Best curl enhancing shampoo and conditioner for wavy hair

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

If you’re tired of your waves feeling lifeless and frizzy instead of bouncy and beautiful, try applying the best curl enhancing products for wavy hair! These products add volume and define curls instantly for both naturally type-2 wavy hair and tresses that have been permed. 

These products do not just turn waves into curls. Using a curl-defining cream for natural hair, for instance, can keep your kinky, coily hair free of frizz and voluminous. 

I’ve listed out the best curl enhancing products for wavy hair on the market today. Take a look and choose the right one for your hair type and texture.

Related: How To Take Care Of Wavy Hair

With the curl enhancing products for wavy hair, you can get beautiful ringlets in your hair without the need of heat styling products like curl wands. These curl enhancing creams and serums help define curl pattern and keep your hair free from frizz. Some of these curl enhancing creams also help keep your hair styles in place for longer.

How I tested the top curl enhancing products for wavy hair?

To test these curl enhancing products, I used them on my wavy 2b hair and rated them on a scale of 1-5 looking at the results. These products were rather on the following factors.

• Curl Enhancing Power – Obviously the first thing I checked was how good these products were at making my wave hair curlier.
• Nourishing Properties – Since my hair was a bit dry and damaged, I wanted to see if these products had additional benefits for hair like moisturizing, damage control, etc.
• Non-Greasy – Most curl enhancing products are creams and mousses, so I wanted to see if they would leave my wavy hair greasy and weighed down.

Moroccan Oil Curling Cream

Best Curl Enhancer For Straight Hair

The Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream is a very well-known brand, so I had to try this out first.

It isn’t just a good hair curling cream for straight hair. It is also by far one of the best curl enhancing products for wavy hair I’ve used. Period.

I loved how lightweight it is! And despite the nourishing argan oil formulation, it didn’t weigh down my type-2b hair at all. 

If you have a frizz problem, this Moroccan oil curling cream is here to help. Plus, it’s also got hydrolyzed keratin protein that helps in repairing split ends. 

All I did was apply a little bit of the product to wet hair and air dry it. (You can use a diffuser if you like). And voila!

My coarse 2b hair turned into these smooth, bouncy, and amazingly soft curls.

Oh, and the signature musky-floral scent was so pleasant.

I just have one little problem with this curling cream. It’s got silicones!

So if you’re going to use it, I suggest going for a clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse once a week to get rid of any product build-up.

Pros:

• It’s very lightweight but nourishing at the same time
• A little product goes a long way
• Contains nourishing ingredients like argan oil

Cons:

• I didn’t like that it contained added perfumes
• It won’t suit very sensitive scalps
• Silicones can weigh down your hair in the long run

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4/5
• Nourishing Properties – 4/5
• Non-Greasy – 4.5/5

Cantu Curl Enhancer Activator Cream

Best Hair Products For Black Curly Hair

I have 2b waves, so I was wondering if this Cantu product would be too heavy for my hair. But it worked just fine!

I then checked the ingredient label and found that this was a silicone-free product. So hurray for me!

But Afro hair comes with its own set of challenges, however. Even if you’ve got milder curl textures like type-3 hair, your strands are more porous and require extra care.

So I would suggest you go for this product in case if you have coarser African American hair textures. Or something more “nourishing” like the SheaMoisture cream.

I also give this product brownie points for being free from paraben and mineral oils!

Just what my sensitive scalp needs!

And this isn’t just for wavy hair, even those with type-4 hair textures will love the shea butter formula. 

I just have a warning to issue. The Cantu Activator cream might not be the best curl enhancing product for finer hair as it can weigh the fine strands down.

So I suggest only those with wavy, thick hair use it. It helps reduce frizz and adds volume. Plus, it smells like coconuts, so what’s not to love!

Pros:

• It works for both type 3 and type 4 hair
• Doesn’t contain any added preservatives or silicones
• It has a very pleasant coconut scent that is not overwhelming

Cons:

• Can be too heavy for 1c and 2a wavy hair as it weighs hair down

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4.5/5
• Nourishing Properties – 4.5/5
• Non-Greasy – 3.5/5

Who It’s For – Thick hair with 2c or 3a texture.

