Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Maintaining wavy hair can be quite a task with its unique texture and the constant struggle between frizz and flatness. The first step in your hair care routine, choosing the right shampoo, can make a world of difference in managing and enhancing your wavy locks. The market is flooded with a plethora of shampoos, each promising to be the magic potion for your hair, making the selection process overwhelming.

Our comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate through this maze of choices. Whether your wavy hair is thick or thin, long or short, dry or oily, there is a perfect shampoo out there tailored to cater to its specific needs. We have compiled the top picks based on hair expert recommendations, customer reviews, and thorough research to help you find the shampoo that will keep your waves looking luscious, healthy, and frizz-free.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo Cover #TOP 1
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.9
MATRIX A Curl Can Dream Deep Cleansing Shampoo Cover #TOP 2
MATRIX A Curl Can Dream Deep Cleansing Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo Cover #TOP 3
Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Shampoo for Wavy Hair

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo

290209
peach
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo Cover
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo Coconut and Hibiscus for Curly Hair Paraben Free Shampoo 13 oz

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo is a phthalate free, paraben free, and cruelty-free shampoo that gently cleanses natural hair and improves hair's health and restores shine. This curl enhancing shampoo contains coconut oil to moisturize and protect hair while replenishing lost oil, and hibiscus flower extracts to improve hair elasticity while reducing the occurrence of breakage. The rich, creamy lather of this shampoo gently washes away impurities, leaving you with frizz free waves and curls!

What We Like
Moisturizes and nourishes hair
Amazing tropical scent
Defines and enhances curls
Paraben-free formula
Gentle on scalp
What We Don't Like
May feel oily without conditioner
Low lather experience

MATRIX A Curl Can Dream Deep Cleansing Shampoo

MATRIX
P2103900
MATRIX A Curl Can Dream Deep Cleansing Shampoo Cover
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Deep Cleansing Shampoo | Clarifying Shampoo | Preserves Curl Pattern, Removes Build Up | For Curly & Coily Hair | Silicone & Paraben Free | With Manuka Honey Extract

MATRIX Curl Dream Shampoo is a cleansing shampoo designed specifically for curly and coily hair. It effectively removes build-up, leaving your curls clean and rejuvenated. This shampoo is formulated to cater to the needs of curls, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant. Its silicone and paraben-free formula, enriched with Manuka honey extract, provides gentle yet thorough cleansing, leaving your hair fresh and revitalized. With MATRIX Curl Dream Shampoo, you can maintain the health and beauty of your curls effortlessly.

What We Like
Soft and manageable hair
Effective buildup removal
Great scent
Reduces frizz
Good for curly hair
What We Don't Like
May require additional conditioner
Can leave hair slightly dry
#TOP 3

Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo

80-41205
White
Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo Cover
Sun Bum Curls Shampoo | Vegan and Cruelty Free Moisturizing Hair Wash for Wavy and Curly Hair | 10 oz

Get ready to love your curly and wavy hair with this vegan and cruelty-free Curls & Waves Shampoo by Sun Bum. Infused with Kukui Nut Oil and Monoi Coconut Oil, this shampoo gently cleanses your hair while providing intense moisture to every bend, curl, and wave. It protects your hair from damaging UV rays, preventing it from becoming dull, brittle, frizzy, and discolored. This shampoo is enriched with Monoi Coconut Oil and Seaweed Protein, and is gluten, cruelty, sulfate, and paraben-free. Wet your hair, lather, rinse well, and follow with Curls and Waves Conditioner for best results. Trust the ones who live on the beach to make a product that works on the most intense days in the sun.

What We Like
Light, beachy scent
Enhances natural waves
Leaves hair smooth
Good for curls
Affordable compared to salon brands
What We Don't Like
May weigh down fine hair
Not as moisturizing as others
#TOP 4

V&Co. Beauty Wavy Hair Shampoo

V&Co. Beauty
V&Co. Beauty Wavy Hair Shampoo Cover
V&Co. Beauty Wavy Hair Nourishing Shampoo with Peptide Technology, 12 oz

V&Co. Beauty Wavy Shampoo is specially crafted for your wavy hair. Infused with Peptide Technology and rice protein, this light-weight formula helps tame frizz, replenish moisture, and promote bouncy strands. Say goodbye to sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and dyes with this cruelty-free, color-safe, and vegan shampoo. Elevate your shower experience with scents tailored just for you.

