7 Top Shampoos For Waves That Are Gentle and Nourishing
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360 waves have always been a popular hairstyle among black men, but maintaining them can be a challenge without the right products!
Shampoos, in particular, play a crucial role in keeping 360 waves looking their best.
However, not all shampoos are created equal; some can be very harsh and stripping, leaving hair dry and brittle.
Don’t fret because we’re here to help! We’ve done the research for you and put together a guide to the 7 top shampoos for 360 waves that are mild and moisturizing.
So whether you’re a beginner or an expert in wave hairstyles, these shampoos for waves are sure to help you achieve and maintain cool, stylish, and healthy waves.
- Safe and gentle
- Enriched with keratin and collagen amino acids
- Leaves hair soft and refreshed
- Nourishes
- Protects scalp from harmful UV
- Vegan
- Defines waves
- Sulfate- and Paraben-free
- Leaves hair smooth and bouncy
Table of Contents
Understanding 360 Waves: What Are They?
But before we dive into our fantastic collection, let’s first get to know what 360 waves are.
360 waves refer to a hairstyle that involves creating a pattern of waves or ripples in the hair that encircle the entire head, achieving the illusion of a 360-degree wave pattern.
This hairstyle is popular among African-American men.
To achieve it, you’ll need to have short, coarse hair that’s at least one inch in length.
The key to getting waves to form is to train your hair to lay flat in a specific direction.
This is typically achieved by brushing your hair in a circular motion with a wave brush like the Torino Pro Wave Brush while using a styling product to help hold your hair in place.
Now there are several different methods for maintaining 360 waves. For instance, some people may prefer to use a wave cap or durag to help keep their hair in place while they sleep.
But the most important wave maintenance step is using nourishing wave shampoo and conditioner products and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Choosing The Right Shampoo For 360 Waves
When it comes to maintaining 360 waves, choosing the right shampoo is a big deal.
So what are the things that we should look out for when choosing a good shampoo for waves?
Here are some key features your shampoo should have:
Moisturizing
Look for a shampoo that’s packed with moisturizing ingredients as these will help keep your hair hydrated, which is essential for maintaining healthy 360 waves.
These are some of the ingredients present in moisturizing shampoos:
- Coconut Oil — This ingredient is a natural moisturizer that can penetrate the hair shaft to hydrate and strengthen each strand. It contains fatty acids that can help prevent protein loss, which can lead to breakage and damage.
- Shea Butter — This is a rich emollient that can help moisturize and soften the hair. It is also best known for promoting healthy hair growth, soothing irritated scalp, and reducing dandruff.
- Glycerin — This is a natural humectant that can help attract and retain moisture in your hair. It can help prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle. When your shampoo products have glycerin, it also makes your hair soft and smooth, making it very manageable to style.
Sulfate-Free
Avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfates as these can strip your hair of its natural oils, resulting in dryness and breakage. Opt instead for sulfate-free formulas that are gentle on your hair.
Protein-Rich
Protein is the building block of hair, so using shampoos with protein can help strengthen hair strands.
Also, they enhance the wave pattern by making the hair more pliable and easy to manipulate. Simply put, protein helps create more defined waves that are easier to maintain over time.
Clarifying
While it’s important to keep your hair moisturized, it’s also equally important to look for a shampoo that has clarifying properties that can remove unwanted buildup like dirt, oil, and styling products from your hair.
Buildup can prevent your waves from forming properly, so it’s essential to look for this feature in shampoos to keep your hair clean, healthy, and easy to style.
Full of Natural Ingredients
Shampoos formulated with natural ingredients are typically gentler on the hair and scalp than synthetic ingredients.
They are less likely to cause irritation, dryness, or damage, which negatively impacts the health and appearance of 360 waves.
Top Shampoo For 360 Waves
Excited to shop online for the top shampoo for waves?
Scroll down and see which ones address your needs best!
On a hunt for one of the best 360 waves shampoos that actually work? Don’t sleep on this product!
Key Benefits: Cleans hair and scalp fully; leaves hair soft and refreshed; keeps hair free of damage
Features:
- Enriched with keratin and collagen amino acids
- Formulated with hydrogen protein ingredients
- Pleasant smell
This shampoo is infused with hair-loving ingredients that will leave your hair clean and refreshed.
This fantastic wave shampoo from Wave Builder is a product specifically designed to help men achieve and maintain 360-wave hairstyles.
One of the major benefits of this shampoo is that it cleans hair while moisturizing it fully.
The formula is infused with protein and amino acids which help strengthen the hair and provide essential nutrients to the scalp. This can lead to softer, shinier, and more manageable hair over time.