Davines Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Best Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Okay, so let’s get this straight. There’s no magic shampoo that makes wavy hair curly, but the Davines Love Curl Enhancing shampoo can certainly improve your curl definition. 

I included this shampoo on my list of the best curl enhancing products for wavy hair for two reasons. One, it has a mineral-rich, hydrating formula.

This means the shampoo can control frizz and dullness while the minerals add curl definition.

And before you ask, yes. This shampoo is sulfate-free. But there are milder surfactants in it so I wouldn’t suggest if for people with color-treated hair.

My hair seemed softer, shinier, and healthier by the first wash itself. And I noticed that it prevented my waves from turning hard or crunchy like some gels or creams do.

I was however, disappointed at the tiny size of the bottle especially at the price tag. But hey, that’s Davines entire philosophy – compact packaging for sustainability!

Unfortunately, it means

Pros:

• Cleans hair without the use of sulfates
• Doesn’t leave waves crunchy like creams/gels do
• Cleans hair without stripping moisture or causing frizz
• Doesn’t contain silicones to weigh hair down

Cons:

• It’s more expensive than other wave enhancing products here
• Very little product comes in the bottle

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4.5/5
• Nourishing Properties – 3/5
• Non-Greasy – 4.5/5

Who It’s For – Wavy hair prone to oiliness and dulness

Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream

Best Curl Activator For Waves

The next one on my list of the is the Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream. And this one is my absolute favorite.

Let’s see why. First of all, it’s great for type 2b hair, 3a, and 4 hair textures and is suited for most weather conditions too!

And the best part? There are no sulfates, parabens, silicones, alcohol, or any other ingredient here I could disapprove.

So if you’ve got colour-treated hair or want to use it on your perm – go right ahead. It’s perfectly safe!

I liked how this cream contains mostly natural ingredients like glycerin and sea buckthorn oil that prevent frizz.

I also like the use of hydrolyzed wheat protein and tapioca starch to add and hold that curl definition. These do not make your hair crunchy the way rice starch does.

My one gripe is the price. It’s a lot expensive especially if you compare it to creams like Cantu and Miss Jessie’s.

But if you have a sensitive scalp and damaged, processed hair, I think it’s worth shelling out the price for the Amika cream.

Pros:

• It’s safe to use on color-treated and permed hair
• Ingredients list is mostly natural, organic ingredients
• Lightweight enough to work for 1c and 2a wavy hair

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other hair creams

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 5/5
• Nourishing Properties – 4.5/5
• Non-Greasy – 4.5/5

Who It’s For – Damaged and overly-processed hair

Curls Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream

Best Curl Defining Cream For Natural Hair

The Curls Blueberry Cream is actually a hair twist product but I have used it on my wavy hair before. It’s not very heavy at all, so it works fine on my hair texture.

It felt very lightweight and helped increase my curl definition too.

I would also recommend this product if you have natural hair, especially if you wear it in protective styles like twists or locks. I’ve found it to be one best products for natural hair as it’s silicone and fragrance free.

I also was impressed a this cream’s natural formula. It comes packed with blueberries as you can tell from the name.

Usually cremas with heavy butters (like the SheaMoisture cream) can get too heavy for wavy hair. So I liked the comparatively lighter coconut and safflower oil formulation of the Curls Blueberry Bliss.

Oh, and I loved the fruity mango smell it leaves behind my hair. It’s natural as there are no added perfumes in the cream.

But I had just one complaint – the product doesn’t have a lot of slip.

Despite its lightweight texture, it can weigh down 1c wavy hair, so I suggest only hair textures of type 2b and up use this product. 

Pros:

• Great for both slightly wavy 2b hair and 3a curly hair
• It’s delicious mango scent is completely natural
• It’s nourishing without being too heavy for wavy hair

Cons:

• Not that I could think of!

