If you already have 360 waves, or are in the process of getting them, you must be wondering what is a good shampoo that will work for your waves. This type of hair is different compared to normal hair, because you need a specific formula that can keep your waves defined and curled. Following is a list of the top 10 best shampoo for waves, followed by a buying guide that will help you pick out the best product for you.

10 Best Shampoo for 360 Waves

1. SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo

The phthalate and paraben free Curl and Shine shampoo by SheaMoisture is a gentle cleansing formula that nourishes and improves the health of your hair, while also restoring the shine. As the name indicates, it’s a curl enhancing shampoo and it contains coconut oil that moisturizes and protects your hair, while restoring the natural oils of your scalp.

A proprietary blend of ingredients, this shampoo is free of silicones and also contains hibiscus flower extracts. This improves the elasticity of your hair, and reduces the chances of breakage. The formula is very rich and creamy, and leaves you with a frizz free mane with perfectly defined curls and waves.

The product has a pleasant smell and washes out of your hair quite quickly, without leaving any residues. It’s also been formulated in such a way that it is quite easy to spread. Other ingredients in the shampoo that improve the texture of curly hair include shea butter, silk protein, and neem oil.

Having said that, right out of the shower, the product does feel a little heavy and weighs down your hair, but air drying or blow drying should solve that problem. It also doesn’t add much definition to your hair, but it does make them shiny and smooth.

Pros:

• Phthalate and paraben free
• Give you frizz free curls and waves
• Shea butter and neem oil moisturize the hair

Cons:

• Weighs down the hair
• Does not add much definition to curly hair

2. Wave Builder’s Shampoo

The Wash in Waves Shampoo by Wave Builder’s comes in a 6.9-ounce pack. If you want to get those elegant and cool waves quickly, this is the product for you. Designed specifically for building 360 waves this shampoo has a super gentle formula which removes and cleanses any product buildup on your textured hair. This leaves your waves clean, refreshed, and prepared for deep moisture treatment.

Every single application of this product forces your hair to develop that particular wave pattern that you so desire. The product is packed full with amino acids and proteins that promote healthy 360 waves. If you are a beginner, you should use this shampoo with the brush wash method and those who have established waves you should use the scramble wash method.

The custom-made product has been developed in house by the company and the whole manufacturing process is overseen by industry experts, so you can rest assured that you are truly getting the best of the best.

Pros:

• Specifically made for building 360 waves
• Contains amino acids and proteins for wave development
• In house, custom made formula

Cons:

• Some ingredients may cause bumps and scabs on the scalp

3. SheaMoisture Combination Set

The Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil combination set by SheaMoisture is the only hair care set up that you will need, if you need one for 360 waves. This set contains a shampoo, a hair masque, and a conditioner – a perfect deal for established as well as amateur wavers.

This entire set has been formulated keeping in mind the moisture needs of wavy hair. The formula infuses your head with intense moisture, and reduces the dry and dull appearance of your hair. It also revitalizes the texture and shine of wavy and curly hair. If you struggle with styling product buildup in your 360 waves, this is the Holy Grail product for you, as it gently cleanses and removes all types of gunk from your scalp.

The products also contain natural ingredients like honey, Shea butter, Mafura, and Baobab – all of which restore the natural oils of your scalp. It also contains antioxidant rich African rock fig, rich increases hydration, and strengthens and protects damaged hair from further environmental stresses. You can also use this product for color treated or frizzy hair.

Pros:

• Contains shampoo, mask, and conditioner
• Intense hydration of damaged hair
• Natural ingredients restore oils of the scalp

Cons:

• You smell may be a bit overwhelming

4. Maui Moisture Curl Shampoo

The curl shampoo by Maui moisture is a creamy and silky blend of proprietary ingredients like plumeria extract, papaya butter, and rich coconut oil. The formula is completely free of sulfates, and ideal for creating thick 360 waves. For people who have thick and curly hair, this is a holy grail product that will leave your hair looking shiny and healthy.

The coconut oil and papaya butter in this shampoo combine together to detangle and defrizz your curls. It also softens the body of the hair, giving it a shiny and bouncy look. It is infused with aloe vera juices which provide moisture to your hair, giving it that thick and defined body.