What We Like
Reduces frizz
Pleasant scent
Lathers well
Leaves hair soft
Reasonably priced
What We Don't Like
No squeaky clean feeling
#TOP 5

Function of Beauty Custom Shampoo for Wavy Hair

FUNCTION OF BEAUTY
Off White
Function of Beauty Custom Shampoo for Wavy Hair Cover
Function of Beauty Wavy Hair Shampoo, 11 oz Each (2-Pack) - Formulated with Fermented Rice Water to Strengthen and Promote Elasticity, Sulfate Free

Function of Beauty Shampoo offers a personalized hair care experience tailored specifically for wavy hair. You can customize your shampoo to meet your unique hair type and moisture needs. The inclusion of natural fermented rice water helps define your waves while keeping your hair soft and light. You also have the option to mix in up to three additional boosters for even more tailored results. Plus, this shampoo is made with 92% naturally-derived ingredients, ensuring a clean, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free formula that’s gentle on sensitive skin.

What We Like
Customizable shampoo options
Good value at sale price
Great scent and lather
Effective with conditioner
Available in local stores
What We Don't Like
Requires additional conditioner
No personalization on Amazon
#TOP 6

Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo

8004608245865
Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo Cover
Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo | Wavy & Curly Hair Shampoo | Smooth and Moisturize Curls with Almond Extract | 8.45 fl oz

Transform your wavy or curly hair with Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo. This daily conditioning shampoo is designed to define and volumize your curls, leaving them smooth and moisturized all day long. With the nourishing properties of almond extract, this shampoo is perfect for textured hair. Simply massage gently into your scalp and rinse out for best results. Plus, the non-sealed bottle makes it easy to use every day without any hassle.

What We Like
Effective for curly hair
Minimizes frizz
Lightweight and easy to rinse
Amazing scents
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Overpowering scent for some
#TOP 7

Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Shampoo

820645006973
White
Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Shampoo Cover
Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo For Wavy, Coily and Curly Hair, Sulfate Free Shampoo with Castor Oil for Weak Hair, 11 Fl Oz

Get stronger natural hair from the first wash with Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Shampoo. This moisturizing shampoo cleanses curly hair while moisturizing, making hair instantly stronger and less prone to breakage. The anti-breakage formula delivers 15x stronger hair and 94% less breakage in one use. Blended with castor oil, it hydrates dry, damaged, and frizzy hair. This shampoo is perfect for weak, breakage-prone hair, and it supports the strength of hair as it grows and gets longer. The Carol's Daughter Collection is created for natural hair with various curl types, and you can complete the routine with other products such as the conditioner, hair oil, and leave-in. To use, massage the shampoo into your hair, lather, and rinse.

What We Like
Effective moisture and hydration
Improves hair softness and shine
Amazing, pleasant scent
Reduces hair shedding
Suitable for textured hair types
What We Don't Like
Poor packaging experience
Item appeared used
#TOP 8

Love Ur Curls Shampoo for Curly Hair

Love Ur Curls Shampoo for Curly Hair Cover
Love Ur Curls LUS Brands Shampoo for Curly, Wavy, Kinky-Coily Hair, 8.5 oz - Sulfate-Free Gentle, Moisturizing Shampoo - Hair Care Products for Soft, Smooth Curl Definition

Love Ur Curls offers a sulfate-free, gentle, and moisturizing shampoo that cleanses your scalp and curls without stripping away their natural oils. The shampoo is infused with shea butter and moringa oil, which nourish and repair your hair, leaving your curls soft, defined, and full of shine. Additionally, it brings out your natural waves, curls, spirals, kinks, and coils, leaving them touchable and defined. This vegan, gluten-free, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free shampoo is suitable for sensitive skin. Love Ur Curls offers a 30-day money-back policy, so you can try it risk-free. Use it as the first step in your LOVE UR CURLS 3-Step System for the best results.

What We Like
Defines curls effectively
Minimizes frizz
Mild, pleasant scent
Lightweight and moisturizing
Good for thick, curly hair
What We Don't Like
Hard to dispense product
Thick bottle design

Carol's Daughter Moisturizing Shampoo

15041859
White
Carol's Daughter Moisturizing Shampoo Cover
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo for Curly, Wavy or Natural Hair, Moisturizing Hair Care for Dry, Damaged Hair, 12 Fl Oz

Transform dry and damaged hair with Carol's Daughter Moisturizing Shampoo. This sulfate-free shampoo hydrates both thin and thick natural hair with shea butter, aloe, and rosemary, leaving it softer, more manageable, and with a healthy shine. The lightweight formula cleanses and restores moisture without weighing down textured hair. Suitable for all curl types, complete your hair care routine with other products from Carol's Daughter Set. To use, wet your hair completely, apply the shampoo, and massage it gently into your hair and scalp before rinsing well. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner for best results. Founded by Lisa Price, a black woman, Carol's Daughter carries a full line of textured hair care products for women and men to care for all waves, curls, and coils.

