Best Wave Products For Black Hair (2024 Update)

BUYER BEWARE: There are two different Foxy Curls products floating around on Home Essentials Direct and they are VERY different. Some of the sellers have not updated their product pictures so you may not get what you think your getting. This review is for the Foxy Curls product with the WHITE cap. I returned the one with the green cap so I cannot comment on that product. I have been using this product for years and I absolutely love it. I am a white female in my 40's with long, thick curly hair that can be frizzy if not tamed. I've tried just about every product out there over the years and this is the only one that has worked for me. I apply it while my hair is wet (almost dripping). This makes a big difference with the final result. I apply quite a bit of it since my hair is very thick. I even apply it underneath my hair. I had to work on the amount I use. To much and it looks like crap. Not enough and it looks like crap so you have to find the amount that works for you. Also, after my hair is almost dry, I "un-crunch" it. This is super important. Some reviewers are saying their hair is stiff afterwards. And yes, it is, however, I carefully run my fingers through my hair as to almost comb it with my hands and soften it. This takes the "crunchy" look away and makes the curls soft but not frizzy. Again, there was some testing with this as to not un-crunch it while my hair is to wet or to dry. Sounds like a lot of work, but once you get it all down, it's worth it. I get a lot of complements on my curls. Thanks TIGI … SELLERS: PLEASE UPDATE YOUR PICTURES!!! UPDATE: After a little research on TIGI's website, it appears the GREEN cap is now TIGI's new Foxy Curls formula. So I decided to give this new formula a try. This is my review on the GREEN cap Foxy Curls. I applied the same application principals as the WHITE cap to compare apples to apples. I admit I was a bit skeptical since they are so different. This new formula is way thinner and goes on a bit easier. I found myself using less of it so that a big PRO! It kind of makes my hair feel a bit slimy when you apply it, but if the final results are what I want, this is not a big deal. After it dries a bit, I "un-crunched" it and the results are similar. It seems to control the frizz a bit better, but my curls seem more weighted down. I think I may have to work on the amount I use. So all in all, I'll still keep the 5 stars on the GREEN cap, since the end result is very similar and I don't seem to be using as much of it now. But I think I like the WHITE cap better. Maybe I just need to work with the new formula a bit more. UPDATE: I've been using the green cap product for months now and like it just as much or even better than the white cap. Again, I had to work on the amount I use. I use less with the green cap than the white. If I use to much, my hair looks a bit stringy. So you have to work with the amount and what works with your hair type. Still a big fan!!!d.

I got a haircut and was recommended this product. It smells good but it’s horrible in the hair. Tried it multiple times but it leaves frizz and residue. Used it today and it feels gross and sticky, and left my hair a tangled mess and I was forced to brush it and now I just have wash again and scrub out the residue. Disappointing. (Purple with green pump formula)Sierra King

I have been in the market for a new hair gel that's good for my wavy/curly hair. Had been using DevaCurl's Light Defining Gel for a long time as it was just what I was looking for back a couple years ago. But recently I have developed some kind of allergy to it. Makes my scalp itch like crazy. So I gave this a shot with an Ulta hair stylist's recommendation. The bottle seemed small but I was willing to try a new product by a high regarded styling brand such as BedHead.The bottle had a nicely designed pump making it easy to use. I had not realized until I was done styling my hair with this product that I had used about half of the whole bottle to achieve the hold and shine I normally go for with my DevaCurl gel. I was quite shocked. Way too much product used for a brand I thought that would require only a very small amount of it's product to get the look I wanted. I would definitely not buying this cream again. I will stick to a gel because I tend to think that curl defining creams do not have a lot of hold or styling power as a gel would. Back to the drawing board.Missdream4

Love this pudding for styling my curls. Leave my curls looking moisturized and shiny without a greasy feel. My curls are super defined when I use this to style it. It also smells amazing. I would recommend it to anyone with curly hair and those who are transitioning to their natural texture.angelina.c

It has a pleasant but light smell. I only need to use a small amount so it lasts more than a month. It leaves my hair sort and moisturized but not weighed down. I would recommend.leeked0

