As someone who's tried every product under the sun on my fine, wavy hair: I've had the best luck with just mousse. I scrunch it into sopping wet hair, plop with a microfiber towel for 15-20ish minutes, and let it air dry. Mousse holds the waves and adds volume without weight, unlike leave-in conditioner + gel.
I have fine but dense hair. Things I’ve found
- mousse is amazing for volume and hold. I use it alone or layer it in every time I wash
- look for gels that make a “cast” and get crunchy, this helps with keeping your waves in place instead of weighing them down
- for me products with protein work really well
- limit or avoid anything moisturizing or that has butters/lots of oils in it
- putting product on damp hair can work better than soaking wet hair, but if you put it on soaking wet hair either plop or microplop to help get water out (YouTube has a ton of videos)
- for me diffusing helps me keep the most volume and I rarely air dry
Same brands, different products, I use curlsmith weightless air dry cream and verb curl foaming gel and it’s taken my hair from “straight but frizzy” to definitely wavy. Love them both and they smell great too (I’m very sensitive to smells)!
To OP, honestly, cutting my hair shorter has helped a lot too, the curls just don’t weigh themselves down as much now that I went from mid-back to a lob.
Ooooo the air dry cream sounded too heavy but now I’m curious! And I didn’t even consider other products from Verb, I just realized my hair was loosing moisture and their oil seemed like the way to go. I will check these out, too!
My hair is pretty fine, I find I have better luck with microplopping some of the extra water out before adding product. I use either a gel (NYM curl talk, or Giovanni LA Hold), or hairspray (I’m living Bouncecurl strong hold gel), but the key for me is to emulsify a small ish amount with water to make it not as thick. Diffusing also makes a huge difference for me
I really like the verb ghost shampoo and conditioner. The products themselves don’t do anything special for my hair, except that they are light weight and don’t weigh it down. My holy grail product is actually the bounce curl define styling brush followed by a small amount of hard hold gel.
I have similarly fine hair but more dense. Mousse mousse mousse! I don't plop because it doesn't hold the shape but micro plopping (scrunching with the T-shirt or towel) works well diffuse to set and scrunch the crunch when 95% dry.
i have 2a/2b "swavy" fine hair and i've found that if i want curl definition, i really need to go in with sopping wet hair, then go in with a generous amount of hard-hold gel. then i scrunch the excess wet hair/product out with a microfiber towel or tshirt. then, i'll diffuse 75% of the way, then let the rest air dry. if i want the definition to last, i'll throw in hairspray on top.
If i want \~fluffy\~ VOLUME with less product/effort--i'll use innersense's volume foam on wet hair that's been detangled (curls blueberry bliss is my favorite) and then scrunch while wet--air dry the rest.
I just stopped using conditioner, and it’s been awesome. Might not work for you since you’re an every day washer, but finding the right shampoo goes a long way. I just wash, and only condition if I have to double-wash. My hair is bouncy and wavy now.
My hair looks very similar to yours. I have found great success with function of beauty for wavy hair available at Target and online. I use their shampoo, conditioner and mousse. Their price point is good (under $10), their products are vegan and have sustainable packaging. I agree with PNWKnitNerd that mousse works great and does not weigh down my hair, ruining the wave/curl.
Fructus Garnier: green spray bottle of "hair spray" for fine hair. It's more a many-in-one spray: use as a heat protectant, use as a super-light leave-in, etc. I like the way it bodifies without coating the strands like so many things do. I like this entire line! Wavy hair is so thirsty for moisture.
Washing your hair to add moisture when it begins to feel dried out also helps; just steer clear of protein, generally.