Furthermore, the Wave Builder shampoo is also easy to use with its convenient wash-in formula that makes it quick and simple to incorporate into your hair care routine.
Simply apply a small amount of this product to your wet wave-patterned hair, then brush it through.
We found a true multitasker product that not only nourishes 360 waves but also promotes hair growth!
Key Benefits: Moisturizing and replenishes lost oil; improves hair elasticity; gently washes away impurities
Features:
- Cruelty-free
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Infused with coconut oil, shea butter, and hibiscus flower extracts
Give this amazing product a try and see the difference it can make for your 360 waves!
The SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo is a game changer for men who like to rock a 360-wave hairstyle but don’t want to disregard the health of their hair.
This cruelty-free product gently cleanses and hydrates hair while also combating frizz and improving elasticity.
The blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and hibiscus flower extracts nourishes the hair from root to tip, leaving it soft, manageable, and oh so shiny!
Apart from its pleasant aroma, this shampoo is a true multitasker. It not only cleanses and conditions hair, but it also works to promote healthy hair growth and prevent breakage.
So if you’re looking to enhance your waves, this shampoo is definitely a must-try.
This product is one of the best 360 wave shampoos in the market because it’s safe for both your hair and scalp!
Key Benefits: Leaves hair smooth and bouncy; tames frizz; defines waves
Features:
- Infused with coconut oil, citrus oil, and sweet honey
- Sulfate- and paraben-free
- Coconut water and white orange fragrance
Want every day to be your best hair day? Consider buying this product!
This wave-enhancing shampoo is designed to nourish and define waves while keeping them frizz-free and bouncy!
Also, since this product has a sulfate- and paraben-free formula, you can expect it to be gentle on your hair and scalp, making it safe for daily use.
Also, the unique blend of coconut oil, citrus oil, and sweet honey works to provide intense hydration to your waves, leaving them soft and manageable.
The best part? This shampoo product is super affordable even with the many benefits it gives to your 360 waves!
Looking for a good shampoo for waves that delivers real results? Look no further than the Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo!
Key Benefits: Improves hair’s resilience against breakage; repairs hair from within; leaves hair silky and luminous
Features:
- Clinically proven to repair damage
- With keratin and black rice
- Silicone-free
With this amazing product, get ready to have healthier and smoother hair all year round!
Searching for a powerful formula that’s specifically designed to repair and rehydrate hair that’s been damaged by chemical treatments, heat styling, or environmental stressors? Try the Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo!
The rich, foamy texture of this gentle shampoo provides a luxurious lather that cleanses and nourishes hair. Plus, it leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and shiny.
What sets this product apart from other repair shampoos on the market is how it not only restores damaged hair but also protects it from future damage.
The keratin protein in the formula helps rebuild the hair’s natural protective barrier, while the black rice extract provides antioxidants to shield hair from environmental damage.
If you’re tired of dealing with dry, damaged, or brittle waves, give this product a try, and experience stronger, healthier, and smoother hair than ever before!
Want to streamline your haircare routine for your 360 waves with a 2-in-a product that works? This product could be what you’re looking for!
Key Benefits: Detangles and nourishes hair; defends against harmful UV rays
Features:
- Vegan
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner
Deeply cleanse and hydrate your 360 waves at the same time with this fantastic product!
The Paul Mitchell Mitch Double Hitter 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner is a one-stop shop for wave maintenance. It’s great for busy individuals who want to streamline their hair care routine.
This is ranked as one of our top shampoos and conditioners for waves because it is packed with nourishing ingredients that help hydrate, detangle, and protect your scalp from burns due to harmful ultraviolet rays.
This product is also free of harsh chemicals such as parabens and sulfates, making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps. Not only that, but it also has a delightful scent that leaves your hair smelling fresh and clean all day long.
If you’re looking for a shampoo that’s gentle, effective, and specifically designed for curls and waves, then this product is an excellent choice!
Key Benefits: Defrizzes curls; hydrates hair; enhances hair texture
Features:
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Free of harsh chemicals
Achieve healthy and defined curls and waves with this must-try product!
This curl and wave hair shampoo is formulated with pure coconut milk, papaya, and plumeria extract to help hydrate, detangle, and define your curls.
One of our favorite qualities of this shampoo for waves is that it’s free from harsh sulfates, parabens, and silicone.
This makes it an ideal choice for anyone with waves or curls that tend to be more prone to dryness, frizz, and damage.
This is an affordable product that’s suitable for all hair types, particularly curly hair. So you can incorporate it into your hair care routine without spending a fortune.
