Last Updated on: January 13, 2023
We all yearn for that exceptional diva moment and be able to turn heads everywhere we go, thanks to the waves on our hair. After all, it is a beachy and natural style that has trended and evolved over the last few decades.
However…
Using heat-based styling tools to achieve this can be scary and may not even give you the desired results.
But with some of the best wave shampoos like the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo, you can achieve your goals. Plus, some come with a wave-forming powder that can help you maintain the waves.
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. WaveBuilder Wash In Waves |  Editor's Choice | Enhances Wave Patterns
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Cantu Men’s 3-In-1 Men's Collection |  Most Versatile | Multipurpose
| Check Current Price |
| 3. SexyHair Texture Clean Wave |  Best Texturizing | Prevents Breakage
| Check Current Price |
| 4. SheaMoisture Shampoo Curl and Shine |  Best For Thick Hair | Natural Shine
| Check Current Price |
| 5. Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Shampoo |  Best For Beach Waves | Vegan
| Check Current Price |
The Best Wave Shampoo Reviewed
1. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo – Best Overall
Generally, we all use several products while trying to create our dream waves and turn heads everywhere we go. Unfortunately, using different brands can severely damage your scalp, thanks to the product buildup. Therefore, when looking for the best shampoo, you should consider this factor and get a brand like SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo that can correct this problem.
Other than removing the residue buildup, the other reason why it topped our list is the fact that the SheaMoisture Manuka shampoo is a perfect combination of a hair masque, conditioner, and shampoo.
This hair shampoo has everything you need to clean your hair in one package.
It can moisturize your waves and leave them looking healthy and shining all day long. This shampoo’s perfect combination of natural elements, like baobab, butter, and honey, makes it the best option for a hairstylist looking for a nourishing hair product.
The perfect combination of a hair masque, shampoo, and conditioner helps clean your hair while removing the damaging and dull components on your scalp. Plus, it’s ideal for all hair types, including fine hair, which is a bonus. Therefore, it can help improve your color-treated or damaged hair.
Pros
- Moisturizing agent
- Natural ingredients
- Clarifying shampoo
- Ideal for damaged and color-treated hair
- 3-in-1 products
Cons
- Contains alcohol
Takeaway
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shampoo is an exceptional product with hair masque for hydrating your waves after washing them. It also contains a clarifying shampoo that can remove the residue buildup from the previous shampoos.
2. WaveBuilder Wash In Waves Wave Saving Shampoo – Best For Removing Products Buildup
WaveBuilder is a renowned brand in this industry that has produced some of the best products for wavers. And the WaveBuilder Wash-In-Waves Wave Saving Shampoo is one of their key products designed for wave lovers only.
If you have been trying to perfect your waves for years, then you have tried several products that leave their residues on your hair. Therefore, before the best shampoo can penetrate your hair shaft, you need to eliminate the residue buildups. And that is where this wave shampoo comes in, as it’s designed to improve your waves.
Another exceptional feature of this wave shampoo is that it enhances your wave pattern after shampooing.
Other great ingredients in this wash-in-waves wave-saving shampoo, like wheat protein, can help strengthen the hair shaft. Unfortunately, the fact that it has some harsh ingredients makes it a bad option for textured hair. For example, the surfactants may end up over-cleansing your scalp and exposing it to direct sunlight.
Pros
- Builds waves
- Removes product buildup
- Affordable
Cons
- Features over-cleansing ingredients
Takeaway
Besides removing the residues from other products, the WaveBuilder Wash In Waves Shampoo can also enhance your wave pattern. It also features other ingredients like wheat protein that can help strengthen the hair shaft.
3. Cantu Men’s 3-In-1 Shampoo Conditioner Bodywash 1 – Best 3-In-1
Cantu is an exceptional brand that has been associated with curly, coily, and dry hair, and the Cantu Men’s 3-In-1 Shampoo Conditioner Bodywash 1 is no exception. The Cantu conditioner is a body wash, conditioner, and shampoo. Therefore, it eliminates the need to purchase many products just to maintain your waves and skin.
The fact that its primary ingredient is shea butter means that it is exceptional when it comes to softening and hydrating curly, coarse hair.
Then, tea tree oil and hemp seed oil can keep dandruff and inflammation at bay. Tea tree oil can also help balance sebum production on the scalp. And the major benefit of this formulation is that it will nourish your hair without leaving it too oily.
