<p>Whether you’re looking for the best shampoo for damaged hair, or you’re on the hunt for a scalp-friendly option, read on to find your perfect wavy hair shampoo that will make you actually look forward to wash day.</p>” />
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Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Scent doesn’t last
The Aveda be curly line has been a staple for so long–and there’s an excellent reason why. While many products designed for curly or wavy hair tend to fall either on the hydrating or volumizing side, this shampoo lands somewhere in the middle, offering hydration without weighing down finer textures.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “So many shampoos I’ve tried are very moisturizing but don’t cleanse well or the other way around, but this does both perfectly. I don’t feel like I need a lot, but I still shampoo twice and it leaves my hair so soft and clean. Very reliable product!”
| Key ingredients | 8.5 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Size | Wheat protein, aloe vera |
2
Best For Texture Definition
LUS Love Ur Curls Shampoo
2
Best For Texture Definition
LUS Love Ur Curls Shampoo
Pros
- Safe for all curl types
Cons
- May be too heavy for very fine hair
As opposed to slathering on lotions and potions once you’re out of the shower, LUS believes in allowing wash-out products to do some of the hard work, too. Packed with hydrating oils and butters, this shampoo gently cleanses the hair without leaving it feeling dry or too squeaky clean. The end result is hair that requires fewer leave-in treatments to add definition and texture.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is both wavy and gets greasy. I use the shampoo and conditioner to help keep my waves bouncy and fresh, moisturized without being weighed down. Love it!”
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, moringa oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
3
Best Drugstore Shampoo
OGX Lightweight + Coconut Fine Curls Shampoo
3
Best Drugstore Shampoo
OGX Lightweight + Coconut Fine Curls Shampoo
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
A drugstore favorite, this shampoo is great for people who have fine waves and curls. Rather than piling on butters than might weigh down finer textures, this shampoo uses milder ingredients to instead encourage definition and volume.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo is great if you have thin, fine, curly or wavy hair. It gives moisture without adding weight to the hair. My thin, fine, curly hair feels clean, and isn’t flattened by too much moisture.”
| Key ingredients | Flaxseed, coconut oil, citrus oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 13 fl. oz. |
4
Best Shampoo For Dry Hair
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
4
Best Shampoo For Dry Hair
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May weigh down fine hair
For dehydrated waves, no brand packs on the hydration like SheaMoisture. While their viral leave-in products have created a community online, their shampoo deserves just as much credit. With neem oil and shea butter, this shampoo never strips healthy oils from the hair, instead replenishing them, so you encounter less frizz and more definition. “This is a staple in my bathroom. It’s super hydrating and quickly revives my curls,” says our Digital Beauty Director, Danielle James.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Silk protein, neem oil, coconut oil, shea butter |
|---|---|
| Size | 13 fl. oz. |
5
Best Shampoo for Thin Hair
Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine/Thin Hair
5
Best Shampoo for Thin Hair
Ceremonia Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine/Thin Hair
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- May not be suited for very dry hair
“Ceremonia just launched their new Weightless Hydration Shampoo for Fine/Thin Hair,” says hairstylist Rene Villalta. “This cocktail is sulfate-free and contains natural ingredients, including yucca extract and witch hazel, which make this an effective cleanser without stripping your scalp’s natural oils. Since wavy hair tends to have a finer texture, this product is perfect.”
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Yucca extract, witch hazel, keratin |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
6
Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair
Rhyme & Reason Wave Revival Shampoo
6
Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair
Rhyme & Reason Wave Revival Shampoo
Pros
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- May need to use more product
“I love the new Rhyme & Reason Wave Revival Range,” says trichologist Angela Onuoha. “Three simple steps to not only give you bouncy waves, but also nourish the hair and soothe the scalp. It contains jojoba oil, which is a lightweight oil that helps to smooth the strands and give it shine without weighing the hair down. Hibiscus flower, which is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect both hair and scalp against free radicals. And sea minerals that help to restore the scalp. To prevent the hair from being too heavy, they’ve formulated a 2-in-1 gel serum product to do it all: moisturize and smooth the hair while also enhancing your waves with a good hold but without the crunch!”
Target rating: 4.7/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Jojoba oil, hibiscus |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 fl. oz. |
7
Best Shampoo For Dry Scalps
Act+Acre Curl Cleanse Shampoo
7
Best Shampoo For Dry Scalps
Act+Acre Curl Cleanse Shampoo
Pros
- Removes build-up from scalp
Cons
- May not be suited for looser waves
The newest launch from scalp-focused hair brand Act+Acre is their Soft Curl collection. “I love our Curl Cleanse for anyone with wavy hair,” says trichologist and Act+Acre founder Helen Reavey. “It’s packed with glycerin for added hydration and formulated with fulvic acid, which acts as a probiotic for the scalp to remove product buildup and balance the scalp microbiome.”
