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15 Best Conditioners for Wavy Hair in 2023
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15 Best Conditioners for Wavy Hair in 2023

Isabel-Mayfield-health-reporter
Written by Isabel Mayfield | Fact checked by Fact checked by Edna Skopljak, MD check
Last update: April 20, 2023
121 Views
8 min

Choosing a wavy hair-specific conditioner can make your job of caring for your textured hair a whole lot easier. Keep reading to learn about this year’s top 15 conditioners for wavy hair.

best conditioner for wavy hair
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Wavy hair is a unique hair type with specific needs, such as more moisture to help prevent frizz and flyaways. Caring for it can prove a bigger challenge than its straight counterparts, but using the best conditioner for wavy hair can make your job much easier.

To help you choose the best product for your unique hair needs, we sifted through the hundreds of conditioners on the market. Below, you’ll find an overview of the top 15. 

15 Best Conditioners for Wavy Hair

Whether you want to repair damaged hair or simply find a conditioner that will help your wavy hair shine frizz-free, these products can help. 

Below, you’ll find 15 of the best hair conditioners on the market, along with detailed information that will help you choose the best pick for your unique hair needs. 

#1 Moérie Ultimate Hair Growth

moerie logo
Moérie
  • Promotes hair growth
  • Prevents hair loss
  • Contributes to improving scalp and hair condition, as well as the appearance of the hair
  • Replenishes empty hair follicles with new hair
Our rating:
4.4
stars
Start the Quiz

Moérie’s Ultimate Hair Growth is a hair conditioner that is part of a subscription-based package offered by Moérie. Over 100,000+ people have used their products, and most are raving about the effects that it has had on enhancing hair growth while reducing shedding. 

Their conditioner is deeply nourishing while still offering a lightweight feel, which can be attributed to the various natural ingredients it contains, including lavender, grapefruit, rosemary, and peppermint essential oil. 

I also love that they decided to include essential amino acids, which are known for their benefits in improving hair structure, helping to naturally strengthen your hair and give it a noticeable shine.

Pros
  • Website has a quiz to help you find your perfect product
  • Clinically proven results
  • Can be used after bleaching and keratin treatments
  • Made for both men and women
  • Offers free returns for 30 days
  • Vegan and 100% cruelty-free
  • Non-GMO formula
Cons
  • Official retailers require a subscription for purchase

#2 Blu Atlas Conditioner

blu atlas logo
Blu Atlas Conditioner
  • Lightweight conditioner that moisturizes without feeling greasy
  • Includes nourishing ingredients like argan oil, avocado oil, and barley protein
  • Works on all hair types, including straight and curly hair
  • No artificial fragrances
Our rating:
4.3
stars
Learn More

Blu Atlas is shaking up the world of men’s grooming by offering business-to-consumer grooming products like this lightweight conditioner. 

Made with 98% natural ingredients, the Blu Atlas conditioner contains avocado oil and argan oil to provide hair with deep hydration while still feeling light, regardless of hair type. Unlike many other naturally-derived hair conditioners, Blu Atlas’ scent is 100% organic, as it contains no artificial fragrances.

Pros
  • Made from 98% natural ingredients
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Made for the unique needs of men
Cons
  • Discounts only offered for subscription purchases
  • Natural scent can be cologney

#3 Aveda Be Curly 

Aveda logo
Aveda Be Curly
  • Aroma is made with certified organic lemon and a variety of other essential oils
  • Made to tame frizz and increase shine
  • Wheat protein and aloe vera enhances curl definition
  • The perfumey scent is 100% natural
Our rating:
4.2
stars
Learn More

Aveda is a company that prides itself on being eco-friendly. From their facilities to their products to the packaging they come in, you can rest assured that Aveda is doing everything it can to lower its carbon footprint.

Unsurprisingly, Be Curly is made with the same natural focus. This conditioner for wavy hair is designed to tame frizz while simultaneously increasing shine. It’s made from a natural blend that, when wet, enhances curl structure for perfect curls upon drying.