I am a real klutz when it comes to using styling tools in my hair, particularly the Conical Wands and curling irons. My hair is long, somewhat fine, with just a touch of waviness underneath and in the back when left to dry naturally. I can easily use the Chi Flat Iron to straighten it all over, but wanted something to enhance the waviness on occasion and add some body, so I tried this. And it's so easy even I can use it – all without any burns! LOL There are Youtube videos – of course – but basically just section the hair and clamp down on the sections with this, working downward on each section. The heating temps are easy to read and set. As with any heating product, I don't use it too often out of concern for damaging my hair, but haven't noticed any negative effects on overall hair condition.GYMMOUSE

Can get a lil warm near the handle as other reviewers stated but not hot; it is still useable. Leaves hair with a crimpy wave that i wouldnt necessarily call "beachy" but is still cute. Very easy to use n quick with so many heat settings. Style lasted 4 days with 1 quick touch up.Kelsey

This did exactly what it describes it will do. Reminds me of getting a perm with large rollers. I've gotten the same results as pictures I've seen in reviews (those with long hair). Takes a little bit of effort to figure out where to place on your hair in relation to the previous placement so the waves don't looked spaced, but it's not difficult to get the hang of it. Temp setting allows for finer areas of hair to receive less heat. I have a lot of hair and it reaches to the middle of my back. I've slept on this and the next morning, the wave is still set. The locking mechanism for storage was a good idea. The only recommendations I make are to suggest having a silicone mat to place on when heated, and to get yourself a comb that is specifically for curly hair; you don't want to put a brush through this, as it does make it frizzy, but that's due to how brushes work with curls. Would love to see a similar product that does larger waves.amy

I am an extreme product junkie. I spend thousands of dollars on hair products from living proof to garnier fructis and EVERYTHING in between! I tried this when it first came out, let me just say, I am STOCKING UP EVERY SALE. Seriously, I bleached my hair and went from black brown to blonde and ruined my hair. THrew out all my shampoos, transitioned to curly girl methods and couldn't find anything to help my curls come back to life until I found this. It holds without the crunch and makes my hair curlier than what it was before. Its amazing.CurlJunkie

The first time my low porosity hair has EVER absorbed something w/o needing heat! This product has a very thick consistency, and felt like butter going on my hair. And not just any butter either. The gourmet butter, that's been churned for hours, and is smooth and creamy!Porsche

This is ok for your hair. I didn’t really like that it was so expensive to buy. It’s not worth getting and I use it only if I ran out of my normal products I use. I hate wasting money so I still use it occasionally. I won’t be buying again. It doesn’t really add and stay moisturized with my hair. After awhile, my hair feel so dry and doesn’t keep my curls lasting at all.kellen.h

I absolutely love most L'Oreal products, but I think they launched this campaign at the wrong time of the year. The whole point of this line is that you can spray, scrunch these products in your locks for a natural, wavy and frizz free look. Have you ever thrown product into wet hair and ran out the door, into 30 degree temperatures? Me neither and I have no desire to do so. Also, I have super thick hair, which takes all day to dry (no exaggeration, I can wash my hair at 6am and it will still be wet when I go to bed that night). Weather aside, I decided to try this product out on a day when I wouldn't be stepping outside. I washed my hair and spritzed the product in. Upon first impression, I loved the smell, because it was clean, soft and not overwhelming. My next thought was, "I spent all that time washing my hair, only to dirty it up with product.. I don't know about this", but I kept with it. I gave it a couple hours and my naturally straight hair didn't look "wave swept" even a little bit, so I read the bottle and saw that they recommend braiding your hair. Not even an option. I have a ton of layers in my hair, which makes it impossible to braid. So, I resorted to my go-to messy bun. BUT, then I realized that even without any product and my wet hair being in a messy bun, it always gives me a beachy look once dry anyway. So, what's the point?!bryce.j

