Discover the best wavy hair routine with 7 easy steps, expert tips, and Ouidad favorites to keep your waves hydrated, defined, and frizz-free.
Wavy hair walks the line—between texture and smoothness, volume and weight, freedom and control. That balancing act is exactly what makes it so beautiful, but it can also make it tricky to care for. The key? An effortless routine that works with your natural texture and your lifestyle.
Whether your waves need a refresh at the end of a long day or you’re building a new system from scratch, this guide has everything you need, including real Ouidad stylist and customer favorites. Let’s break it down into 7 steps.
Step 1: Rethink how you shampoo
For many of us with waves, shampoo is the first place we go wrong. Scrubbing the scalp aggressively or working shampoo through the full length of the hair can cause frizz, dryness, and a loss of definition. Instead, Ouidad stylists recommend treating your scalp with care and your ends with intention.
“Never bunch or scrub curls together while shampooing, as this roughens the cuticle, weakens hair, and causes frizz. For curls that are drier, focus on cleansing at the scalp and do not apply shampoo to ends. The shampoo will cleanse the ends of curls as it is rinsed out.”
— Ouidad Salon Stylist
Look for a shampoo that’s gentle and hydrating but won’t weigh down your texture. Need a recommendation? Our Curl Shaper Collection features shampoos specifically designed for loose curls and wavy hair.
Step 2: Skip the towel and the tangle
One of the biggest disruptors to a wavy routine happens post-shower, when we’re all tempted to rub our hair dry or brush it out. Here’s the truth: both can break up your curl pattern and leave you with a halo of frizz instead of touchable texture.
Instead, use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt to gently blot (not scrub!) excess water from your hair. Then, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up. If your hair tangles easily, work in sections and add a leave-in conditioner or detangling milk to make the process smoother.
(Pro tip: many Ouidad fans swear by the 3-in-One Revitalizing Milk—more on that below.)
Step 3: Layer your products strategically
The right products can make your waves look effortless, but that only works when they’re layered with intention. A good rule of thumb? Moisture first, hold second. That means applying a leave-in conditioner, cream, or milk to prep and hydrate, then following with a jelly or gel to help define and lock in your pattern.
“I love using this product at the end of the work day before going out. It is amazing. Evenly spreading it over the curls brings them right back to life.”
— Jackie O., Ouidad customer
For added bounce and long-lasting volume, Ouidad’s VitalCurl+ Soft Defining Mousse or Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel can also be layered depending on your styling goals.
Want sculpted, touchable definition? The Volumizing Jelly delivers hold without crunch and is perfect for reviving your wave pattern.
Step 4: Diffuse or air-dry, it’s your call
Once your products are applied, you’ve got two main drying routes. Air-drying keeps things natural and low-effort, while diffusing adds lift and speed, especially helpful if you want volume or are short on time. Either way, keep your hands off while your hair sets.
If you’re diffusing, use low heat and low airflow, and hold the diffuser still as you move around your head. Flip your hair side to side or upside down for added lift. For extra definition, you can also try the rake and shake method—a Ouidad salon classic.
Step 5: Refresh with intention
Waves don’t always need a full wash to come back to life. In fact, many Ouidad customers say their best hair days are on Day 2 or Day 3 if they’ve got the right refresh strategy.
That’s where the Curl Shaper Bounce Back Reactivating Mist really shines. A few sprays over dry or damp hair reactivates curl memory, smooths frizz, and adds moisture without starting over.
You can also mist your hair lightly with water or a water–leave-in mix, then scrunch and go. If your roots get greasy before your ends do, try a little dry shampoo at the scalp and avoid overloading mid-lengths and ends with product.
Step 6: Protect your waves while you sleep
How you sleep on your waves matters more than you think. If you want to preserve the wave pattern and reduce frizz, try a satin pillowcase or a loose pineapple (a high ponytail on top of your head) secured with a soft scrunchie.
Some wavy-haired folks also sleep with their hair in loose braids or twists, depending on their texture and goals. Experiment and see what works best for you—but whatever you do, avoid tight ponytails or rubber bands that could cause dents or breakage.
Step 7: Keep it simple, keep it consistent
Wavy hair thrives on rhythm, not clutter. A few right-for-you products used the same way each time? That’s where the magic happens.
The more you learn your wave pattern and stick to a low-friction routine, the more defined and healthy your hair will look over time. You can always adapt it (consider skipping the jelly on a lazy day or doubling down on refreshers before a night out) but the foundation stays the same. You got this, gorgeous.