Pros
  • Very eco-friendly company
  • Bulk purchases are discounted by 20%
  • 100% cruelty-free
Cons
  • A little on the pricey side

#4 DevaCurl One Condition Delight

DevaCurl logo
DevaCurl One Condition Delight
  • Creates waves and curls that are defined but still soft
  • Sulfate, silicone, phthalate, and paraben-free
  • The conditioner is nourishing but not too heavy
Our rating:
4.2
stars
Learn More

DevaCurl offers a wide selection of products designed especially for wavy hair. There’s something for everyone, from leave-in conditioners to mid-lather cleansers made for thick curly hair.

One Condition Delight is a lightweight cream conditioner that is deeply nourishing but better suited for fine hair as it’s formulated to condition fine waves and curls with lightweight moisture.

Pros
  • Developed alongside dermatologists
  • Cruelty-free
Cons
  • Scent can be overpowering

#5 L’Oreal Dream Lengths 

loreal paris logo
L’Oreal Dream Lengths
  • Helps reduce frizz on wavy and curly hair
  • Made for every hair type, from wavy to coily
  • Leave-in conditioner to help restore dry and damaged hair
  • Contains shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and fine castor oil for hydration
Our rating:
4.1
stars
Learn More

L’Oreal Dream Lengths is made for everything from wavy hair to deeply coiled hair. Regardless of your hair texture, it promises to deliver hydration without leaving hair feeling crunchy or greasy.

Its formula contains hyaluronic acid and fine castor oil, which can help plump up dry and lifeless-looking hair without weighing it down.

Pros
  • Super budget-friendly
  • Paraben-free formula
Cons
  • Not cruelty-free

#6 CurlSmith Essential Moisture Conditioner

CurlSmith logo
CurlSmith Essential Moisture Conditioner
  • Useful detangler
  • Safe for chemically-treated hair
  • Can be used with all hair types, including straight hair
  • Free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, mineral oils, phthalates, and DEA
  • Very nourishing for dry hair
Our rating:
4.1
stars
Learn More

Essential Moisture Conditioner by CurlSmith is another eco-friendly and natural option, perfect for our more conscious shoppers. It’s loaded with organic ingredients like coconut and avocado oil and contains an essential herb blend that can help promote hair growth.

The formula is designed for every hair type, including straight, and provides a buttery post-use feel that will make you want to use it every day. Features like being cruelty-free and using recyclable packaging also sold us on the reputation of the company.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Save 10% when purchasing multiple products
  • Uses recyclable packaging
Cons
  • Only sold in-store at Ulta

#7 Giovanni Smooth as Silk 

Giovanni Logo
Giovanni Smooth as Silk
  • Color-safe formula
  • Contains some certified organic ingredients
  • Protects against split ends
  • Designed to treat damaged hair
Our rating:
4.0
stars
Learn More

Smooth as Silk by Giovanni is a deep conditioner that is specifically formulated for dry and damaged hair. Safe for both chemically treated and natural hair, the ingredient list is USDA certified as 100% organic.

Although not curl-specific, Smooth as Silk helps to alleviate frizz and calm unruly hair while infusing it with deep moisture to make it more manageable.

Pros
  • Refunds offered for up to 60 days
  • Relatively budget-friendly
Cons
  • Not as weightless as other products

#8 Kérastase Curl Manifesto

Kerastase logo
Kérastase Curl Manifesto
  • Clinically proven to provide 80% conditioned hair with no weigh-down
  • Made for all hair types – thick, thin, wavy, and coiled
  • Paraben and sulfate-free
  • Contains ceramides to help strengthen hair
Our rating:
4.0
stars
Learn More

Sold only at Sephora, Curl Manifesto by Kérastase is a super lightweight moisture-replenishing conditioner meant for every hair type, including fine to thick and wavy to coily hair.

It’s free of parabens and sulfates and packed with manuka honey and ceramides that help it deliver smooth, manageable curls that are protected from breakage.

Pros
  • Can be purchased through Sephora
  • Discounted offered for repeated auto-pay purchases
  • Free shipping offered for new Sephora members
Cons
  • Doesn’t have a natural ingredient list
  • Slightly more expensive product

#9 Oiua Thick Hair Conditioner

Oiua logo
Oiua Thick Hair Conditioner
  • Has a beautiful floral scent
  • Completely sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free, SLS & SLES-free, and also not tested on animals
  • Contains hair-strengthening ingredients for defined waves
  • Perfect for hydrating thick and coarse hair
Our rating:
3.9
stars
Learn More

Ouia Thick Hair Conditioner is an ultra-moisturizing conditioner designed to repair brittle hair and prevent frizz. It’s full of natural oils like avocado oil and shea butter and even contains a dose of keratin to help strengthen the entire hair shaft.