The product is completely free of any kinds of silicones, glutens, sulfated surfactants, synthetic dyes, and mineral oils. Having said that, because of the high moisture content, this formula is not well suited for low porosity hair, as it may lead to weighing down such a type of hair.

Pros:

• Contains coconut oil and papaya butter
• Does not contain silicones, parabens, or glutens
• Gives your hair a thick and defined body

Cons:

• Not suitable for low porosity hair

5. Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo

The Curl and Waves Shampoo by Sun Bum is a combination of ingredients that gently cleanse and moisturizer hair while infusing intense moisture into the strands. It’s a special vegan blend which uses monoi coconut oil and kukui nut oil to give definition and body to every curl and wave in your hair.

As the name indicates, this formula also protects your hair from the damaging UV rays of the sun. As a result, it prevents your hair from becoming dull, frizzy, discolored, and brittle over time. It also contains seaweed protein which strengthens your hair over time. It’s also a completely gluten free formula, and is perfectly suited for creating those perfect 360 curves that you always wanted.

Having said that, this formula is not well suited for dull and damaged hair. The intense hydration that is needed by such hair cannot be expected from this product.

Pros:

• Contains coconut oil and kukui nut oil
• Protects hair from sun damage
• Completely gluten free formula
• Seaweed routine strengthens her over time

Cons:

• Not suited for extremely damaged and dull hair

6. Nexxus Shampoo

With its powerful protein infusion, the Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo is ideal for people who have dry hair and want those perfect 360 waves. If you are just starting out with 360 waves, you must be struggling with dry hair and this shampoo is the perfect solution for your problems.

Indeed, the shampoo has been crafted using leading edge research technology called proteomics which infuses it with keratin. This salon style treatment method increases the resilience of your hair and repairs your hair fibers from within.

It also has black rice which helps in healing the signs of damaged hair, leaving you with luminous, and silky hair. It does so by smoothing down the hair cells that overlap to form the strand. It also helps in gently cleansing any gunk buildup from styling products.

The formulation of this shampoo is so good that you will start noticing visible changes within two weeks. It also has a faint coconut smell that is pleasant without being overbearing.

Pros:

• Extremely nourishing for damaged hair
• Salon style keratin treatment
• Heals and smoothes hair cells

Cons:

• Does leave some waxy and oily residue after usage

7. OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

The OGX shampoo works quite well for all types of hair, but it is especially suited for people who love coconut extracts in their shampoo. If you want or already have 360 waves but want the nourishment of coconut, this is the right product for you.

The shampoo contains coconut milk, coconut oil, and whipped egg white proteins which give it the ability to add hydration, elasticity, and strength to your hair. It’s a luxurious and creamy formula that leaves your hair feeling soft, glowing, and moisturized. It does not contain any parabens or sulfates and nourishes the strands from root to tip.

The scent is quite subtle and pleasant as well. You can use this shampoo for fine hair, frizzy hair, straight hair, as well as oily hair. The hydrating cream from coconut restores shine to all types of hair.

Pros:

• Contains benefits of coconut extracts
• Adds extra hydration and improves elasticity of hair
• Does not contains parabens or sulfates

Cons:

• Not formulated specifically for curly hair

8. Alberto VO5 Shampoo

For people who have thin hair and want 360 days, this is the perfect shampoo. It is essentially a clarifying shampoo and it will give you lovely locks all around the year, no matter what the weather. It also helps remove product buildup on your scalp.

The kwi and lime formula of the shampoo also helps prevent buildup of oil on the scalp. If you have an oily scalp and want 360 waves, then you know the struggle of flat and dull looking hair. Since this is a clarifying shampoo, it will get rid of all the gunk buildup that happens throughout the day. And since this is a mild formula, you can even use it every day without any dryness or frizziness.

The silky formula also helps revitalize damaged and dry hair, because lime and kiwi help moisturize your hair. After a single use, you will be able to feel the difference and you’ll notice that your hair is left feeling softer and silkier after using this shampoo. The shampoo also works very well for getting those perfect 360 waves for individuals who have thin and fine hair.