My hair is thin and fine and not the easiest to maintain any sort of bounce, wave or style; it basically is about as boring and as blah as hair can get. However, with the help of L'Oreal's Wave Swept Spray, my hair is having a blast being textured again. I simply spray this into my hair, after showering, then lightly braid it into a loose braid and roll it up into a bun. I go about my morning, doing all of my chores, breakfast, makeup, etc… then… I unwind the braid and my hair is left with beautiful waves, perfectly styled for the rest of the day; no worries… I know it will hold for the entire day. I love this spray! It has helped make styling my hair easy! I will purchase this product and I definitely recommend. I received this @LOrealParisUSA #AirDryIt Wave Swept Spray from @Influenster complimentary for being an #Influensterchamp for a #Contest.jennifer.j

I have tried countless amount of hair products that claim to texturize or create effortless, natural looking beach waves. My hair type is medium thick, color processed, naturally has some waves and frizziness. No doubt this product enhances my natural wave perfectly. Let’s start with my first impression: This item originally caught my eye because of it’s unique creative packaging. An added benefit is that no heating tool is required to achieve a stylish look which is perfect for people trying to repair or strengthen damaged hair. After I get out the shower, I will spray this product throughout my damp hair and lightly scrunch. (Depending on the occasion, I will pin up my hair in a few sections while it air drys, or put it in braids) This gives the waves a more defined look once completely dry. And for the rest of the times, I’ll air dry with it left down. The end result transforms hair into touchable soft, natural -looking beach waves while eliminating most frizz and flyaways you get from not using heat. Overall, This product leaves behind no flakes, residue, or crunchy feeling! The only negative thing I have to say about the product is that it fails to add body or volume. I would definitely recommended this for a friend.tayla.p

Love this product. I have wave/curls, and this makes my waves hold, prevents them from falling flat and frizzy, and allows my curls to actually form. I typically have to wash my hair every 3 days, and most products I’ve tried tend to build up and make my hair greasy before day 3. This one doesn’t. It’s super light, and I can easily refresh my hair each day by getting all my hair wet and adding in a little more mousse. The other thing I love is that it doesn’t have an overpowering scent. I get headaches if I use a product that smells too strong, and this one is at just the right level of smelling nice without being too perfume-y.ophelia.p

I love this curling mousse. The smell is AMAZING. It smells like a tropical beach. And the scent lasts in your hair all day. It makes your curls hydrated and defined without making them crunchy. It's such a lightweight, fun foam. It's also a great price. Definitely worth giving it a shot!brittany.r

Ive been using Cantu products for years now. I absolutely LOVE their coconut curling cream, so I decided to give the curling mousse a try. Upon first using the product, it has the same great smell and easy application process… however.. after my hair dried, this product left it with a very “greasy” textured look. Personally, I would not purchase again.hayley.a

I love this so much. This product helps me tame frizz and style my curls just how I like it. I usually wet my hair to assist in the desired effect. While it lasts a while, it does lose hold so it doesn’t last all day which is a bummer. I continue to add this product to my shopping cart, though!erin.s

This is the best curl hair cream I've found so far. It really encourages your hair to curl and holds it for hours. A tip, scrunch your hair often while it's wet and continue to scrunch now and then during the day; this really helps.mjnelson1234

I love this this product! Finally something that does NOT make my hair more frizzy, crunchy, dry or greasy. I have fine to medium curly long hair, I am of Eastern European descent. I just use a very small amount like directions advised, worked it into my wet hair, scrunched it with my hands and let air dry. My hair is sooo soft, no frizz and my curls are defined. I have been searching for a natural product without chemicals that actually works. I love it! It also has a tropical fragrance that is not overwhelming and smells so good! The cream is thick and I am going to also try it as a mask on my hair to hydrate it. Also it feels good to support this family business.Lizzie

I found this product yearssss ago when I first started the Curly Girl Method. It was very runny, white and much lighter. I ended up repurchasing it and when I opened it, it is incredibly yellow and thick and the ingredient list is completely different. I don't use it everyday to care but in general, Shea Moisture was my Go To absolutely favorite brand and I used their shampoo and conditioner for about 8 years- but I noticed it a couple of months ago stripped my hair and caused an insane amount of frizz. What a shame. I will never buy another Shea Moisture product. They used to have amazing ingredients, now they have all weird chemicals and the smells changed badly. Now I'm on the hunt for my new everyday shampoo and conditioner.CrazyCurlyOne

