine. Wavy hair deserves just as much love and intention to bring out its best, natural self. “Consider a wavy hair routine an edited version of the TikTok viral Curly Girl Method—while there are overall similarities between the two routines, there are also key differences to what curls versus waves need,” says Draper. Below, learn from the pros step by step, how to develop the ultimate wavy hair routine.
Step One: Start With Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners
While a nourishing lather benefits all textures, it’s especially crucial for wavy hair. Why? Waves have an uneven cuticle structure, which makes them more prone to frizz and dryness, thanks to their less-than-stellar ability to retain moisture. “Moisturizing shampoos are vital to wavy hair types for many reasons: they aid in detangling, plus the added hydration revitalizes the hair’s cuticle to keep your wave pattern enhanced and bouncy,” says Draper.
The fix? Sulfate-free shampoo. Harsh cleansing agents only dial up the dryness. Instead, reach for gentle yet clarifying formulas loaded with botanical goodness—brands like Moroccanoil, Rōz, Alterna, and Pureology have standout options that cleanse without stripping. Pro tip: When applying conditioner, use the “squish to condish” method—gently squishing and scrunching the product into your hair. This helps define your wave pattern while sealing in all that much-needed moisture.
Step Two: Indulge in a Weekly Hair Mask
Weekly deep-conditioning treatments are essential in the name of moisture (your waves are already cheering). Not only does it combat the usual suspects—frizz, dryness, and breakage (farewell, flyaways!)—but it also improves elasticity by keeping hair follicles deeply hydrated. The result? Stronger, more defined waves with a healthy, light-catching sheen. “Curly hair could require deeper conditioning than wavy—because waves are a loose curl pattern, heavy product can weight it down. That being said, this texture is prone to dryness and frizz so I do recommend a solid conditioning regimen and hair masks on a weekly or need-be basis,” says Draper.
For a tailored approach, Prose offers custom-blended hair masks that zero in on your specific concerns, whether it’s density, texture, or overall health. Prefer a touch of indulgence? Sisley Paris’s formulas are rich in ceramides and plant-based oils, delivering generous hydration that rinses out for super soft hair. On the other end of the texture spectrum, K18’s cult-favorite leave-in molecular repair mask is so whisper-light that you can use it after any wash—no rinse required. And for those craving clarity, Nutrafol’s Scalp Mask detoxes product buildup that can weigh down your waves and mute their natural shape.
Step Three: Lock in Your Waves With Lightwight Styling Products
When it comes to wavy hair, timing is everything. Styling should start immediately after the shower while your strands are still damp, primed to absorb product and lock in moisture. The best method? Draper says styling products should be applied to the hair immediately after a wash, while it’s still wet, and recommends raking it through the hair starting from the ends to the roots. “Once the product is evenly distributed, start scrunching either upside down or with the head tilted on either side,” Draper says. “The traditional TikTok-viral curly girl method includes using a gel, for wavy hair, gel isn’t something I would recommend as it can be too heavy and create too much separation for a day to day look. Moisturizing styling creams, such as Milk by Reverie, provides the necessary hydration and memory for hold.”
Another solid option comes from Rahua, whose aloe-infused mousse delivers a soft, weightless hold that enhances waves without stiffness. Prefer something in between? Oribe’s medium-hold lotion defines waves with a matte finish. For those who prefer air-drying, look no further than Briogeo’s styling cream, which enhances curl pattern sans crunch with a proprietary blend of vitamin B.
Step Four: Use Wave-Friendly Hair Tools and Accessories
Mechanical damage is the sworn enemy of every hair texture, so the gentler you are, the happier your waves will be. Enter Bounce Curl’s detangling brush—it glides through knots easily and features a precision-parting handle that makes sectioning a breeze. Not a fan of waiting around for your hair to dry? T3’s Featherweight Style Dryer comes to the rescue with a three-finger diffuser that defines texture and a smoothing comb attachment perfect for painless detangling. And since we’re on the topic of tender love and care, Volo’s plush microfiber towel and Slip’s dreamy silk pillowcase are must-haves—both minimize breakage with their ultra-soft fabrics.
As a pro styling tip while waiting for your lengths to dry, you can actually manipulate your waves to frame your face. “I like to educate my clients in the salon on a technique I call ‘the pinch and roll,’ where I set the hair specifically around the face by gently pinching and rolling each wave into a flattering S-shape and setting the pattern with creaseless cover clips. From there you can either air dry or diffuse,” says Draper.
Step Five: Refresh Texture with a Spritz of Wave Spray
When used sparingly, wave sprays can work wonders to enhance the definition—and sea salt is a classic. But a word of caution: our expert warns that while salt helps create that coveted beachy texture, its hygroscopic nature can also dry out strands and shrink your natural pattern. That’s why some modern formulas are switching things up, substituting salt with moisture-retaining alternatives like sugars or proteins for more tousled waves without the crunch.
Meet the Experts
- Samantha Draper is a New York–based professional hair stylist at Soho salon Suite Caroline specializing in everything from cool cuts to expert blowouts.