The only disadvantage of this formulation I discovered about it is that it has added fragrances. Fortunately, this should not be an issue unless you’re sensitive to strong smells or have an irritated scalp.
Pros
- Control oiliness and inflammation
- Moisturizing
- Multipurpose
- Hydrating properties
- Safe
Cons
- Heavily scented
Takeaway
If getting more than one product to take care of your waves and body is an issue, then you should try the Cantu Men’s 3-In-1 shampoo. After all, it has deep conditioning characteristics and can serve as a body wash and shampoo while keeping your hair healthy.
4. SexyHair Texture Clean Wave 2-in-1 Texturizing Styling Shampoo – Best Texturizing Shampoo
Formulated for style, scent, and texture, the SexyHair Texture Clean Wave 2-in-1 Texturizing Styling Shampoo is an exceptional shampoo that can boost your shine while softening the hair. Therefore, you can create a relaxed wavy hair that can protect you against humidity.
This is one of the few formulas that can turn your straight hair to waves while texturizing it and ensuring it holds the waves longer. It also features sea salt that helps thicken your hair shaft for a beachy look while opening cuticles.
Other exceptional ingredients like honey and shea butter can moisturize your hair, while coconut oil prevents frizz. Its perfect combination of ingredients can strengthen your hair strands and help them survive the numerous combing sessions.
On the other hand, the honey in this shampoo is an exceptional remedy for dry scalp as it moisturizes your skin while reducing hair loss and dryness and removing dead skin cells. The only drawback is that it can leave you with some dry hands.
Pros
- Prevents hair breakage
- Moisturizes
- Nourishes
- Ideal for straight hair
- Texturizing agents
Cons
- Drying effects
Takeaway
The SexyHair Texture Styling Shampoo is a perfect solution for folks with straight hair that’s hard to wave. It’s an exceptional formula that prevents frizz and texturizes your hair while moisturizing it.
5. SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Coconut Shampoo for Curly Hair – Best For Thick Hair
SheaMoisture is one of the leading brands on the planet; therefore, it’s no surprise we just had to feature the SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Coconut Shampoo for Curly Hair on our list. After all, it is one of the best options for wave lovers with thick hair.
An interesting thing about this shampoo is that it doesn’t have any harsh ingredients that can end up drying our hair, like parabens, dye, and phthalate.
Its deep cleansing properties will help remove grease from your hair and leave it with its natural shine while ensuring the nutrients reach the cuticles. Therefore, if you have straight hair, you can benefit from its curl-enhancing characteristics.
Another incredible ingredient that favors wavers is the coconut oil that protects and hydrates your waves. Therefore, it can prevent breakage and frizz. The hibiscus in this shampoo strengthens your hair, regulates sebum production, and prevents dandruff.
After all, 360 waves require aggressive and continuous brushing; therefore, you need to protect your scalp and hair from damage. Luckily, it comes with neem oil that can treat your scalp and stimulate growth.
Pros
- Treats scalp
- Non-greasy
- Moisturizes
- Natural shine
- Eliminates frizz
Cons
- Not ideal for thin hair
Takeaway
Unlike most shampoos, the SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Coconut Shampoo can enhance your waves without leaving your waves too greasy. Plus, the fact that it can strengthen your hair roots while treating some harsh scalp conditions is a bonus.
6. Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Shampoo – Best For Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are beautiful, relaxed, natural-looking curls that seem effortlessly undone. Unfortunately, very few shampoos can give you beachy waves, and one of the best options is the Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Shampoo. This shampoo can add texture to different types of hair while cleaning it.
This shampoo features natural ingredients; plus, it’s free of phthalates, mineral oil, parabens, and sulfates. Plus, it has coconuts and banana fragrances, ideal for folks who aren’t affected by strong smells.
And if you are a vegan, you can use this shampoo without feeling guilty. Other ingredients that make it stand out are chia seed extract, jojoba seed oil, algae extract, and kelp extract. Plus, the fact that it lifts your hair roots and makes your hair seem fuller is a bonus.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Ideal for all hair types
- Makes your hair fuller
Cons
- Doesn’t spread easily
Takeaway
Unlike most shampoos that promise your beachy waves, the Pacifica Salty Waves Shampoo works with all hair types, including wavy hair. And it’s vegan and doesn’t have harsh chemicals, which makes it the best option for folks with allergies.