Pros:

• Clarifying shampoo
• Prevents product buildup
• Removes oil from the scalp
• Revitalizes dry and damaged hair

Cons:

• Not suitable for very thick, coarse hair

9. Garnier Fructis Shampoo

If you have if you have thick hair and want to get those lovely 360 waves, this Garnier Hair Care Sleek and Shine Shampoo is the right product for you. It works on your scalp without messing up the waves, and instead keeps your curls soft and defined. It also lathers really well and will not wash out your waves. Hence, it is the best wave builder shampoo for people who struggle with managing thick hair while also keeping the waves defined, this shampoo is a holy grail find.

It has a fortifying formula that is completely paraben free and leaves your hair feeling sleek and shiny. The oil control formula of the shampoo also prevents buildup of oils for up to three days. It is infused with argan oil from Morocco which acts as a leave-in conditioning cream and further strengthens your hair.

The shampoo also contains active fruit protein, which is a combination of citrus proteins, fruit and plant derived extracts, and vitamin B3 and B6 – all of which help in giving you healthier and stronger hair.

Pros:

• Does not mess up the waves
• Prevents oil buildup
• Argan oil act says leave in conditioner
• Fruit and plant extracts strengthen the hair

Cons:

• The scent is a bit strong and may be overpowering for some people.

10. Head and Shoulders Shampoo

The two in one shampoo and conditioner combination by head and shoulders is a great set for those of you who want to keep their 360 waves looking good but do not have a lot of cash to fork over. The product works very well for all types of hair and does not cost a lot. This product also works as a best moisturizer for 360 waves.

You also get a ton of product in the bottle, so it will last you a long time. The product also has anti dandruff properties that prevent flaking of scalp and keep your hair hydrated and clean. For those of you who have sensitive skin that gets easily irritated by wave brushes – the kind that you need to use for maintaining your waves – this product will help you immensely, because it prevents itching and dryness of the scalp.

The shampoo and conditioner also helps nourish the scalp and hair and comes with a variety of natural ingredients like tea tree oil, almond oil, and lemon extract, and peppermint.

Pros:

• Prevents flaking and itching of scalp
• Has anti dandruff properties
• Quite affordable

Cons:

• Not great for dry and damaged hair

Buying Guide for Best Shampoo for Waves

If you want to get a shampoo for your 360 waves, make sure you keep in mind the following factors:

1. Buy a shampoo for waves or curly hair

This is a given. If you have 360 waves already, or want to get such a hairstyle, you need to pick a shampoo that defines and gives body to your waves and curls. Look for formulas that are specifically catered towards such hair.

2. Ingredients

Products that have natural ingredients are preferable, because shampoos that have foaming agents or harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens can strip your hair of their natural oils. This can leave your hair looking frizzy and dry, and in the long term, it can also lead to permanent damage of your hair. Make sure that you buy a product that has some type of natural oil as well, as it will increase the hydration of your hair strands.

3. Figure out your hair type

Different types of shampoos are suitable for different hair types. For instance, if you want to turn your fine hair into 360 waves, you will have to tackle loss of volume that comes with this hair type. You should avoid creamy shampoos and find clear formulas that are volumizing and prevent oil buildup.

If you have frizzy hair, you will need to find a shampoo that leaves your head feeling softer and sleeker. For people who have dry and coarse hair, a creamy moisturizing shampoo would be ideal. On the other hand, for people who have color treated hair or damaged hair, specialized shampoos with high keratin content would be most recommended.

4. Scalp issues

If you have any type of scalp issues, like dandruff, itching, flaking, or irritation – you should look for a specific shampoo that will help you with these specific concerns. For instance, there are many over the counter dandruff shampoos that will prevent flaking of your scalp. There are also many clarifying shampoos that can soothe and nourish your scalp.

5. Prevent product buildup

Getting those perfect 360 waves may require you to use some styling products like pomades. However, if you do not use the right shampoo, it can lead to product buildup on your scalp and result in irritation. The clarifying shampoo that prevents product buildup would be highly recommended in these cases.

Conclusion

So, we have stated the best shampoo for waves in our article above. Although, No particular shampoo or any other type of product is going to give you 360 waves. However, what they can do is nourish and take care of your waves so that they look healthier and more defined. In order to figure out what kind of shampoo will work best for your waves; you need to figure out what your hair type is and what formula will suit your hair best.