Brad Mondo’s Top 3 Essentials for Curly and Wavy Hair

If you’ve ever stood in the haircare aisle wondering what actually works for waves and curls (and what’s just hype), Brad gets it. Curly and wavy hair doesn’t always need a million products... it needs the right essentials, used the right way.

In one of his Sally Beauty runs, Brad broke down the three must‑have tools and products he believes belong in every wavy and curly routine. None of the extra stuff. No overcomplication. Just tried‑and‑true staples that help enhance texture, boost bounce, and keep frizz in check.

Whether you’re just learning how to style your natural texture or looking to refine your routine, this guide breaks down Brad Mondo’s top essentials for curly and wavy hair, why they matter, and how to use them for your best hair days yet.

Why Wavy & Curly Hair Needs a Different Approach

Waves and curls aren’t fragile, they’re just misunderstood.

Unlike straight hair, textured hair relies on pattern, separation, and moisture balance. Over‑brushing, over‑drying, or using the wrong styling products can disrupt that pattern fast, leading to frizz, flatness, or undefined curls.

Brad’s philosophy is simple:
👉 Enhance what your hair already wants to do, don’t fight it.

That’s exactly why his top three essentials focus on:

• Gentle separation (not breakage)
• Controlled drying (not chaos)
• Lightweight styling support (not crunch)

Essential #1: The Wide‑Tooth Comb (Your Curl MVP)

If there’s one tool Brad says will never fail curly or wavy hair, it’s a wide‑tooth comb.

With so many brushes marketed toward curls, it’s easy to overthink this step. But according to Brad, simple wins.

Why a Wide‑Tooth Comb Works

• Creates perfect separation without breaking up curl clumps
• Prevents excessive tension that leads to frizz
• Works on both wet and damp hair
• Safe for waves, curls, and coils

Unlike dense brushes, a wide‑tooth comb respects your natural pattern instead of pulling it apart.

💡 Pro Tip from Brad:
Use it to gently detangle and distribute product, not to aggressively brush through dry hair.

This is a multi‑use, always‑reliable tool that belongs in every curly routine, regardless of texture or experience level.

Essential #2: A Diffuser (Bounce Without the Frizz)

If you’re air‑drying every wash day and wondering why your waves fall flat or your curls lose shape, a diffuser might be the missing link.

Brad calls diffusers essential for textured hair.

What a Diffuser Actually Does

• Enhances and sets your natural wave or curl pattern
• Adds volume and bounce
• Distributes airflow gently to reduce frizz

But there’s a right way to use it.

How Brad Recommends Diffusing

• Do not dry your hair 100% with a diffuser
• Stop around 50–80% dry
• Let the rest air dry naturally

Over‑diffusing can rough up the cuticle and create frizz. Controlled drying, on the other hand, gives curls that soft, touchable finish Brad is known for.

“It'll make your curls look so delicious."

Essential #3: Wavetech Wave Foam (The Non‑Negotiable Styling Step)

If there’s one product Brad puts at the center of every wavy and curly routine, it’s Wavetech Wave Foam, and for good reason.

This is the product that does the work.

Why Wave Foam Is a Game‑Changer

Unlike heavy creams or sticky gels, Wavetech Wave Foam is:

• Ultra‑lightweight
• Airy and flexible
• Crunch‑free
• Designed to build and support texture, not smother it

It enhances natural waves and curls while keeping hair soft, touchable, and full of movement.

Choosing the Right Hold

Brad breaks it down simply:

• Extra Hold Version
  • Best for fine, thin, or barely‑wavy hair
  • Helps encourage pattern where it’s naturally weaker
• Regular Hold Version
  • Ideal for thicker hair or naturally curly textures
  • Enhances definition without weighing hair down

Both versions deliver structure without stiffness, meaning your curls still move, bounce, and feel like hair.

“It makes your hair feel light, airy, crunch‑free, gorgeous.”

And yes, it’s iconic for a reason.

How to Use These 3 Essentials Together

Here’s how Brad’s essentials work best as a system:

1. Start on damp hair
2. Detangle gently with a wide‑tooth comb
3. Apply Wavetech Wave Foam generously
4. Scrunch to encourage pattern
5. Diffuse until hair is 50–80% dry
6. Let the rest air dry for the most natural finish

Simple. Intentional. Effective.

Quick Takeaways

• Wavy and curly hair thrives on gentle separation
• A wide‑tooth comb is safer than most brushes
• Diffusers enhance texture when used correctly
• Never over‑dry curls with heat
• Wavetech Wave Foam is the foundation of definition without crunch
• Choose your foam hold based on hair thickness and pattern strength

Final Thoughts

Curly and wavy hair doesn’t need over‑styling, it needs intention. Brad's top three essentials prove that when you use the right tools and lightweight styling support, your natural texture does the rest.

If you’re shopping at Sally Beauty and want a routine that actually delivers bounce, definition, and softness, this trio is where to start.

Join the Conversation

Tried Wavetech Wave Foam or built your routine around these essentials?

✨ Tag @xmondohair and show us how you style your waves or curls, we love seeing your texture shine.