Most Thick Hair Conditioner users fall in love with the natural scent of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, jasmine sambac, iris, lily, and white musk and feel that it is best used in combination with their shampoo.

Pros
  • Offers 15% discount for first-time purchases
  • Can be purchased through Amazon
Cons
  • Has a very thick consistency

#10 HairBurst Longer Stronger Hair

hairburst logo
HairBurst Longer Stronger Hair
  • Helps to enhance the coil of wavy and curly hair
  • Contains amino acids to protect color-treated hair
  • Safe for colored hair
  • The formula includes proteins to boost hair strength
Our rating:
3.9
stars
Learn More

Longer Stronger Hair, made by HairBurst, is a sulfate-free conditioner made especially for curly hair. Users are noticing that it locks moisture into their curly locks, helping to enhance their natural coil, all while increasing their natural hair growth.

Formulated with proteins and amino acids, it’s designed to protect color-treated hair from damage and restore strength to dry and damaged hair.

Pros
  • Offers discounts for subscription users
  • Sulfate-free
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • Only contains a couple of natural ingredients

#11 SheaMoisture Curl and Shine

sheamoisture logo
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine
  • Helps to improve hair elasticity with hibiscus flower extracts
  • Rosemary and aloe oils help to hydrate curly hair
  • Loaded with coconut oil and fair trade shea butter
Our rating:
3.9
stars
Learn More

This super popular and budget-friendly conditioner by SheaMoisture is loaded with coconut oil and fair trade shea butter to help restore hair’s natural shine. Free of harmful chemicals, its lightweight formula provides hydration and helps natural curls look their best.

Pros
  • Natural ingredient list
  • Fairtrade and cruelty-free
  • Budget-friendly pricing
Cons
  • It can be too thick for fine hair

#12 LUS Hydrating and Detangling Conditioner

LUS logo
LUS Hydrating and Detangling Conditioner
  • Made for sensitive skin
  • Uses natural oils
Our rating:
3.9
stars
Learn More

LUS Brand is a company that specializes in creating products for curly and coiled hair that are designed to help you fall in love with your curly hair all over again.

The conditioner has a simple ingredient list that is free of harmful chemicals. It uses shea butter and moringa oil to leave hair and provide hydration while still maintaining a lightweight feel.

Pros
  • Company specializes in products for wavy hair
  • Free of harmful chemicals
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • Too light for hair that is thick and coily

#13 Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

MIELLE logo
Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
  • Safe for chemically-treated hair
  • Contains lavender and peppermint oil for hair growth
  • Has babassu, a super hydrating and lightweight oil perfect for wavy hair
  • The ingredient list is mostly natural and full of certified organic ingredients
Our rating:
3.9
stars
Learn More

This next conditioner is formulated for all types of hair, including thin and straight hair. It contains numerous lightweight oils – like babassu and acai pulp oil to nourish dry and frizzy hair. The addition of complex amino acids helps strengthen hair proteins.

Pros
  • Has over 5,000 positive reviews
  • Budget-friendly
  • Can be purchased with after-pay
Cons
  • Contains sulfates

#14 Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! 

Briogeo logo
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!
  • Safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair
  • Restores moisture to chemically-treated hair
  • Scientifically proven to strengthen hair 2x after three uses
  • Contains numerous lightweight oils
Our rating:
3.8
stars
Learn More

This deep conditioning mask, created by Briogeo, boasts a 97% natural ingredient list that is loaded with unique ingredients like rosehip oil, which is full of fatty acids, and antioxidant-rich algae extract. 

We love that Briogeo is formulated without the use of harsh chemicals and is safe to use on chemically-treated hair, helping restore moisture to dry and lifeless wavy hair.

Pros
  • 97% natural ingredients
  • Has over 3,000 positive reviews
  • Can be purchased through their website using Amazon Prime
  • Offers 30-day returns
Cons
  • Not the most budget-friendly option

#15 Davines LOVE Curl Conditioner

davines logo
Davines LOVE Curl Conditioner
  • Protein-rich formula helps strengthen hair coils
  • Designed to enhance elasticity and volume of wavy hair
  • Contains nourishing almond extract
Our rating:
3.7
stars
Learn More

Anyone looking for a lightweight conditioner for wavy hair will love Davines LOVE Curl. Their entire line is made especially for curly hair using renewable energy and ethically-sourced ingredients. 

