Wavy hairstyles are always trending for a reason: When you want beachy texture and romantic volume, waves are hard to beat. But learning how to style naturally wavy hair is completely different from adding wavy texture for fun. When styling, lots of people struggle with frizz, definition, and day-to-day texture inconsistency in their natural waves.
If you can relate, you've come to the right place: A few small tweaks to your routine can make all the difference in your waves. For this hair type, proper hair care matters more than pro-level styling skills. “Wavy hair looks its best when it’s properly hydrated. Care products are just as important as styling products,” says Paula Peralta, artistic director at Paul Mitchell. “If the hair isn’t nourished, waves won’t form or hold the way you want them to.”
A step-by-step guide to looking simple yet stylish.
Wondering what to look for in those products? Make sure to tailor your selections to your wave type and density, but note this general rule: “Wavy hair loves lightweight moisture with some protein to define the waves without weighing them down,” says Chantell Carrtherol, a professional hairstylist and curl specialist.
Ready for your best wavy hair day yet? Ahead, the pros share their best styling tips.
How to style wavy hair, according to experts
On washdays, opt for a non-drying, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner duo. “I love starting with Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturising Shampoo to gently cleanse while restoring moisture and pairing it with the Deep Conditioning Mineral Hair Mask,” Peralta says. “That combo works beautifully across wavy textures and helps keep waves soft, defined, and healthy without weighing them down.”
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As for how often you should wash wavy hair, Peralta says there’s no universal answer: “Washing frequency really depends on your texture and personal preference. If you love volume and don’t mind a little frizz, washing every three to five days can work great,” she says. “If your waves tend to run dry, washing more often and incorporating a hydrating treatment helps maintain moisture and elasticity, which is key for soft, bouncy waves.”
To help reduce frizz and breakage, borrow a trick from the Curly Girl Method and use a T-shirt or microfibre towel (instead of a regular bath towel) to squeeze the excess water out of your waves.
To maximise definition, Peralta says to start by applying a leave-in conditioner to damp hair. Depending on your styling goals, you can also layer in a styling treatment (she recommends combining the Paul Mitchell Full Circle Leave‑In with Hydrating Foam).
Next, use a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product. “The bristles naturally help create separation and shape in the waves,” Peralta says. For added definition, she also recommends finger-curling small sections of your hair. “The smaller the section, the tighter the wave or curl, so you can really customise the look depending on how defined you want your texture to be.”
The way that you let your waves dry can make a big difference in how much frizz you're dealing with on a daily basis. Mirna Jose, curly and textured hair expert and Isima hairstylist, says that using a diffuser can speed up dry time, help define waves and minimise frizz. If you’re letting your hair dry naturally, try adding a smoothing air-dry cream.
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For a long-term fix, remember: Frizz is your hair looking for moisture. “Frizzy hair occurs when the hair cuticles lift, allowing moisture to enter and swell the strands unevenly,” says Lia Hakim, professional hairstylist and founder of Hott Salons. If you’re dealing with frizzy waves regularly, it’s a sign to invest in a richer conditioner, a hydrating leave-in and a weekly conditioning hair mask.
“If your waves are feeling dry or lifeless, it’s a sign that your hair and scalp health need attention – whether that’s a treatment, a trim, or both.” A customised wavy haircut can help remove some weight, in addition to damaged ends, which can help your waves hold shape. To give your waves a boost in a pinch, try a lightweight hydrating styling cream. “For everyday styling, Paul Mitchell Quick Slip is a great option for most wavy textures because it adds lightweight hydration and slip without flattening the hair,” Peralta says.
One major perk to having naturally wavy hair? Your natural texture will keep oil from travelling quickly from your scalp through your hair shaft, so you can probably get a few days out of each wash. To bring your waves back to freshly styled glory, Peralta recommends using a small curling iron to bring back definition and touch up your shape.
For a more natural look, you can also try a salt texture spray or mist your waves with water to add more leave-in conditioner or styling cream. For root volume, a spritz of dry shampoo can’t hurt – just be mindful of product buildup.
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This article originally appeared on Glamour (US).
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