My hair isn’t straight—yet it never crossed my mind that I needed a wavy hair routine. For years, I forced it into submission with blow dryers and flat irons, or worse, curled it into fake beach waves with a curling wand. The clues were always there, quietly shouting that I wasn’t treating my hair right: constant dryness, instant frizz in humidity, and endless tangles.

According to hairstylist Samantha Draper, I’m not alone in figuring out my hair texture later in life. She shares signs to watch for if you suspect your hair might be wavy too. “Wavy hair usually air-dries into an S-shape wave and has more volume than straight hair—often described as poofy or puffy,” Draper tells Vogue. “Frizz is common because wavy hair craves moisture. If your hair gets frizzy, dry, or reacts to humidity, it’s likely naturally wavy.”

### Vogue’s Wavy Hair Essentials
Shampoo & Conditioner: Alterna Caviar Replenishing Moisture Duo, $90
Weekly Mask: Nutrafol Build Up Blocker Scalp Mask, $49
Styling Product: Oribe Matte Waves, $44
Diffuser Dryer: T3 Featherweight StyleMax, $210
Hair Towel: Volo Hero Hair Towel, $44
Silk Pillowcase: Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, $105

Waves are just a looser curl pattern—and like curls, they need their own routine. “Think of a wavy routine as a simplified version of the Curly Girl Method,” says Draper. “While they share similarities, waves have different needs.” Below, a step-by-step guide to the perfect wavy hair routine.

### Step 1: Use Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
A hydrating wash is key for wavy hair, which has an uneven cuticle that struggles to retain moisture. “Moisturizing shampoos help detangle and keep waves bouncy,” says Draper. Skip sulfates—they worsen dryness—and opt for gentle, botanical-rich formulas from brands like Moroccanoil, Rōz, Alterna, or Pureology. Pro tip: Apply conditioner with the “squish to condish” method—scrunching it in to lock in moisture and define waves.

### Step 2: Treat Hair to a Weekly Mask
Deep conditioning fights frizz, dryness, and breakage while boosting elasticity. “Wavy hair doesn’t need as heavy a treatment as curly hair, but it still gets dry easily,” says Draper. For a personalized option, Prose offers custom hair masks.

(Note: The text cuts off here, but the rewrite follows the same structure and clarity as the original.)Let’s address your specific concerns—whether it’s density, texture, or overall hair health. If you love a bit of luxury, Sisley Paris’s masks are packed with ceramides and plant-based oils, offering deep hydration that leaves hair incredibly soft. For a lightweight option, K18’s leave-in molecular repair mask is a cult favorite—it’s so light you can apply it after every wash without rinsing. And if you want to clarify your scalp, Nutrafol’s Scalp Mask removes buildup that can weigh down your waves and dull their shape.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
$29 | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com) | [K18](https://www.k18hair.com)

Prose Custom Hair Mask
$49 | [PROSE](https://www.prose.com)

Nutrafol Build-Up Blocker Scalp Exfoliating Hair Mask
$49 | [NUTRAFOL](https://www.nutrafol.com) | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com)

Sisley Paris The Intense Nutrition Hair Care Mask
$140 | [NORDSTROM](https://www.nordstrom.com)

### Step Three: Lock in Your Waves with Lightweight Styling Products
Timing is key for wavy hair. Start styling right after your shower while your hair is damp—this helps lock in moisture and product absorption. Stylist Draper suggests applying products while hair is wet, working from ends to roots. Once evenly distributed, scrunch your hair upside down or tilted to the side.

Draper advises against heavy gels for wavy hair, as they can weigh it down. Instead, opt for moisturizing creams like Reverie’s Milk, which provides hydration and hold. For a softer touch, Rahua’s aloe-infused mousse gives a weightless hold, while Oribe’s Matte Waves defines with a matte finish. If you air-dry, Briogeo’s styling cream enhances waves without crunch.

Oribe Matte Waves
$44 | [BLUEMERCURY](https://www.bluemercury.com) | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com)

Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream
$26 | [NORDSTROM](https://www.nordstrom.com) | [BLUEMERCURY](https://www.bluemercury.com) | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com)

Reverie Natural Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment
$44 | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com)

Rahua Aloe Vera Hair Mousse
$38 | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com)

### Step Four: Use Wave-Friendly Hair Tools and Accessories
To keep waves happy, avoid mechanical damage. Bounce Curl’s detangling brush glides through knots easily, while T3’s Featherweight Style Dryer has a diffuser for defined texture and a comb for easy detangling. For extra care, Volo’s microfiber towel and Slip’s silk pillowcase reduce breakage.

Pro tip: While drying, shape waves around your face with the “pinch and roll” technique—gently forming S-shapes and securing them with clips for a flattering look.

T3 Featherweight StyleMax Dryer
$210 | [NORDSTROM](https://www.nordstrom.com) | [T3](https://www.t3micro.com)

Volo Beauty Hero Hair Towel
$44 | [NORDSTROM](https://www.nordstrom.com)

Slip Silk Pillowcase
$105 | [NORDSTROM](https://www.nordstrom.com) | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com)

Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush
$30 | [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com)

### Step Five: Refresh Texture with a Spritz of Wave Spray
A little wave spray can enhance definition—sea salt is a classic, but it can dry out hair. Some newer formulas skip salt for moisturizing ingredients instead.For tousled waves without the crunch, try alternatives like sugars or proteins.

Product Recommendations:
Maria Nila Ocean Spray – $30 at BlueMercury
R+Co Sail Soft Wave Spray – $36 at BlueMercury
IGK Beach Club Texture Spray – $36 at Nordstrom
Ouai Wave Spray – $30 at Amazon, $28 at Shopbop

Meet the Expert:
Samantha Draper is a New York–based professional hairstylist at Soho Salon Suite Caroline, specializing in everything from trendy cuts to expert blowouts.