By Tara Young

The Goldilocks of textures—not too curly, not too straight, just perfectly imperfect waves. Unless you're blessed with wavy locks you might not know that caring for them isn’t as effortless as one might be led to believe. It's not all get up and go without looking in the mirror - no, those dishevelled waves need a helping hand at the best of times.

Wavy hair can be prone to frizz, dryness, and that infamous in-between state where it doesn't know whether it wants to curl, lie flat, or just be awkward as hell with no particular order whatsoever (and not in a good way). So how do you make the most of your waves?

The secret lies in understanding their unique needs and mastering a routine that keeps them defined, soft, and frizz-free.

Wavy hair, Type 2A to 2C, is defined by its distinctive, S-shaped waves that create texture between straight and curly styles. Wavy hair is known for its natural movement, making it versatile for various hairstyles, from polished looks to effortless beachy waves.

The downside to wild waves is that they can be prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions, requiring some extra help to maintain. But armed with some great products and the correct techniques, your wavy hair will be shiny and imperfectly defined in no time.

Wavy hair has a tendency to be on the drier side, which means hydration is key. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. Shampoos like Davines Love Curl Shampoo or Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me Wash are great picks—they cleanse while keeping moisture intact.

Follow up with a rich conditioner that will nourish and detangle without weighing your waves down. Oribe's Conditioner for Moisture & Control is a luxe option that smooths, while Evo's Ritual Salvation Repairing Conditioner focuses on strengthening and adding hydration.

How to detangle without disrupting the natural pattern? Put down the brush. If you want a natural, undone kind of wave then brushing your hair won't achieve this.

Wavy hair needs a gentler touch, so switch to a wide-tooth comb, Wetbrush or your fingers while in the shower, and detangle when your hair is wet and conditioned. This will prevent breakage and help maintain the natural shape of your waves.

Leave-in conditioners are essential for locking in moisture and preventing frizz. Look for a lightweight, wave-friendly formula like R+Co’s Sun Catcher Leave-In Conditioner, which hydrates while offering UV protection, or Davines OI All-In-One Milk, a multitasker that detangles and softens. Apply evenly through damp hair after showering, focusing on your mid-lengths to ends.

How you style your waves is the catalyst for a good hair day or a bad one. Instead of brushing, use your hands to "scrunch" your waves to encourage their natural texture.

For added definition and to fight frizz, work in a curl-enhancing product. Kevin Murphy’s Killer Waves spray is a go-to for soft hold, while Oribe’s Curl Gloss adds a touch of shine and hold without stiffness. For a more undone look that mimics a day by the sea try Evo’s Salty Dog Salt Spray or Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray to give you a tousled finish.

Wavy hair thrives when it’s air-dried, but if you're in a rush, a diffuser can help maintain the shape of your waves without creating frizz. R+Co’s Aircraft Pomade Mousse is perfect for blow-drying with a diffuser, adding texture while taming any unruliness. If air drying is more your style, work in a lightweight curl cream like Davines Curl Building Serum and let your waves do their thing.

While you're getting some Z's, wavy hair is getting wild, so it’s important to protect it. Try using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz. Alternatively, a loose braid or a high bun fastened with a silk scrunchie will keep your waves intact and prevent (bad) morning bedhead - but bed hair is always a yes in our book.