Best Styling Products for Wavy Curls
If your waves are frizzy, fall limp, and just don’t last, you may not be using the right styling products for your wave texture. Some
If your waves are frizzy, fall limp, and just don’t last, you may not be using the right styling products for your wave texture. Some waves feel soft and silky while others feel rough, dry, or coarse. These different textures have different needs.
Here I’m sharing what to look for and my top six styling picks for both soft and rough wavy curls. I’m including both drugstore and high-end options. Even though I don’t have wavy hair myself, I’ve learned what wavy hair needs from coaching hundreds of clients, including those with wavy hair. Watch the video to see some photo examples of my clients with soft vs. rough waves and curls!
This is a salt spray that helps reduce softness in the hair and encourages curl and wave formation. It works best paired with a gel such as Liquid Effects.
The Doux mousse is the texture of a foam that provides moisture and medium hold. Note it does not hold up in humidity, so pair it with your favorite gel or hairspray on top if needed.
This is a great option for those that need virtually no moisture but want strong hold and humidity control.
One of the few drugstore gels that provides long-lasting hold, the Curl Talk Flash Freeze has a thick texture that is best applied on wet hair or emulsified with water.
One of my go-to gels for mega-hold and humidity control, this fragrance-free gel will give you that hard cast that you can break for a softer look. It has a thick texture that is best applied on wet hair or emulsified with water.
Adding a hairspray at the end of your routine on dry hair is one of the best ways to get volume and long-lasting hold. Use sparingly and spray at a distance.
This combo product provides lightweight moisture and heat protection. Pairs well with most gels, especially the Curl Talk products.
If gels weigh your hair down, a mousse is a great way to get lightweight hold. This Curl Talk mousse has a buildable hold and humidity protection.
This custard can be used as a one-and-done styler, providing moisture and buildable hold. Ideal for dry and mild climates.
This fan-favorite curl cream encourages clumps and that bounce-back in your curls. Top with your favorite gel or Liquid Effects.
This is one of my all-time favorite gels that has a buildable hold and a smooth, slippery texture.
Another favorite for humidity, the Jessicurl gel works on its own if you don’t need much moisture or pairs well with creams like Recoil.
It’s important to note that a lot of these products can work for either hair type. If you’re currently using a product that I have listed under the opposite texture from your hair type and you like you’re results, keep using it! The main difference between soft vs. rough textured hair is the amount of conditioning and texturizing feel that you may want to look for.
Also note that there are many other products that I’ve recommended in the past for waves and loose curls. If you don’t see it mentioned here, it’s not because I don’t recommend it anymore. I’m simply sharing some options that have been top of mind for me recently.
Remember, when choosing styling products: it’s not just about your wave or curl pattern – it’s about your hair’s texture and how it behaves. Soft waves and rough waves need different support, and once you find the right products for your texture, your routine gets so much easier.
If you’re still not sure what your hair needs, I’ve got TWO tools to help:
My free Hair Type Quiz helps you learn your hair’s porosity, density, texture, and more, so you can build a routine that actually works for your unique hair. After you complete the quiz, you’ll get a full report sent to your email with links to the shop page on my blog with filters already applied for you based on your needs.
The Shop Page allows you to search my product recommendations, select features/characteristics to include or exclude, and provides links for where to buy them!
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