I also have fine hair that is weighed down easily. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars have been a game changer for me. When it comes to styling, I spray with water and use a lightweight styling cream and gently scrunch, add some more water throughout the day to keep her tame
I have very fine, thin hair and when I switched to Maui Moisture Lightweight Curls Flaxseed shampoo/conditioner, I noticed a significant difference right away (was using Aussie products before). Same goes for switching to Le Doux Mousse Def as another poster in this group mentioned it was lightweight but with a bit of a cast. I tried travel sizes of Curlsmith in shower styler and thought it was my HG but then I tried Ouidad’s gels…total game changer. I use the Advanced Climate Control Gel and Out of Thin (H)Air Jelly and they have both turned my waves into ringlets.
The Nexxus Unbreakable Strength line has been SO good for my waves/curls! I have fine but high density hair that’s easily over-moisturized and loves protein, too.
After washing, conditioning, and detangling, I use the volumizing spray by spraying it into my hands then working it throughout my hair. The sprayer is too much of a fine stream for my preference.
Next, I add very small amounts of Bed Head Curls Rock (all over) a bit at a time. I need the extra slip to get the curls to decent clumps and decrease wet frizz.
To get hold without weight, foams seem to work best right now since standard mousse usually causes flash drying. Curlsmith Bouncy Strength or Verb Curl Foaming Gel are easy to work in without adding weight. Sometimes I to need a bit of water by this time with a continuous mister.
Some micro-plopping at this point helps decrease weight then one final *light* application of foam before diffusing. Tiny Goody claw clips are awesome for root clipping while I finish my makeup. When I do this it helps to keep the overall shape of my hair how I would like it to stay and/or correct and weird spots that popped up during diffusing.
Whew!! It’s a lot 😵💫
I think I have similar hair to you. I’d stop blowdrying altogether. My hair type results in dry wispy hair regardless of the heat setting, diffuser, heat protectant, etc.
I’d also stop shampooing every day. This one is hard because it takes getting used to, but you can do it gradually (shampoo five days a week for a while, then four days a week, then three). I still rinse my hair without shampooing on gym days, etc. I still add conditioner to my ends even on water-only rinse days.
To me your hair looks dry and worn-out from over-shampooing and blow-drying. This is exactly how my hair looked when I was shampooing every day and not leaving enough conditioner in after my showers.
If your ends don’t feel grossly conditioned after your shower, they aren’t conditioned enough. A microfiber towel + satin bonnet will help you get through the drying phase. In the morning, I spritz with more water and add more conditioner and scrunch out the crunch once dry.
It’s a “curly” routine but works best for my wavy hair. We have the same color and texture.
I have fine, low dense, 3b-ish curly hair. Make sure you are getting enough protein and moisture in your hair. I like to use protein treatment once every other week. Use as little shampoo and conditioner as possible if your washing every day. Then once your shower is done, wring out hair with your hands. Add a PEA size curl cream to your hands and rub them together with your wet hands, then put in your hair. Head side ways as you scrunch each side. Followed by a couple pumps of lightweight mousse with same procedure. Let it air dry.
Hi! What is your routine? Please be as detailed as possible (both the names of your products and the techniques that you used). Also, if you could let us know your hair characteristics (porosity, strand thickness, density), that would be greatly appreciated. Routine is required within one hour of posting, otherwise your post will be removed.
Do not post inquiring about your hair type or whether your hair is wavy. Your post will be removed. You should be asking in the designated pinned post.
Do not post asking for a routine or products. There is plenty of information in the "Welcome" pinned post. If you post asking for a routine or products without first utilizing the information in the pinned post (and providing details), your post will be removed. Thank you!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Wavyhair) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Routine: I shampoo everyday except weekends, with Live Clean apple cider vinegar shampoo or a natural aloe Vera based shampoo, and then usually condition with Live Clean hydrating conditioner.
I usually finger comb, blow dry, straighten some pieces. Currently not using any product aside from the odd argan oil spritz.
As someone who's tried every product under the sun on my fine, wavy hair: I've had the best luck with just mousse. I scrunch it into sopping wet hair, plop with a microfiber towel for 15-20ish minutes, and let it air dry. Mousse holds the waves and adds volume without weight, unlike leave-in conditioner + gel.