7. Acure Wave & Curl Color Wellness Shampoo – Best For Color-Treated Hair
Acure is an exceptional brand with a hair product for everyone, including the ones that have color-treated their hair. Therefore, if you’re looking for an ideal shampoo that can curl your hair without affecting the dye, then you should try this Acure Wave & Curl Shampoo. Generally, it’s a purple shampoo designed for removing brassy undertone from white-colored, silver, and blonde hairs.
Fortunately, this shampoo doesn’t come with artificial colors; the violet pigment in this shampoo comes from the blue tansy plants. Therefore, you can use it to improve the texture of your hair without any side effects.
It contains sunflower seed oil and argan oil to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from fading. And just like the SexyHair Shampoo, the Acure Wave can also help enhance your waves. But unlike SexyHair Shampoo, this shampoo is harsh, chemicals-free, and 100% vegan.
Pros
- Harsh chemicals free
- Vegan
- Texturizing properties
Cons
- Not ideal for coarse hair
Takeaway
Acure Wave & Curl Color Wellness Shampoo is 100% vegan; therefore, it is safe for folks with color-treated hair. Plus, it’s petroleum-free, so you’ll never have to worry about a sensitive scalp.
Factors To Consider When Picking The Best Shampoo and Conditioner For Waves
Before we tell you more about our top pick, let’s elaborate on some unique factors you must consider when selecting the best shampoo. After all, they all have a combination of some of the best ingredients designed for improving your waves.
Unfortunately, some shampoos have harsh ingredients that can do more damage than good. So here are a few things that make a great wave shampoo:
Natural Ingredients
Generally, you should always wash your hair with a formulation that can improve hair moisture without damaging it and leaving you with breakages and frizz. Therefore, avoiding products with certain ingredients, including surfactants, phthalate, and alcohol, is always good.
You should always examine the ingredients on the shampoo bottle before making a purchase. So instead of a product with the above harsh ingredients, you are better off with a shampoo containing essential oils like coconut oil and almond oil or fats from kukui nut and shea butter.
Essential oils like coconut oil can soothe and moisturize your scalp while conditioning your hair. Remember, essential oils are natural ingredients with a low likelihood of irritating your scalp and can promote hair growth.
Clarifying Ingredients
Some ingredients can leave you with residue buildup that can prevent some nourishing ingredients from getting into the hair shaft. Therefore, you should look for a product containing some clarifying ingredients to help remove this buildup.
Plus, the active ingredients in the best shampoo and conditioner should never be a surfactant as they will remove the moisture in the hair shaft instead of keeping it moisturized, leaving you with dry hair.
Moisturizing Ingredients Like Coconut Oil
Shampoos tend to clear everything in your hair; therefore, they can’t differentiate between grease and sebum. It can clear off the sebum leaving you with scalp inflammations and brittle hair. You can only prevent this by clearing the grease and dirt from your scalp and leaving your coarse or fine hair nourished.
Therefore, the best waves shampoo and conditioner should have jojoba, shea butter, mineral oil, and honey.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Wash My Waves?
Yes, you can wash your waves, but how often you wash them matters a lot. After all, washing the waves daily can damage your waves since shampoo can eliminate all the natural oils created by the skin. Therefore, we recommend that you wash them with wave shampoo once per week.
Can I Use Any Shampoo For Waves?
No, some wave shampoos contain several harsh ingredients that can damage your hair. Before purchasing any shampoo, you should examine the list of ingredients and ensure it doesn’t include any harsh ingredients. Plus, a surfactant should never be the most active ingredient in shampoo.
Is Shampoo Ideal For Waves?
No, some shampoos can improve your waves and leave you healthy hair, while others can damage your waves. You should get a shampoo that removes product buildup and leaves you with healthy hair. On the other hand, moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner can seal the hair and prevent further moisture loss.
Conclusion
A wide range of shampoos can help you create waves; some can leave you with healthy hair. But you have to pick the right product that matches your hair type; after all, a formulation designed for thin hair can end up damaging thick hair. Plus, the ingredients matter a lot.
From our research, we have concluded that SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Combination Set. This shampoo can help hydrate your waves after washing them and eliminate the product buildup.