I was very excited & grateful to have been chosen to try Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie #trywithtopbox #freeproduct I have type 3B curls, and I have been wanting to try Shea Moisture products for quite some time now, but just didn’t get around to it. I have been using the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie every day for the last month. I love how thick & creamy the product is, & even with my very thick & very long hair I found that I didn’t need a lot of product to cover all my hair. This product didn’t weigh my hair down, didn’t leave any weight residue, and helped with the frizz ones. I loved that I could wet my hair a bit & it would look refreshed. I used it on wet hair & dry hair & was pleased with the results both ways. Another thing I really like about Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is that it contains no silicones, parabens, no phathalates, no petrolatum & no mineral oil. I’m loving the results I experienced with Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie & recommended it. #freeproduct #trywithtopboxKikiKi

I do not know how to do hair & I have finally found something that works for my son's very matted hair!! I have just used it today, but we are very pleased with how manageable it has made his hair!Alicia Griffin

I Would have gave 5 Stars but Mislead me.. I love this product on my sons hair, however I normally purchase two kits because he has a lot of thick medium length hair. It's cost is $3.99 per box so I believed I purchased a deal when this box said it contained 2 Applications for $6.39. I open the box to find one application which means I purchased one box for the price of two and I am upset about this misleading title because you only receive 1 application and now I have to go out and purchase another box because I plan on doing his hair tonight on my day off workDeouna

Ive used this twice now. my hair was all natural in a 4b/4c texture. I leave it in for about 20 minutes ( my hair is very thick ) it makes your hair SUPER manageable. All you need to do is make sure that you dont leave it on for too long because you will get straight hair, better too use a perm if you want that. The curls are usually activated on its own. however to keep it moisturized spray it will water everyday and put in a curl pudding and the Scurl gel, make sure to have your scalp moisturized with oil or grease every few days. an application lasted me about 2 to 3 months before i noticed i had to use it again. It cost about $5.99 Canadian so its a great price. also it makes your hair look so natural unlike a regular perm. If your hair is a bit too thick and hard to manage but you still wanna have that natural look then this is for you !lorraine.c

Didn't care for this product. My curls and waves were sort of crazy and wild and just looked wild, not for me. i also found it seemed to make my hair look greasy quickly as it needed to be washed daily. typically i shampoo every other day or every third.Anonymous

I am a licensed hairstylist, of 21 years. I LOVE this triple barrel iron! It is BIG, so I selected 3 stars for "easy to use" because I think it is would be a little challenging for someone who isn't a professional, I even found there to be a learning curve! There are great tutorials and videos available to help guide you. Smaller sections (not too thick) and holding the iron in place long enough, (based on the integrity and condition of your hair) are two important factors to achieve a beach wave look. I like to spray my hair with (a light mist of) dry shampoo all over, after I'm done using my waver, then "rake" it out with a friction free wide tooth comb. I've used it a few times on myself and once on my 11 year old daughter so far, we both loved it.D.Davies-Uttech

I have naturally curly/wavy hair up top and is now finally growing out but I had keratin treatments so my hair is half curly and half straight. I got this to be able to have uniform waves. Always have lots of compliments when I wear my hair like this. Easy to use, clear instructions. I have thick hair and I wouldn't hold longer than 5 sec (per recommendations). It does it job. Heats pretty quickly. You may have to do a few batches before getting the hang of how you want to section your hair. Once I'm down, I usually flip my hair over, do some scrunchin, add some volume, and flip back 🙂Niesha