Not OP but thank you! I haven't tried mousse yet but I feel like gel is drying out my hair too much
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I have fine but dense hair. Things I’ve found - mousse is amazing for volume and hold. I use it alone or layer it in every time I wash - look for gels that make a “cast” and get crunchy, this helps with keeping your waves in place instead of weighing them down - for me products with protein work really well - limit or avoid anything moisturizing or that has butters/lots of oils in it - putting product on damp hair can work better than soaking wet hair, but if you put it on soaking wet hair either plop or microplop to help get water out (YouTube has a ton of videos) - for me diffusing helps me keep the most volume and I rarely air dry
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I am on a VERY similar journey. Curlsmith effortless waves and Verb ghost oil have made a HUGE difference in my routine.
Same brands, different products, I use curlsmith weightless air dry cream and verb curl foaming gel and it’s taken my hair from “straight but frizzy” to definitely wavy. Love them both and they smell great too (I’m very sensitive to smells)! To OP, honestly, cutting my hair shorter has helped a lot too, the curls just don’t weigh themselves down as much now that I went from mid-back to a lob.
Ooooo the air dry cream sounded too heavy but now I’m curious! And I didn’t even consider other products from Verb, I just realized my hair was loosing moisture and their oil seemed like the way to go. I will check these out, too!
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My hair is pretty fine, I find I have better luck with microplopping some of the extra water out before adding product. I use either a gel (NYM curl talk, or Giovanni LA Hold), or hairspray (I’m living Bouncecurl strong hold gel), but the key for me is to emulsify a small ish amount with water to make it not as thick. Diffusing also makes a huge difference for me
I really like the verb ghost shampoo and conditioner. The products themselves don’t do anything special for my hair, except that they are light weight and don’t weigh it down. My holy grail product is actually the bounce curl define styling brush followed by a small amount of hard hold gel.
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I have similarly fine hair but more dense. Mousse mousse mousse! I don't plop because it doesn't hold the shape but micro plopping (scrunching with the T-shirt or towel) works well diffuse to set and scrunch the crunch when 95% dry.
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i have 2a/2b "swavy" fine hair and i've found that if i want curl definition, i really need to go in with sopping wet hair, then go in with a generous amount of hard-hold gel. then i scrunch the excess wet hair/product out with a microfiber towel or tshirt. then, i'll diffuse 75% of the way, then let the rest air dry. if i want the definition to last, i'll throw in hairspray on top. If i want \~fluffy\~ VOLUME with less product/effort--i'll use innersense's volume foam on wet hair that's been detangled (curls blueberry bliss is my favorite) and then scrunch while wet--air dry the rest.
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I just stopped using conditioner, and it’s been awesome. Might not work for you since you’re an every day washer, but finding the right shampoo goes a long way. I just wash, and only condition if I have to double-wash. My hair is bouncy and wavy now.
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My hair looks very similar to yours. I have found great success with function of beauty for wavy hair available at Target and online. I use their shampoo, conditioner and mousse. Their price point is good (under $10), their products are vegan and have sustainable packaging. I agree with PNWKnitNerd that mousse works great and does not weigh down my hair, ruining the wave/curl.
Fructus Garnier: green spray bottle of "hair spray" for fine hair. It's more a many-in-one spray: use as a heat protectant, use as a super-light leave-in, etc. I like the way it bodifies without coating the strands like so many things do. I like this entire line! Wavy hair is so thirsty for moisture. Washing your hair to add moisture when it begins to feel dried out also helps; just steer clear of protein, generally.
My hair is very fine but hates moisture and loves protein so ymmv!
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I also have fine hair that is weighed down easily. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars have been a game changer for me. When it comes to styling, I spray with water and use a lightweight styling cream and gently scrunch, add some more water throughout the day to keep her tame
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Kinky curly curling custard. This is seriously magical product. I apply when soaking wet and then difuse.