Act+Acre rating: 5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, fulvic acid, carrot seed oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 fl. oz. |
8
Best Shampoo For Damaged Hair
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
8
Best Shampoo For Damaged Hair
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Pros
- Repairs breakage
Cons
- Can weigh down very fine hair
Olaplex has made a name for itself as the brand for damaged hair. Whether your wavy hair is highlighted or you’ve used a flat iron one too many times, this bond-building cleanser repairs damage in the long run and helps your strands appear healthier, less frizzy, and more hydrated immediately.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Not getting this for your hair is doing a disservice for yourself. This revived my hair after just one use. I can feel a difference. My hair is so soft and the ends have been brought back to life. My hair feels and smells amazing. Clean and really soft and ALIVE!”
| Key ingredients | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
9
Best Shampoo For Coarse Hair
Sachajuan Curl Shampoo
9
Best Shampoo For Coarse Hair
Sachajuan Curl Shampoo
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- Can feel drying
Sachajuan is one of those underrated Scandinavian brands that’s all about helping your hair look its best with minimal interference. This shampoo uses strengthening ingredients to make your waves and curls less prone to breakage, making them appear healthier and bouncier.
Dermstore rating: 5/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “Love this and how it made my curls smooth and bouncy! I am so happy I decided to try this curl shampoo. Worked well for me and I will buy again!”
| Key ingredients | Wheat protein, ocean silk, vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.4 fl. oz. |
10
Best Shampoo For Fine Hair
Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo
10
Best Shampoo For Fine Hair
Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo
Pros
- Adds volume
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
Not only is Davines packaging ultra-chic, but they have a less-is-more policy regarding their ingredients. With hydrating ingredients and gentle cleansers, this shampoo allows your natural texture to flourish, rather than taming it into the status quo.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have fine, curly hair and this product is a rockstar. It doesn’t dry out my hair like other shampoos. I’ve tried a bunch of products and this is by far the best. Worth the $$ and never going back.”
| Key ingredients | Almond extract |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.45 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Scalp-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Can feel stripping for some hair types
Achieving optimal scalp health is the first step to having your hair look its best. This shampoo uses ingredients commonly found in skincare, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to reduce unwanted oiliness while still giving your hair and scalp the hydration they need. It will provide a very deep clean, so if your hair is on the dryer side, use this as a detox once a week, and use a more hydrating formula on alternate wash days.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I tried this shampoo on a whim and I was not expecting to love it as much as I do! It doesn’t irritate my scalp and my hair doesn’t get greasy as quick as it used to.”
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.4 fl. oz. |
12
Best Smoothing Shampoo
Christophe Robin Regenerating Shampoo with Prickly Pear Oil
12
Best Smoothing Shampoo
Christophe Robin Regenerating Shampoo with Prickly Pear Oil
Pros
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Pricey
Wavy hair can be prone to frizziness, so if that bothers you, a smoothing shampoo is a low-effort way to reduce flyaways without affecting the overall texture of your hair. Using prickly pear oil, this shampoo cleanses without stripping, leaving the hair feeling–and looking–healthier than before.
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Gently foaming and with a lovely aroma. This shampoo detangles gently and leaves hair sleeker and shinier. It definitely helps my dry, damaged-colored hair. I really liked the shampoo and will be buying it again. I also recommend this to other customers.”
| Key ingredients | Prickly pear oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.4 fl. oz. |
13
Best Shampoo For Thick Hair
OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo
13
Best Shampoo For Thick Hair
OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo
Pros
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Some dislike the strong scent
If you’ve been blessed with thick hair, this shampoo was made for you. This product uses strengthening and hydrating ingredients like keratin and avocado oil to reduce frizziness and add shine, without leaving a residue on the scalp.
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I wash my hair 2-3 times a week, give or take, depending on how greasy it gets through my daily activities. This shampoo has saved me from an itchy, dry, flaky scalp! I love it! The cost is honestly SO worth it. I have never been able to find a shampoo that works for my hair to treat my scalp and also get rid of the greasiness until now!”
| Key ingredients | Keratin, shea butter, avocado oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 fl. oz. |
14
Best Shampoo For Fine Hair
JVN Embody Daily Volumizing Shampoo
14
Best Shampoo For Fine Hair
JVN Embody Daily Volumizing Shampoo
Pros
- Clean ingredients
Cons
- Can cause hair tangling
Wavy-haired people with fine hair know the struggle with balancing definition and volume. This shampoo, created by Jonathan Van Ness, uses skin-loving ingredients like squalane and aloe to gently cleanse, removing residue that can weigh down the hair.
