Best Shampoo for Curly & Wavy Hair NZ (Stylist Guide 2026)

Curls and waves aren't dry because of your hair — they're dry because the shape stops oils travelling down the strand. Once you treat curls as thirsty, everything gets easier.

The goal is moisture and definition without weight or crunch. Here are the ranges we use for curly and wavy hair, and how to actually style it.

The shampoos

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Bain Hydration Douceur is a gentle, moisture-rich cleanse that respects the curl — our pick for defined, springy curls that aren't weighed down. Sebastian Twisted Elastic Curls is brilliant for elastic, bouncy curls with frizz control and a gorgeous scent, and Wella NutriCurls (Waves) is a great-value option built for waves specifically.

The styling

Definition lives in the leave-in and cream stage. Sebastian Twisted Curl Magnifier gives weightless, touchable curl definition, and Kérastase Curl Manifesto Crème de Jour is a daily cream that hydrates and tames frizz between washes.

The curl routine that works

• Apply stylers to soaking wet hair, then scrunch — product on dry curls just sits on top.
• "Scrunch out the crunch": let a light cast dry, then scrunch to soften.
• Dry with a diffuser on low, or plop in a microfibre towel. Rough towel-drying = frizz.
• Wash less often; curls don't need daily shampooing.

Still battling frizz on non-curly days? See how to get rid of frizzy hair.

11% off your first UKIYO order with code WELCOME11. Free NZ shipping over $75. Genuine salon stock, shipped from our Wānaka studio.