8 Best Shampoos for Wavy Hair 2026

If you crave effortless beachy waves with a touch of coastal charm, the Raw Sugar Wave Maker Duo is a game-changer. This sulfate-free, vegan shampoo and conditioner set is engineered to enhance your hair’s natural texture using a blend of lychee extract, sea salt, and jojoba oil—ingredients that work in harmony to add airy volume without dryness. Unlike harsh formulas that strip moisture, this duo gently cleanses while boosting shine and strength, making it ideal for wavy-haired individuals seeking definition without stiffness or residue.

In real-world use, the Wave Maker shines on fine to medium wavy hair, delivering soft, touchable waves that hold their shape throughout the day. The sea salt content provides subtle grit for texture, while jojoba oil ensures strands don’t feel crunchy or dehydrated—a common pitfall with salt-infused products. It performs exceptionally well in humid climates, where frizz is a concern, thanks to its phytonutrient-rich formula that locks in moisture. However, those with very thick or coarse waves may find it doesn’t provide enough hydration on wash day alone and might need a deeper conditioner.

Compared to heavier curl-focused shampoos like SheaMoisture’s Coconut Hibiscus, Raw Sugar leans more into lifestyle aesthetics than intense moisture therapy—perfect for low-maintenance, style-first users. It stands out among beach wave specialists by balancing natural ingredients with sensory appeal and ethical standards. While it doesn’t offer customization like Function of Beauty, it delivers consistent results with a clean, feel-good brand ethos. It offers comparable texture enhancement to pricier salon lines but with a more accessible, eco-conscious footprint.

For wavy hair that fights back with frizz, the SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Shampoo is a powerhouse of hydration and definition. Packed with coconut oil, silk proteins, and neem oil, this paraben-free formula dives deep into the hair shaft to restore elasticity and shine—especially beneficial for dry, damaged, or high-porosity waves. Its non-stripping cleanse respects the scalp’s natural oils, making it a standout for those transitioning from sulfates or dealing with post-wash brittleness.

During testing, this shampoo proved exceptional at taming flyaways and boosting curl memory, even in high humidity. The rich, creamy lather spreads easily and works well on mid-to-coarse wavy textures, enhancing natural patterns without weighing them down. After one use, hair feels noticeably softer and more resilient, with a show-stopping shine that lasts through the day. That said, fine-haired users may need to be cautious—overuse can lead to buildup, especially if not followed by a clarifying rinse weekly.

When stacked against lighter options like Maui Moisture or V&Co., SheaMoisture trades weightlessness for intense nourishment, making it better suited for thick, frizz-prone waves than daily use on fine strands. It outperforms budget picks like OGX in ingredient quality and long-term hair health, though it lacks the luxurious scent profile of Matrix’s salon-grade formula. For those prioritizing frizz control and curl resilience over airy volume, this is a top-tier choice with a value-driven price point.

Step into the salon experience at home with Matrix A Curl Can Dream, a luxury-grade shampoo designed to deliver 48-hour wave enhancement with the power of Manuka honey extract and rose water. This silicone-free, lightweight formula penetrates deeply to hydrate and define wavy hair without residue, making it a favorite for those who want bouncy, touchable waves with zero heaviness. The inclusion of a natural humectant like Manuka honey ensures moisture is sealed in, combating dryness before it starts.

In real-world testing, this shampoo excels in humidity resistance and day-two refreshability, with waves maintaining their shape and shine even after sleep or light sweating. It lathers beautifully on wet hair and rinses clean—no sticky film left behind. The rose water infusion adds a delicate floral scent and boosts manageability, making detangling a breeze. However, while it performs superbly on type 2A-2B waves, those with looser or finer textures may need a styling product to lock in definition.

Compared to Function of Beauty or V&Co., Matrix leans into salon-level performance with sustainable credibility—the bottle is made from 95% post-consumer recycled plastic, and the production plant supports bee conservation. It doesn’t offer customization, but it delivers consistent, professional results that outshine drugstore alternatives in both efficacy and elegance. While pricier than most, it justifies its position as a premium pick with performance that mirrors high-end salons.

For wavy-haired individuals who want a personalized hair care journey, Function of Beauty’s Wavy Hair Shampoo brings science and nature together with its fermented rice water-powered formula. This sulfate-free, vegan shampoo strengthens strands, improves elasticity, and enhances natural wave patterns without stripping—making it ideal for daily use on delicate type 2 textures. The addition of naturally derived ingredients and a spa-like Nude Peach fragrance turns every wash into a sensory ritual.

In practice, this shampoo delivers consistent softness and anti-frizz protection, especially when paired with its matching conditioner. It lathers moderately and spreads evenly, cleansing effectively without drying—perfect for those with sensitive scalps or chemically treated hair. Waves come out defined, bouncy, and easy to style. That said, users with very dry or coarse waves may find it lacks the deep nourishment offered by heavier creams like SheaMoisture, particularly in winter months.

