The Top Products for Wavy Hair, Chosen by Experts Who Understand What is Effective

      If you’ve always had that hair that sits between straight and curly, then you're in good company. You likely understand the challenge of styling those soft, slightly unruly waves that never seem to settle. Personally, I experience days when my hair falls into those perfectly imperfect bends that seem effortlessly chic; yet on other days, it flattens, becomes limp, and resists every product I apply (often compelling me to reach for a hair waver). After collaborating with some of the top stylists over the years, one consensus emerges: wavy hair isn’t difficult, it's simply misunderstood. Their primary rule? It doesn't require taming or excessive styling; it just needs the right balance.

      If you’re on the hunt for the best products for wavy hair, look no further than fellow beauty editors who share the same ambivalent texture. I reached out to them to find out their go-to products and effective techniques for their hair routines, because we can all agree that the best products work with wavy hair instead of against it, helping it perform at its best. To kick things off, I consulted two of London's top stylists for their expert tips on managing waves and caring for them like a pro.

      **Best Products for Wavy Hair**

      **Best Mousse for Wavy Hair:** Larry King My Nanna's Mousse, £22

      **Best Texture Spray for Wavy Hair:** Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Hair Mist, £28

      **Best Styling Cream for Wavy Hair:** Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream, £39

      **Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair:** Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo, £30

      **Best Hair Mask for Wavy Hair:** Davines Beautiful Things Restoring Leave-In Mask, £40

      **Best Air-Dry Cream for Wavy Hair:** Arkive Headcare Moisture Cream, £14

      **Best Curl Jelly for Wavy Hair:** Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly, £9

      1. **Larry King My Nanna's Mousse**

      Achieving perfectly tousled waves is possible. "Mousse can be a gamble for me since my hair is quite fine, which means it can easily feel weighed down or sticky, but this one is incredibly lightweight and easy to use. It adds volume to my waves without making them crunchy or stiff. I apply it to damp hair and scrunch it in, which helps enhance my natural bends. It’s ideal for when I desire a bit more hold and body without overloading my hair with product." – Perdita Nouril, beauty editor at Women's Health and Who What Wear UK contributor.

      2. **Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Hair Mist**

      "'Barely there' sometimes translates to 'barely works', particularly for fine hair that tends to droop, yet this texture spray is a true gem. Instead of forcing structure, it gently encourages the waves into place. I’ve been using it as a refresh for second- and third-day hair: a light mist, a quick scrunch, and my waves are revitalized. What I love most is how accommodating it is. It adapts to whatever shape my hair has woken up in, enhancing rather than resetting." – Perdita

      3. **Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream**

      "I have coarse, wavy hair, which often leads to struggles with frizz; it can be quite frustrating. However, there are a few products I rely on. My go-to is the Living Proof Smooth Styling Cream. Every stylist I know swears by this cream, which I apply before blow-drying to achieve a sleek, polished finish. I then layer it with the sadly discontinued Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss. My hair drinks it up, and I can use a generous amount without it feeling greasy. Together, they really lock in smoothness and control frizz." – Alex Friend, beauty director of Red Magazine

      4. **Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo**

      "To define my waves and eliminate frizz, I often need a variety of products, from leave-in conditioner and styling gel to control cream and hair oil. Every few days, I spritz on a reviving mist and add more cream, meaning product buildup on the scalp is a real concern, making a hardworking shampoo essential. I’ve been using the Sachajuan Clarifying Shampoo, and it’s impressive. It removes buildup and excess oil from the scalp and strands, resetting them without causing tightness, dryness, or irritation. The citrus scent instantly lifts my mood, and post-wash, my hair feels soft and weightless, while my scalp feels clean and refreshed." – Amerley Ollennu, freelance beauty editor

      5. **Davines Beautiful Things Restoring Leave-In Mask**

      "To provide some background: my hair was wavy, but now it’s severely damaged. I can’t complain,