Overall I like the effect that the larger barrels have on my hair and so far this product has operated well, but the place where you put your thumb to open the waver gets so hot that after about 10 minutes of use it’s difficult to even touch. Also, the on/off button is put in a place where I constantly accidentally touch it and turn it off. Another downfall of this product is that the material that is wrapped around the stand melts (learned the hard way)—the weight of the waver makes it so that it shifts easily and it did just that when I wasn’t paying attention and a part of the stand melted. These aren’t dealbreakers but they’re definitely annoying design flaws.EmQueue

l use this on my synthetic wigs when l want to flexi rod them, it doesn't leave the hair crispy at all. Very nice product.Akeia

I HAVE BEEN USING THIS PRODUCT FOR A LONG TIME, I ALWAYS BUY IT AT THE STORE THIS THE FIRST TIME IT COME TO ME SO FRESH NOT THE STRONG SMELL GOOD PRODUCTkidsbuster

Definitely works give gotta use it daily and Durag up use this with the shampoo and three haircuts later two weeks apart and my waves are deeper than everMalik Jamal

I have no cons/pros in regards to this product at this time considering that I am writing this review a few days after receiving it in the mail. I cannot fairly assess the products' viability given that short period of time/reaves45

I got this as a sample and it sat unused for well over a year. I opened the sample box just to see what was still left in it and decided to give it a try. My hair as it dries (before blow drying) starts to curl on the bottom half. I sed this on damp hair and dried my hair as I normally would and couldn't believe the curls! Unfortunately, this was a sample and I ran out very quickly and knew that I had to find you online so I can order the full size product !Plenty

Amazing hairspray! It smells wonderful and gives some hold/definition, without making my hair feel crunchy. Plus, it adds some shine. I love it because I can spray it on in the morning, refresh at night, NOT wash my hair the next day, and spray again without making my hair feel icky/product-y. That is a huge feat! Love, love, love this stuff! FYI, if you are looking for something with extreme hold for a formal updo for wedding/prom/event, look elsewhere or you’ll have to use a ton of this. Great everyday hairspray for when you want your hair to “move with you” lol.nora.c

I received this product as part of a holiday gift set I purchased at my salon. I was not impressed upon initial application as I felt like the product was simply sticky or gummy, but upon changing my application I do like this product for taming flyaways. I spray lightly into my palms, dab at my crown, and then use the side of the bottle to smooth down the hair. I do use this when spending time near the ocean and feel that it effectively decreases the frizz. Not nearly effective as a Brazilian blowout, but certainly at a lower price point!clo.s

I’m a hairstylist but I’ve been on a mission in the past few years to only use natural products! I have colored hair, long and wavy/curly. I use this product on towel dried hair after shampoo day. Sprits and scrunch with a towel. My waves have never looked better and frizz free! Love this product my new go to!! Great to also freshen up dry hair!Neos C.

I have wavy thick hair with medium porosity. I'm also someone who can't stand synthetic smells making it challenging for me to find products to use in my hair I actually love. This stuff is great! I've used it on my hair both wet and dry and I love it. Smells like fresh mangoes and gives my hair just a little texture, allowing me to go a few days before needing to wash it and being able to use it for a few days in a row. I love that I can understand all the ingredients and the packaging is minimalistically beautiful. Thank you for making a citrus product that actually has real scent in it <3Lauren S.

I am always looking for new hair products that are healthy for me and the environment but this one did not impress me. It smells pretty good but that’s the only thing I really like. It doesn’t do much for my hair at all. Will keep trying different styles but I am kind of disappointed. Hopping I change my mind with more uses.Lorie W.

I have tried them ALL from Quidad/devacurl/ curlsmith/ Matrix. I've used the cheap drugstore brands and the overpriced brands like Oribe and I have never found anything like this. You do have to make sure that you work it into your hair so there aren't any clumps. I apply it to literally soaking wet dripping hair in sections and then brush through it to really smooth it out and then twist my curls. after my whole head is done I scrunch with a microfiber and then I add more to my hands and scrunch through the ends to make sure the towel didn't pull the product off. I then diffuse. I will say of you are air drying your curls this might be a little heavy and will lengthen your curlsCurly Girls

