If your wavy hair is constantly battling the dreaded F-word (frizz, obviously), you are NOT alone. Most people don't even realize they have wavy hair—but let's not even go there. Wavy hair is STUNNING, but she can be a but moody—especially when moisture, heat, or dryness get in the way. But don't worry my wavy hair babes, I've got the ultimate guide on how to manage your wavy hair.
We're gonna go over why your wavy hair is prone to frizz, how to tame that beast and get defined, hydrated waves. Let's get into it!
Why does wavy hair get frizzy?
Wavy hair (typically type 2A to 2C) has a loose S-pattern that’s more porous than straight hair. This means it tends to lose moisture easily—hello frizz—especially in humid environments or when it’s dehydrated.
✔️ It’s drier than straight hair since natural oils don’t travel down as easily.
✔️ Humidity makes it swell, lifting the cuticle and causing puffiness.
✔️ Over-washing or using harsh products can strip moisture, making frizz even worse.
So, what’s the solution? Hydration, moisture-locking ingredients, and styling techniques that enhance your waves instead of making them poofy.
How to Manage Wavy Hair and Reduce Frizz
1. Use a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner like Your Hair Depends on it. Because it does.
Wave hair is thirsty. If your shampoo is too harsh (aka anything with sulfates,—you should know better), it's stripping your hair and setting you up for frizz. Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner—think creamy, moisturizing, and full of the good stuff like aloe, glycerin, and oils.
💡 Pro Tip: You don't need to wash every day. The more you wash, the drier and frizzier your hair gets.
2. Style While it's Soaking Wet
You might want to do this step while still in the shower. Water should be falling out of your hair while scrunching in product. You need to hear it! If you don't, spritz it with more water with a misting spray bottle of water. This helps seal in all that moisture and helps your waves stay defined and smooth
3. Layer Your Products like a Pro
You don’t need a 10-step routine, but using the right combo is key. Wavy hair craves definition, moisture, and hold — but in light layers so you don’t end up with crunchy, heavy hair.
Here’s the magic formula:
- Leave-in conditioner or hydrating mist = base moisture
- Wave cream or foam = define and enhance your natural pattern
- Light gel or oil = lock in the shape and protect from frizz
4. Your Waves Hate Heat Damage, So Dry Smart.
Blow drying with no diffuser on full blast = ✨Frizz City✨. High heat not only roughs up your strands but also pulls out moisture, leaving you with dry, undefined hair.
Your options:
- Air dry: Hands off until it’s 100% dry. No touching = no frizz.
- Diffuse: Use low heat and low speed with a diffuser to gently dry while preserving wave shape.
💡 Pro Tip: For volume boost at the root, diffuse upside down or use a hair clip to pinch up your hair around the crown area.
5. Protect Your Waves While You Sleep
You did all that work to get the most gorgeous pattern going just for it to be ruined during your beauty sleep. Not on our watch! Cotton pillowcases pull moisture from your hair and rough the cuticle as you toss and turn.
Another option, and stay with me here, is using a satin bonnet like this one:
Now, I know she's not cute but she's going to help you wake up with way less bedhead and can help to keep your waves refreshed instead of starting from scratch.
Hair-loving ingredients to look for
Your products matter. Look for ingredients that nourish and define, not weigh down.
Faves for wavy babes:
- Glycerin = major moisture magnet
- Amino acids = help keep hair strong + elastic
- Panthenol = smooths and strengthens
- Argan, jojoba, or coconut oil = seal in hydration without heaviness
- Flaxseed or rice protein = hold + definition without crunch
What to avoid if you like your hair cute
Some ingredients are secretly sabotaging your hair.
- Sulfates = too harsh and drying
- Heavy silicones = cause buildup and make hair limp (unless water-soluble!)
- Brushing dry hair = breaks up your wave pattern and adds frizz (always detangle in the shower or when wet with conditioner)
Your hair isn't bad, just misunderstood
Wavy hair needs moisture, love, and the right steps. And when you give it that, it shows TF up. Browse the products in our Wavetech collection to build a routine that's right for you. Too lazy to browse? We have the perfect system already bundled together...and it's one our top sellers—for good reason.