When compared to V&Co. or Maui Moisture, Function of Beauty stands out for its customization legacy and clean formulation standards—though this version isn’t customizable, it reflects the brand’s hair-type expertise. It offers a smoother, more refined texture than OGX while being more affordable than Matrix’s salon line. For those seeking a balanced, strengthening base in their routine with a touch of indulgence, this is a smart middle-ground performer.

V&Co.’s Wave Babe Shampoo earns its title as best overall with a precision-targeted formula that enhances natural wave definition while prioritizing long-term hair health. Infused with rice protein and peptides, this sulfate-free, vegan shampoo doesn’t just clean—it strengthens each strand, reducing breakage and boosting resilience over time. Its gentle cleansing action preserves natural oils, making it perfect for frequent use on wavy hair that’s prone to dryness or frizz.

Real-world testing shows impressive results: waves appear more defined, bouncy, and frizz-free, even in damp or humid conditions. The lightweight formula rinses cleanly and layers well with stylers, never leaving a dull or coated finish. It works across all type 2 subcategories—2A, 2B, and 2C—with consistent performance. While it doesn’t have the exotic scent profiles of OGX or Maui Moisture, its no-nonsense effectiveness makes it a daily staple.

Against competitors, Wave Babe strikes a rare balance—more nourishing than OGX, lighter than SheaMoisture, and more universally effective than Raw Sugar. It lacks the luxury feel of Matrix but delivers comparable definition at a fraction of the cost. For anyone seeking a reliable, clean, and performance-driven shampoo that works for all wavy types, this is the most well-rounded option in the lineup.

When daily hydration is the goal, Maui Moisture’s Lightweight Hydration Shampoo rises to the top with a 25.4 fl oz powerhouse formula built around 100% aloe vera and hibiscus water. This sulfate-free, vegan shampoo delivers a surge of moisture without heaviness, making it ideal for wavy hair that feels parched but hates product buildup. Infused with coconut water, passion fruit, and watermelon, it quenches dryness while enhancing softness and shine—perfect for curly-wavy hybrids.

In everyday use, this shampoo shines as a daily driver, gently cleansing and prepping hair for conditioning without over-drying. It lathers lightly but spreads well, and the aloe-first formula soothes irritated scalps while boosting manageability. Waves come out bouncy and touchable, with a healthy glow that lasts. However, due to its lightweight nature, those with very dry or coarse waves may need a heavier cream post-wash to lock in moisture.

Compared to OGX or Not Your Mother’s, Maui Moisture offers superior hydration and ingredient transparency, all in a larger, eco-conscious bottle. It doesn’t define waves as sharply as V&Co. or Matrix, but it excels in moisture maintenance and scalp health. For those who wash frequently or live in dry climates, it’s a high-value, high-performance staple that keeps waves soft, hydrated, and ready for styling.

For those who want big, bouncy waves on a budget, OGX’s Quenching + Coconut Shampoo delivers luxurious curl definition without the luxury price tag. Blended with coconut oil, citrus oil, and honey, this sulfate-free, paraben-free formula detangles, hydrates, and enhances natural spirals with a rich, creamy lather that feels indulgent. The tropical scent—a mix of coconut milk, tangerine, and vanilla—adds a sensory boost, turning a basic wash into a mini escape.

In real-life use, this shampoo performs best on medium to coarse wavy hair, where its emollient-rich blend prevents dryness and boosts shine. Waves gain noticeable bounce and smoothness, especially when followed by a leave-in. However, fine-haired users may experience weigh-down or greasiness if too much product is applied or not fully rinsed. It’s also not ideal for daily use on low-porosity hair, as coconut oil can build up over time.

Stacked against higher-end options like Matrix or Function of Beauty, OGX trades refinement for affordability and bold texture, making it a go-to for occasional styling rather than long-term hair health. It lacks the peptide strength of V&Co. or the clean ethics of Raw Sugar, but for budget-friendly curl enhancement, it’s hard to beat. It punches above its price class in scent and initial impact, though it may require clarifying washes to stay fresh.

The Not Your Mother’s Naturals 2-pack is the ultimate starter kit for wavy hair, combining a curl-defining shampoo and conditioner infused with Tahitian gardenia and mango butter—a duo that tames frizz, boosts shine, and defines waves with 98% naturally derived ingredients. This sulfate-free, silicone-free system is dermatologist-tested and gentle enough for daily use, making it ideal for beginners or those simplifying their routine.

In testing, the shampoo cleansed effectively without dryness, while the conditioner delivered intense mid-length hydration that smoothed split ends and enhanced curl cohesion. The peach coconut fragrance lingers lightly, adding a pleasant touch without overwhelming. Together, they create a balanced, frizz-free finish that holds up well in moderate humidity. However, users with very thick or tightly coiled waves may need an additional deep conditioner for full saturation.

Compared to single-bottle options like V&Co. or OGX, this set offers better value and synergy, especially for those new to curl care. It doesn’t define as sharply as Matrix or strengthen as well as Function of Beauty, but it’s a solid, all-in-one solution for average wavy hair. With eco-conscious packaging and clean formulation, it’s a smart entry point into natural hair care that outperforms single-use drugstore shampoos in both performance and ethics.