I’ve spent £100s on wavy hair products – these ones actually work

I’ve always struggled to keep the natural shape of my wavy hair, despite avoiding heat styling, my waves tend to fall flat as soon as they dry. But after trying the Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Curl Smoothie, my hair felt completely revitalised. The moisture boost was instant, and it brought back a healthy bounce I hadn’t seen in a while.

The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients like pomegranate extract, honey and babassu oil, which gave my waves a smoother, more defined look without any heaviness. Tip: If you have wavy hair, use a small amount to avoid weighing it down.. It’s especially great if your hair needs a hydration kick or has some heat damage.

And the scent? Absolutely divine - it really does smell like a fresh fruit smoothie. Best of all, the results lasted for days, even after I used a curling iron to add extra definition. This Curl Smoothie has definitely earned a regular spot in my routine.

No shampoo has ever felt as moisturising on my hair as Palmer's Coconut Oil Moisture Boost Shampoo. First of all, it smells absolutely divine - tropical and rich without being overpowering. It lathers beautifully, and the generous bottle size means it lasts ages, even if you have thick or lengthy hair. I’ve been using it consistently for two months, and there's still some left.

My hair feels softer, more hydrated, and far less frizzy after every wash. The only downside? The lid can be a bit tricky as it doesn’t always click back into place easily, but honestly, that’s a small price to pay for how nourishing this shampoo is.

I've used the Noughty Hey Curl Scrunching Jelly on damp hair, scrunched it in, and let it air dry. The result? Soft, defined waves that don’t feel crunchy or weighed down. It creates looser, more natural-looking waves, which is perfect if you're after that effortless, beachy texture rather than a more structured curl. It gives just enough hold to keep my natural pattern intact throughout the day, while still letting my hair move freely.

What really impressed me was how lightweight it feels. Some gels leave a residue or create that dreaded cast, but this one dries clean and soft, with minimal frizz. It also smells light and fresh - nothing overpowering, just a nice clean scent. It’s also packed with curl-friendly natural ingredients (such as sea kelp and Irish moss) and is free from sulphates, silicones and parabens, which is a big plus if you’re trying to stick to a more natural routine.

One thing to keep in mind is that it can require refreshing on day two or three to revive your waves (which I use the Noughty Hello Curl Define and Re-shape Primer for) and keep them looking fresh, but that’s a small trade-off for the softness and definition it delivers.

I’ve been using CURLSMITH Effortless Waves for a little while now, and honestly, it’s become my go-to and the best product I’ve found for enhancing my natural wavy hair. Containing no nasties (we're talking silicones, parabens, sulphates), it's one of my go-tos for super wavy, healthy-looking locks.

The first thing I noticed was how easy it is to apply - simply spray liberally onto damp hair. The texture is lightweight and doesn’t leave my hair feeling sticky or heavy. It really lives up to its name by helping me achieve natural-looking, beachy waves without a ton of effort and static. What I love most is how soft and touchable my hair feels afterwards, unlike some other wave sprays that can make my hair crunchy or stiff. It also holds the waves nicely throughout the day, even in humid weather, which is a huge plus for me. Plus, it creates a wonderful shine! It is on the expensive side, but it's worth it for the results.

I’ve been using the Noughty Wave Hello Curl Taming Cream for a couple of months now and it’s quickly become a staple in my wash‑day routine, allowing me to achieve loose waves. The instructions are spot on: pea‑sized amount for my fine sections, a bit more for the thicker parts. It’s creamy and easy to smooth through with your fingertips, coating each wave without leaving a greasy residue. What I love is the low‑level hold it gives - my waves stay soft, bouncy, and defined without feeling stiff or crunchy. Plus, it's 97% natural, vegan, and free from silicones, sulphates and parabens.

On first pass, I noticed my hair felt noticeably softer and more hydrated, with a nice shine that didn’t come at the expense of volume. The scent is light and slightly fruity, which I found pleasant. It also does a decent job of keeping frizz under control on moderately humid days. That said, the one downside for me is that it takes a bit of trial and error to find the right amount - too much and it can weigh down finer waves. But once you dial it in, the results are worth it.

Ready to commit to a full wavy hair routine and save yourself time from shopping around for different products? The Merwave Wavy Hair Kit might just be the all-in-one solution you’ve been looking for. With five easy-to-follow steps and targeted products designed for naturally wavy hair, it promises soft, defined waves without the fuss.

Yours Deputy Digital Editor Stephanie Spencer put the kit to the test and shared her experience: “The five-step process seemed like a lot at first, but once I got used to it, it didn’t take much longer than a regular shampoo and conditioner routine,” she said. “The website says it’s a 15-minute at-home process, and I’d say that’s accurate." While it doesn't have an amazing fragrance, it does add some texture and shape to your hair. "The scent was slightly chemical, not unpleasant, just not especially fragrant. My first attempt went well, especially after I learned to towel-dry my hair a little before steps 3 to 5. Step 3, the Feed Treatment, made a noticeable difference in how healthy and bouncy my hair felt", said Stephanie. She warns that it "can cause tangling" if you don't detangle your hair when conditioning it.

Read our full Merwave Wavy Hair Kit review.