With regular use, you’ll notice a visible improvement in the health and appearance of your waves!
End your search for the best shampoo and conditioner for 360 waves because we found a two-in-one combo product that gives incredible results!
Key Benefits: Gives thin hair a visibly thicker look; rejuvenates hair; washes away impurities like dirt and oil
Features:
- Vegan formula
- No harmful ingredients
- Complemented by a fresh, cedar scent
Enjoy healthier and shinier hair from roots to ends with this high-quality hair care product!
Looking for a shampoo and conditioner for waves that does it all? The Every Man Jack 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner promises to clean, hydrate, and strengthen your hair in one go!
This product uses a blend of natural, clean ingredients, including tea tree oil, coconut oil, glycerin, wheat protein, and shea butter. The result is a gentle, nourishing formula that doesn’t leave hair feeling stripped or weighed down.
Apart from that, it does an amazing job of making thin hair look thicker and promises to give your scalp the care it needs. And if you’re big on cruelty-free products, this product is one of your best bets!
Tips For Proper Shampooing of 360 Waves
After you’ve chosen the top shampoo for your 360 waves, it’s only wise to learn about some advanced tips on how to properly shampoo them.
Be sure to take note of these hacks.
Wet Your Hair Thoroughly
Before applying your preferred shampoo for waves, be sure to completely wet your hair with warm water. This will help to evenly distribute the product and ensure that your hair is completely clean.
Also, using warm water will help open up the hair cuticles, which will allow the shampoo to penetrate deep into your hair.
Focus On The Scalp When Applying Shampoo
We recommend focusing on the scalp when applying shampoo. What you do is you need to massage the shampoo into your scalp. Use your fingertips for this step.
Be sure to focus on your scalp rather than your hair, as this is where most of the dirt and buildup is located.
Use A Wave Brush Gently
After shampooing your scalp, use a wave brush to distribute the shampoo through your hair. This will help to evenly distribute the product and remove any unwanted buildup.
Also, we’d like to emphasize using your fingertips to massage the shampoo into your scalp in a gentle circular motion. Never scrub too hard or use your nails as this can cause irritation to your scalp.
Rinse Thoroughly
Doing this ensures you remove all traces of shampoo from your hair. Any remaining product can lead to buildup and prevent your waves from looking their best.
Follow Up With A Conditioner
After shampooing, follow up with a conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and healthy. Apply the conditioner to your hair — making sure to avoid your scalp — and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Any Shampoo for Waves?
Using regular shampoo for waves is not recommended.
While it may be tempting to use any shampoo you have on hand, it’s crucial to choose a product that’s specifically formulated for waves and curls.
Standard shampoos may contain harsh sulfates that can strip your hair of its natural oils. This can leave it dry and prone to breakage.
Without proper regard for the shampoo you’re using, your waves can become frizzy and damaged, making them less defined and harder to maintain.
On the other hand, shampoos designed for waves and curls are typically free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals.
They contain ingredients that moisturize and nourish your hair, helping to maintain its health, texture, and definition.
How Often Should I Shampoo My 360 Waves?
We recommend shampooing your hair at least once or twice a week to maintain optimal cleanliness and to prevent any potential issues like scalp irritation, itching, or even infections.
However, depending on your lifestyle, your hair type, and personal preferences, you may need to adjust the frequency of using shampoo on your waves.
If you lead an active lifestyle, sweat a lot, or live in a humid environment, you may need to shampoo your hair more often, say thrice a week, to keep it clean and fresh.
On the other hand, if you have dry hair or scalp or use a lot of hair products that tend to cause buildup, you may want to consider shampooing your waves less frequently.
Ultimately, finding the right shampooing frequency for your hair and scalp is a matter of trial and error. Start with shampooing once a week and monitor how your hair and scalp will react.
With a little bit of experimentation, you’ll be able to find the sweet spot that works best for you and your 360 waves.
Maintain Your Top 360 Waves With The Right Shampoo
Keeping your waves looking and feeling their top requires serious work.
It requires more than just brushing and washing. Choosing the right shampoo is equally crucial as it can make a significant difference in achieving and sustaining healthy, defined waves.
Make sure to pick shampoos that contain natural oils and ingredients that nourish and moisturize the scalp, while also cleansing away dirt and other unwanted buildup.
With the right shampoo and consistent care, you can flaunt waves that are healthy, shiny, and defined.
Want To Learn About Shampoos For Other Hair Types?
Check these out:
- 11 Drugstore Shampoos for Curly Hair
- 9 Natural Shampoos for All Hair Types
- 9 Shampoos For Thinning Hair Due To Menopause