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4/5
• Nourishing Properties – 4/5
• Non-Greasy – 4/5

Wella Eimi Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse

Best Mousse For 2b Hair

If you’ve got dry, coarse 1c hair, then finding a curl-enhancing product can be a total challenge.

I’ve noticed that most of the best products for wavy frizzy hair have a rich, nourishing formula. But these can also weigh down fine, 1c wavy hair textures. 

This is why I liked the Wella Eimi Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse so much!

It’s the best mousse for both 1c hair as it contains wheat bran extracts and jojoba oil that add volume and body to your tresses without making them greasy.

And the best part? This product doesn’t just turn waves into curls, but it also provides a medium-level hold.

I like the nourishing formulas of creams like Curls Blueberry and Cantu, but I’ve noticed that while they “create” curls from my wavy hair, they do not keep them that way through the day.

So I use Wella when I want my curls to last longer.

The only issue here is that this cream isn’t very moisturizing. Certainly not like the oil and butter-heavy ones like Cantu or SheaMoisture.

I’d suggest using this product if you have wavy-textured hair that is more oily than dry.

Pros:

• The lightweight formula is great for 1c type wavy hair
• Unlike other creams, it provides a medium hold that makes curls last longer

Cons:

• Not a good fit for dry hair as it’s not very nourishing

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4.5/5
• Nourishing Properties – 3/5
• Non-Greasy – 4/5

Who It’s For – Oily wavy hair and 1c wavy hair

Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls Cream

Best Drugstore Curl Cream

The best products for wavy hair do not have to be expensive. This curling cream by the brand Miss Jessie’s is one of the top drugstore products for 2a hair. 

It contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and glycerin that help reduce frizz and increase curl definition. I also liked the refreshing natural fragrance of the ginger flower essence in the formula. 

The main reason why we’ve included this product on our best curl enhancing products list is that it suits multiple hair textures. It’s only a good curl activator for waves, but it also helps protect type 3 and type 4 curl textures. 

If you’re planning to buy cruelty-free, you will love this product too as it’s not tested on animals. 

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4.5/5
• Nourishing Properties – 4/5
• Non-Greasy – 4/5

TGIN Twist & Define Cream

Best Curl Enhancing Products Twist Hairstyles

If you’re looking to create twists and braid hairstyles with your wavy hair, the TGIN Twist and Define Cream is the best product for you. Packed with the goodness of nourishing coconut oil, this vitamin E-rich formula keeps your hair manageable and leaves them curly and bouncy.

The natural formula is free of petrolatum, phthalates, parabens, alcohol, and other harsh and harmful chemicals. Flyaways and frizz got you bothered? This cream helps keep them in control too.

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4/5
• Nourishing Properties – 4/5
• Non-Greasy – 4.5/5

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream

Best Products For Wavy, Frizzy Hair

While this product works amazingly well on all curl types, it’s best for wavy, frizzy hair. The ingredient list is packed with humectants like glycerin, soybean oil, and olive oil. If you stay in really humid climates, this product will be your best friend.

The lightweight formula nourishes hair without weighing it down (hence the name featherlight), and its Nanotechnology seals in the cuticle to smoothen it. If the main problem with your waves isn’t the curl definition but the frizz, you should go for this product. 

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4/5
• Nourishing Properties – 4.5/5
• Non-Greasy – 4/5

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Best Damage-Repair Curl Enhancing Products For Wavy Hair

Using curling irons, scrunching, rollers, etc. can leave your hair damaged. So how does one turn waves into curls without hurting the strands? Simple, just use the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

The cream contains ingredients like shea butter, silk protein, neem oil, coconut oil, among others that help nourish your tresses and repair any previous damage.

I like how moisturizing this feels on my hair, but at the same time I was disappointed that the shea butter-rich product totally weighted down my 2b hair.

Maybe if you have type 3 hair that requires more nourishment you can get better use out of it. Me? I’ll stick to something lightweight.

My Ratings:

• Curl Enhancing Power – 4/5
• Nourishing Properties – 5/5
• Non-Greasy – 3.5/5

What is the best product for enhancing curls?