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Loving this. My hair is thin and curly. Added a lot of volume and has a nice fragrance.”
| Key ingredients | Squalane, caffeine, aloe leaf juice |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 fl. oz. |
15
Best Shampoo For Brittle Hair
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
15
Best Shampoo For Brittle Hair
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
Pros
- Large bottle
Cons
- May be too heavy for fine hair
Wavy and curlier hair types are prone to dryness because of the shape of each hair strand, and oftentimes shampoos are the cause exacerbating this issue. But Briogeo is here to change all that with this ultra-hydrating cleanser that uses shea butter and coconut oil to add strength and moisture to even extremely brittle, damaged hair.
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Amazing. I’ve been looking for an everyday shampoo like this for a while. It is so simple and light. It cleans the hair really well and doesn’t leave a gross residue. I use a clarifying shampoo once a week and this every other day! I love this shampoo.”
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, coconut oil, biotin |
|---|---|
| Size | 33.8 fl. oz. |
16
Best Natural Shampoo
Ursa Major Go Easy Shampoo
16
Best Natural Shampoo
Ursa Major Go Easy Shampoo
Pros
- Lathers nicely
Cons
- On the pricier side
Nature lovers, meet your new favorite cleanser. This everyday shampoo uses natural ingredients and extracts to give a gentle shampoo that’s no-muss, no-fuss. An extra bonus? It smells incredible.
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “Above and beyond everything else. Super smooth, clean, shiny hair without stripping all the moisture. Plus, the smell is fantastic. Very natural and invigorating.”
| Key ingredients | Bergamot, licorice, macademia, aloe leaf juice |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
17
Best Shampoo For Frizzy Hair
Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate-Free Shampoo
17
Best Shampoo For Frizzy Hair
Redken Frizz Dismiss Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can feel greasy
While I’m all for embracing frizz, it can feel frustrating to feel like your styling never lasts. This shampoo changes all that, using gentle oils to increase hydration in and out of the shower.
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve used just about every anti frizz shampoo on the market, and nothing works quite like this. You don’t need a lot, so the bottle lasts a long time. It leaves my hair fresh and clean, without stripping moisture, or fading color. I highly recommend!”
| Key ingredients | Babassu oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 10.1 fl. oz. |
18
Best Shampoo For Dull Hair
KRISTIN ESS HAIR Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo
18
Best Shampoo For Dull Hair
KRISTIN ESS HAIR Moisture Rich Curl Shampoo
Pros
- Adds hydration
Cons
- Can weigh down fine hair types
This nozzle for this ultra-hydrating shampoo makes it easy to get the product directly onto your scalp. With shea butter and castor oil, this cleanser adds a healthy shine to dull, damaged strands that crave extra hydration.
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “Love this product! My first time switching to a cleaner brand and I’m so happy I made the switch! Definitely never going back to cheap, stripping shampoos ever again. It smells and feels just like you left the salon! The bottle design is fabulous as well! 10/10!!”
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, castor oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 fl. oz. |
Meet the Experts
Angela Onuoha is a trichologist specializing in scalp and hair health.
Helen Reavey is a trichologist and the founder of Act+Acre.
Anne-Sophie Brac de la Perriere is the Research & Development Director for Prose Hair.
Rene Villalta is Ceremonia’s Hair Expert and a hairstylist at the Fabio Scalia Salon in Soho, New York.
How are the needs for wavy hair different than for other hair types?
“Wavy hair (also known as type II hair) is by nature neither straight nor curly and can be easily identified by its loose S shape,” says de la Perriere. “It’s a rather versatile hair type that can easily become straight or curly with the use of styling tools such as curling irons or flat irons. Hence, people with wavy hair often use styling products such as curl cream to create their desired hairstyle, such as beach waves or defined curls. They may also need special hair care products such as leave-in conditioners to protect their hair fiber from the heat of styling tools and to fight unwanted frizz.” With Prose, people can complete an online consultation to create a custom shampoo.
Often, dryness is the leading complaint from wavy-haired people. “Both wavy and curly hair tend to become dry more easily than other hair types, so it’s important to ensure you’re using moisturizing and hydrating shampoos in order to maintain your wave patterns,” says Reavey. “Dryness typically stems from the scalp, which has a delicate microbiome and a low barrier function, meaning that it has difficulty maintaining and replenishing moisture. This can leave the scalp prone to dryness and irritation, which can lead to drier waves and texture issues. Using moisturizing shampoos and hydrating serums on the scalp will balance the microbiome while restoring your natural wave pattern.”
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
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