The name of this product is a bit deceiving. If you're looking for a product to keep your wash and go hydrated, it's not the one. I'm echoing the experience of another review, the hold was soft (and some points even crispy) and my hair had lost it's moisture by the end of the day. The ingredient list for this product is impressive so I was surprised it didn't at least keep its moisture. Trying to figure how I'm going to use this product up, I used it after my leave-in before a braid out and it works really well! Even before taking the braids out my hair was looking and feeling ridiculously moisturised. So yeah, wouldn't use as a gel or for wash and go but definitely would recommend as a moisturiser before gel for styles like braids, twists etc.zozo

I wanted to love this so much more. using this gel i feel like I'm feeding my hair juicy nutrients. it smells amazing has amazing h slip and great consistency thr only con for me was the hold. I had zero hold and unfortunately I can't have that in my styling. I need a good medium hold. I didn't want to return it because I lived everything wise about it but I Sisto didn't want it sitting there either. camile please use this exact recipe but just a stronger hold pleaseee. if u need it love a light hold this is the gel for u 100% Hair reference 3b/3c low porosity virgin hairangelica07

Amazing and quick service!! I ordered this on March 16, and it arrived today (March 19) with free shipping. This month is also my birthday, so I got to choose a birthday gift with it. I only use Oribe cleansing cream (cowash), pure sesame oil from the grocery store for conditioner, and then this for conditioning and style. My hair is happiest with the most minimal products. I love this spray for conditioning, shine, thickening, and the scent. I just really wish Sephora also sold the travel size of this because I like to keep it in my makeup pouch.VIPKidChloeBT

I have long tangly fine hair with a wave and am lazy so need something that doesn’t require blow drying or too much effort. I originally used this on dry hear and was a bit underwhelmed. It smelled nice but left my hair a bit crunchy. Then I decided to try it on damp hair (as I noticed that it was also suggested in the directions) and it made a huge difference to the result. My hair is soft and bouncy with light, tousled waves like I would normally get at the hairdressers after a blow dry. Absolute staple now and I high recommend to anyone with similar hair.Sandytoes

This is the smallest hairspray I have ever seen! I thought it was a trial size! So the value for the dollar is ridiculous. I am no stranger to oribe, I realize they are a luxury brand and not for the price conscious but this is crazy. I had it shipped therefore didn’t pay attention to the size. On the other hand it’s a great hairspray. I like that it’s a workable product. It’s not as stiff as some, I apply on wet hair, my hair is wavy and I like it wavy/curly. When I do this it dries to a cast and I have to manipulate to soften so it doesn’t look wet. I find it holds very well and helps keep the shape of my curls. It also smells amazing as all Oribe products do.Silverbelle

Love this product! Creates awesome traction in hair! Great for shorter styles needing dry matte texture for volume- great for editorial photoshoots. Use this inside of the hair at scalp and midshafts for best results. A mist pump spray – keeping working it in for 20- 30 secs. Before or after curling or blow dry. Its versatile!loni.h

I like using this spray when I wear my hair in its natural curl pattern. However, I never use JUST this spray. It's better used in a cocktail with other sprays if you want big, voluminous beach curls. If you've already got normal to dense shoulder length hair, it's really pretty if you just spray your midshaft to ends and let your crown smooth out a little. But it's not really a spray-and-go type deal. Add a hi-shine moderate hold hairspray and heat protectant.taylor.d

I recently cut my hair to the legendary "lob" cut and with that came having find new products to use and also figure out different way to style my hair. I have always loved texturizing anything for my hair. My sister got me this spray as a present and I use it by putting in my detangler and letting my hair dry almost all the way and tie it up in a loose or right bun depending on what you want your waves to look like,then I fill my head upside down and spray scrunch somewhat generously. You can also go through with a diffuser for extra oomph or throw back in a bun till you feel your style is ready. I find the smell really pleasant and unique in comparison to other sprays.It makes great for texture accentuated waves and curls. It is also not super sticky but has a medium hold but it is a pretty strong hold, so you have a style that stays without the crunchy clumping of the hair. The sea salt is not drying as far as I can tell, so this spray is a staple in my routine!darby.s