I covered all our bases – ingredients, texture, price, and everything else. And I found that the Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream was the best product to enhance curls. The formulation is alcohol and paraben-free, and you can use it on color-treated hair too! Plus, it works on several hair textures. 

Properties / Curl Enhancing Creams	Moroccan Oil Curling Cream	Cantu Curl EnhancerCream	Davines Love Shampoo	Amika Curl Crops Cream	Curls Blueberry Bliss Cream
Images
Curl-Enhancing Properties	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	4/5
Gentle on Hair	4/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	5/5	4.5/5
Fragrance	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5
Price	4/5	5/5	3/5	3/5	4.5/5

FAQs – Best Curl Enhancing Products For Wavy Hair

How do I make my wavy hair look curlier?

Using the best curl enhancing products should do the trick! Usually, curl activators and enhancers are applied to define and protect naturally curly hair or perms. But if used on type-2 hair, these can help create a curly texture. Combine these products with scrunching or use pin curlers to give shape. 

What are some best hair care tips for curly hair?

Using products to make straight hair curly hair seems fun, but most people forget that curly hair comes with its own set of challenges and requires that extra TLC. Here are some tips that’ll make your life easier after you turn waves into curls. 
Cut down on the shampoo: Okay, it might sound gross, but reducing the number of times you wash your hair can be healthy for curly hair. Doing so keeps the natural oils on the tresses intact. Plus, you can always use dry shampoo between washes. 
Ditch the hairbrush: Brushing might help maintain wavy or straight hair, but it’s a big no-no for curls. If you’re using a plastic brush, then it’s even worse. Just comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb after a shower. Or simply use your fingers. 
Be gentle while drying: A cotton t-shirt is the best product for wavy hair after air-drying. Do not wring out your tresses after a shower, and let the curl pattern develop naturally. 
Avoid products that dry out the hair: If the label says sulfate or alcohol, throw it out! These chemicals tend to dry out the tresses (more so if you have natural curls). Get a sulfate-free, nourishing shampoo and gels and creams without alcohol. 

How do I use a curl cream?

A curl cream may be one of the best products for wavy hair, especially if you have coarse 2b hair. Applying it is really simple too. The first step is to section your locks.
Next, start applying the cream from an inch or two below the scalp to the ends. Take the section in one hand and rub the cream in thoroughly. Make sure you skip the scalp as some creams can cause product build-up and make dandruff worse.
I always suggest starting from the back of your head and going all the way to the front. It’s simply easier that way!

Conclusion

Having wavy or curly hair can be really exciting. But they often need more care and love than straight, smooth textures. And this is exactly why I’ve got this list of the best curl enhancing products for wavy hair to make your life easier.

Whether it’s a curl enhancer shampoo or an activator cream, these are some of the best products for diffusing wavy hair. Try them and transform your waves from flat to fab in seconds! 

Also Read:

How to plop straight hair

How to braid curly hair

Best heated rollers for creating natural waves and curls

Moroccan Oil Curling Cream

The MoroccanOil Curling cream is great for all hair types. It helps add natural curls to wavy hair textures.

Product SKU: PL2922B5B2N

Product Brand: MoroccanOil

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 54

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-14

Product In-Stock: InStock

Pros

• The cream is lightweight
• It doesn't contain silicones
• The cream nourishes hair from within

Cons

• It is a bit expensive

• Top Curl Enhancing Products For Wavy Hair 2022
  • Moroccan Oil Curling Cream
  • Cantu Curl Enhancer Activator Cream
  • Davines Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo
  • Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream
  • Curls Blueberry Bliss Twist-N-Shout Cream
  • Wella Eimi Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse
  • Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls Cream
  • TGIN Twist & Define Cream
  • Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream
  • Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
    • How do I make my wavy hair look curlier?
    • What are some best hair care tips for curly hair?
    • How do I use a curl cream?
      • Moroccan Oil Curling Cream
    • Pros
    • Cons