The added almond extract is designed to restore the natural shine to dry hair without the residue that thicker oils can leave behind.

Pros
  • Available for international purchase
  • Some ingredients are ethically sourced
  • Made with zero-impact manufacturing processes
Cons
  • Only officially sold in salons

Comparison Table

scroll hint
Moérie
Blu Atlas
Aveda Be Curly
Deva Curl
L’Oreal Dream Lengths
Curl Smith
Giovanni Smooth As Silk
Kérastase Curl Manifesto
Ouia Thick Hair Conditioner
HairBurst
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine
LUS Hydrating and Detangling Conditioner
Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!
Davines LOVE Curl
4.4
stars
4.3
stars
4.2
stars
4.2
stars
4.1
stars
4.1
stars
4.0
stars
4.0
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.8
stars
3.7
stars

Non-GMO and 100% cruelty-free

Can be purchased through Amazon- Free 30-day returns

Site offers a quiz to help you find your perfect product

Vegan and cruelty-free

Offers a money-back guarantee

Very eco-friendly company

Bulk purchases are discounted by 20%

100% cruelty-free

Leaping Bunny-approved

Developed alongside dermatologists

Cruelty-free

Bottle made from 50% recycled plastic

Super budget-friendly

Paraben-free formula

Budget-friendly option

Save 10% when purchasing multiple products

Refunds offered for up to 60 days

Relatively budget-friendly

Can be purchased through Sephora

Free shipping offered for some purchases

Offers a 15% discount for first-time purchases

Can be purchased through Amazon

Offers discounts for subscription users

Sulfate-free- Budget-friendly

Natural ingredient list

Fairtrade and cruelty-free

Budget-friendly

Company specializes in products for wavy hair

Free of harmful chemicals- Budget-friendly

Has over 5,000 positive reviews

Budget-friendly

Can be purchased with after-pay

97% natural ingredients

Can be purchased through the official website using Amazon Prime

30-day returns

Some ingredients are ethically sourced

Made with zero-impact manufacturing processes

Retail sellers require a subscription

Some people may find it too light

Has a strong fragrance

More expensive than other options

Fragrance doesn’t smell natural

Not cruelty-free

Contains unnatural ingredients

Only sold in-store at Ulta

Leaves some residue

Doesn’t contain many natural ingredients

A little pricey

Conditioner is very thick

Doesn’t contain many natural ingredients

Oils can be heavy for thin hair

Too light for coily hair

Contains sulfates

On the pricey side

Should be used in combination with another conditioner

Only officially sold in salons

Brand
Moérie
Blu Atlas
Aveda Be Curly
Deva Curl
L’Oreal Dream Lengths
Curl Smith
Giovanni Smooth As Silk
Kérastase Curl Manifesto
Ouia Thick Hair Conditioner
HairBurst
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine
LUS Hydrating and Detangling Conditioner
Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!
Davines LOVE Curl
Overall Rating
4.4
stars
4.3
stars
4.2
stars
4.2
stars
4.1
stars
4.1
stars
4.0
stars
4.0
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.9
stars
3.8
stars
3.7
stars
Pros