What We Like
Moisturizing for hair
Great fragrance
Soft and shiny results
Effective for curly hair
Good lathering
What We Don't Like
May weigh down fine hair
Pump dispenser issues
#TOP 10

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo Cover
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo, Paraben-Free with Hyaluronic Acid and Castor Oil. Best for wavy hair to curly hair, 28 fl oz (Packaging May Vary)

Elvive Dream Lengths Curls paraben-free nourishing formulas help achieve dreamy hydrated, defined, bouncy, soft curly hair without the weigh down. Formulated with a cocktail of hyaluronic acid and fine castor oil, Elvive Dream Lengths Curls curly hair regimen helps locks in long-lasting moisture for deeply hydrated curly hair from scalp to tip and defines curly hair by sculpting and retaining shape.

What We Like
Effective for curly hair
Moisturizes and defines curls
Affordable option
Free from harsh chemicals
Long-lasting product
What We Don't Like
Strong fragrance
May leave hair limp
Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair Feature Image

Factors to Consider when Choosing Shampoo for Wavy Hair

Hair Type Compatibility

When selecting a shampoo for wavy hair, consider one that is specifically formulated for your hair type. Look for shampoos that mention "wavy hair" or "curly hair" on the label. These products are designed to enhance and define your natural waves while providing the necessary hydration.

Moisture and Hydration

Wavy hair tends to be more prone to dryness and frizz. Therefore, opt for a shampoo that offers deep moisturization and hydration. Look for ingredients such as shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, or glycerin, which can help nourish and hydrate your waves, leaving them soft and manageable.

Sulfate-Free Formula

Sulfates can strip away natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and frizzy. To maintain the health and integrity of your waves, choose a shampoo that is sulfate-free. This will help preserve the natural oils of your hair, keeping it moisturized and reducing frizz.

Gentle Cleansing

Wavy hair is more delicate and prone to damage, so it's important to choose a shampoo that provides gentle cleansing. Look for shampoos that are labeled as gentle or mild. These formulas will cleanse your hair without causing excessive dryness or weighing it down.

Curl Definition and Enhancement

If you want to enhance your wavy texture and promote curl definition, consider shampoos that offer these specific benefits. Look for products that mention "curl-enhancing" or "wave-defining" properties. These shampoos often contain ingredients like polymers or proteins that help shape and define your waves for a more polished look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does wavy hair need different shampoo?

Yes, wavy hair requires a different shampoo that is formulated to address its specific needs. Wavy hair tends to dry out faster, so it's important to look for a shampoo with hydrating oils to keep the hair moisturized. However, it's advisable to avoid creamy or rich shampoos that can weigh down the hair.

2. What should you not do with wavy hair?

When you have wavy hair, it's best to avoid excessive heat styling to prevent frizz and protect the hair from damage. Using a diffuser attachment with a hairdryer can help dry the hair quickly without disrupting the wave pattern.

3. What is the best thing for wavy hair?

The best product for wavy hair is something lightweight, such as a mousse, foam, or a light cream. These products can define the waves without weighing down the hair. It's important to choose products that suit the strength, shape, and tightness of the curl pattern in wavy hair.

Editor's Notes

During our shampoo for wavy hair research, we found 48 shampoo for wavy hair products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 147,348 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shampoo for wavy hair list. We found that most customers choose shampoo for wavy hair with an average price of $13.78.

The shampoo for wavy hair are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shampoo for wavy hair, including SheaMoisture, MATRIX, Sun Bum, V&Co. Beauty, FUNCTION OF BEAUTY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Shampoo for Wavy Hair Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand SheaMoisture MATRIX Sun Bum V&Co. Beauty FUNCTION OF BEAUTY Davines L’Oréal Paris Love Ur Curls Carol's Daughter L’Oréal Paris
Item Form Cream Liquid Oil Liquid Liquid Liquid,Creamy Liquid Cream Liquid Liquid
Hair Type Thick and Curly hair Curly Curly Wavy Wavy Wavy,Curly Damaged Wavy, Curly Dry Curly
Scent Coconut Honey Coconut Floral - Almond Ginger and Turmeric Fresh Vanilla and Lavender Sweet, fruity, floral scent
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult - Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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