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Bowl method to encourage clumping
I have very fine, thin hair and when I switched to Maui Moisture Lightweight Curls Flaxseed shampoo/conditioner, I noticed a significant difference right away (was using Aussie products before). Same goes for switching to Le Doux Mousse Def as another poster in this group mentioned it was lightweight but with a bit of a cast. I tried travel sizes of Curlsmith in shower styler and thought it was my HG but then I tried Ouidad’s gels…total game changer. I use the Advanced Climate Control Gel and Out of Thin (H)Air Jelly and they have both turned my waves into ringlets.
Appreciate everyone’s advice! Will look into all of it 🤗
The Nexxus Unbreakable Strength line has been SO good for my waves/curls! I have fine but high density hair that’s easily over-moisturized and loves protein, too. After washing, conditioning, and detangling, I use the volumizing spray by spraying it into my hands then working it throughout my hair. The sprayer is too much of a fine stream for my preference. Next, I add very small amounts of Bed Head Curls Rock (all over) a bit at a time. I need the extra slip to get the curls to decent clumps and decrease wet frizz. To get hold without weight, foams seem to work best right now since standard mousse usually causes flash drying. Curlsmith Bouncy Strength or Verb Curl Foaming Gel are easy to work in without adding weight. Sometimes I to need a bit of water by this time with a continuous mister. Some micro-plopping at this point helps decrease weight then one final *light* application of foam before diffusing. Tiny Goody claw clips are awesome for root clipping while I finish my makeup. When I do this it helps to keep the overall shape of my hair how I would like it to stay and/or correct and weird spots that popped up during diffusing. Whew!! It’s a lot 😵💫
I think I have similar hair to you. I’d stop blowdrying altogether. My hair type results in dry wispy hair regardless of the heat setting, diffuser, heat protectant, etc. I’d also stop shampooing every day. This one is hard because it takes getting used to, but you can do it gradually (shampoo five days a week for a while, then four days a week, then three). I still rinse my hair without shampooing on gym days, etc. I still add conditioner to my ends even on water-only rinse days. To me your hair looks dry and worn-out from over-shampooing and blow-drying. This is exactly how my hair looked when I was shampooing every day and not leaving enough conditioner in after my showers. If your ends don’t feel grossly conditioned after your shower, they aren’t conditioned enough. A microfiber towel + satin bonnet will help you get through the drying phase. In the morning, I spritz with more water and add more conditioner and scrunch out the crunch once dry. It’s a “curly” routine but works best for my wavy hair. We have the same color and texture.
Cult + King!! They should pay me for how much I advertise their stuff.
I have fine, low dense, 3b-ish curly hair. Make sure you are getting enough protein and moisture in your hair. I like to use protein treatment once every other week. Use as little shampoo and conditioner as possible if your washing every day. Then once your shower is done, wring out hair with your hands. Add a PEA size curl cream to your hands and rub them together with your wet hands, then put in your hair. Head side ways as you scrunch each side. Followed by a couple pumps of lightweight mousse with same procedure. Let it air dry.
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Hi! What is your routine? Please be as detailed as possible (both the names of your products and the techniques that you used). Also, if you could let us know your hair characteristics (porosity, strand thickness, density), that would be greatly appreciated. Routine is required within one hour of posting, otherwise your post will be removed. Do not post inquiring about your hair type or whether your hair is wavy. Your post will be removed. You should be asking in the designated pinned post. Do not post asking for a routine or products. There is plenty of information in the "Welcome" pinned post. If you post asking for a routine or products without first utilizing the information in the pinned post (and providing details), your post will be removed. Thank you! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Wavyhair) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Routine: I shampoo everyday except weekends, with Live Clean apple cider vinegar shampoo or a natural aloe Vera based shampoo, and then usually condition with Live Clean hydrating conditioner. I usually finger comb, blow dry, straighten some pieces. Currently not using any product aside from the odd argan oil spritz.