Non-GMO and 100% cruelty-free

Can be purchased through Amazon- Free 30-day returns

Site offers a quiz to help you find your perfect product

Vegan and cruelty-free

Offers a money-back guarantee

Very eco-friendly company

Bulk purchases are discounted by 20%

100% cruelty-free

Leaping Bunny-approved

Developed alongside dermatologists

Cruelty-free

Bottle made from 50% recycled plastic

Super budget-friendly

Paraben-free formula

Budget-friendly option

Save 10% when purchasing multiple products

Refunds offered for up to 60 days

Relatively budget-friendly

Can be purchased through Sephora

Free shipping offered for some purchases

Offers a 15% discount for first-time purchases

Can be purchased through Amazon

Offers discounts for subscription users

Sulfate-free- Budget-friendly

Natural ingredient list

Fairtrade and cruelty-free

Budget-friendly

Company specializes in products for wavy hair

Free of harmful chemicals- Budget-friendly

Has over 5,000 positive reviews

Budget-friendly

Can be purchased with after-pay

97% natural ingredients

Can be purchased through the official website using Amazon Prime

30-day returns

Some ingredients are ethically sourced

Made with zero-impact manufacturing processes

Cons

Retail sellers require a subscription

Some people may find it too light

Has a strong fragrance

More expensive than other options

Fragrance doesn’t smell natural

Not cruelty-free

Contains unnatural ingredients

Only sold in-store at Ulta

Leaves some residue

Doesn’t contain many natural ingredients

A little pricey

Conditioner is very thick

Doesn’t contain many natural ingredients

Oils can be heavy for thin hair

Too light for coily hair

Contains sulfates

On the pricey side

Should be used in combination with another conditioner

Only officially sold in salons

How We Tested the Best Conditioners for Wavy Hair

When deciding on the 15 best conditioners for wavy hair, we looked at 40 of the most popular products on the market. From there, we narrowed down our search using the following criteria to ensure that we only recommend the best of the best to our readers.

Quality

Obviously, the best conditioners in their class are going to do an outstanding job at doing what they’re designed to do – provide maximum moisture. 

However, we also prioritized choosing cruelty-free conditioners that are free of harsh chemicals and loaded with high-quality, natural ingredients.

Price

When selecting products for our reviews, price is always a factor. We want to make sure that we provide our readers with budget-friendly choices and options that give them the best value for their money.

Brand reputation

When looking for high-quality products, we know certain brands will always deliver. From providing outstanding customer support to using only the best natural ingredients, we love recommending brands we know we can trust to supply top-notch products.

Effectiveness

When choosing a hair conditioner, it’s important to consider hair type. Curly hair can benefit from a conditioner loaded with thick, moisturizing ingredients to prevent dryness and frizziness. For our review, we looked for hair conditioners that can deliver all the hydration that curly and wavy hair craves.

FAQs

How long should I leave the conditioner on curly hair?

In general, you should only leave conditioner on your hair for 2–5 minutes (or whatever the label says) to prevent hygral fatigue. However, some people with wavy hair may benefit from using a special leave-in conditioner or only partially rinsing out their conditioner.

Is it important to use conditioner for curly hair?

Yes, using conditioner is important for all hair types but especially wavy curly hair. Because textured hair leans more on the dry and frizzy end of the spectrum, keeping your locks well-moisturized is important.

Can I use other types of conditioner for curly hair?

You can use a cream rinse conditioner, which is technically meant for straighter hair, on wavy hair when in a pinch. But for regular washes, you must pick up something deeper and more nourishing to prevent dry hair.

Does curly hair need conditioning every day?

If your hair looks particularly dry, consider using a moisturizing conditioner every day – as long as you don’t wash it first. Simply wet the ends of your hair, apply the conditioner, and rinse.

A Word From an MD

Anyone with wavy and curly hair will want to look for certain ingredients when shopping for a new hair conditioner. Products loaded with essential oils and other lightweight, hydrating oils can help to improve hair health without weighing it down or leaving it with a greasy appearance.

But it’s important to remember that using the right conditioner is only one of the steps you can take to keep your hair healthy and strong.

If you’re dedicated to growing longer and stronger hair, there are many holistic lifestyle changes you can make to your haircare routine. Some are as simple as changing how you dry your hair or including daily scalp massages into your haircare routine.

Proper haircare goes beyond just the products you use and can include everything from limiting sun exposure to addressing dietary vitamin C deficiencies. Taking an integrated approach to improving hair health will yield better results than simply changing conditioners.

Conclusion

There are dozens of different conditioners for curly hair that can help nourish hair, reduce frizz, and prevent breakage. The best of these products are those that deliver results while containing the majority of high-quality, natural ingredients like lightweight argan and avocado oils.

Of the dozens of products we tested, three stood out from the competition. The curly hair conditioners from Moérie, Blu Atlas, and Aveda offer the best results, and best of all, they are cruelty-free and produced with minimal environmental impact.

Isabel-Mayfield-health-reporter
Written by
Isabel Mayfield is a certified yoga instructor with over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is passionate about self-improvement and loves to help people improve their sense of self-worth through education and support in meeting their fitness goals.
The article was checked by Edna Skopljak, MD
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