Beauty Not Your Mother's vs SheaMoisture: Top Wavy Hair Styler Wins
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Sculpting Gel and SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie are fan favorites for wavy hair. One is a light gel, the other a rich cream. We compared hold, weight, frizz control and value.
| Factor | Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Frizz Contro | SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl E |
|---|---|---|
| Formula type | Lightweight sculpting gel | Rich styling cream |
| Best wave type | 2A to 2C all waves | 2B to 2C thicker waves |
| Hold level | Flexible firm, flake free | Soft hold, high moisture |
| Weight | Very light, no drag | Can weigh down fine waves |
| Frizz control | Strong in humidity | Good with sealing |
| Price | Check price | Check price |
| Scent | Fresh citrus jasmine | Sweet coconut hibiscus |
| Overall winner | Best all around | Best for thick waves |
Our Verdict
Not Your Mother's Curl Talk gel wins for most wavy hair because it defines without weight. SheaMoisture Smoothie wins for thick, dry 2C waves that need extra moisture. Fine 2A hair should pick the gel. Coarse waves that drink up product will love the cream. You can also layer them for the best of both.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.
Best for: Humid climates where waves need maximum hold power.
Aussie Instant Freeze Sculpting Hair Gel, 3 Pack
- Maximum hold for 20 hour frizz control
- Jojoba oil and sea kelp formula
- Great for scrunching waves
- Value 3 pack bundle
Pros
- Strong hold locks waves all day
- Excellent humidity resistance
- Unbeatable price per bottle
Cons
- Can create a hard cast
- Needs scrunching out when dry
- Contains drying alcohols
Best for: Fine 2A waves that need volume without heaviness.
Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse, 2 Pack
- Lightweight mousse for touchable waves
- Shea butter for soft moisture
- No sulfates, silicones or parabens
- Two pack for extended use
Pros
- Adds root volume to flat waves
- Soft, non crunchy finish
- Easy to apply evenly
Cons
- Hold is lighter than gel
- May need reapplication on day two
- Can feel sticky on hands
Best for: Air dry routines that want soft, touchable waves.
OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream, 6 oz
- Coconut oil and shea butter blend
- Designed for heat free air drying
- Soft hold without crunch
- Paraben free formula
Pros
- Perfect for wash and go routines
- Smells like a tropical vacation
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Limited hold in high humidity
- Can weigh down very fine hair
- Small 6 oz bottle
Want the Full Picture?
Seasonal Routine Swaps For Wavy Hair
Wavy hair needs different products in January and July, and the swaps are concrete. Winter: dry indoor heating pulls moisture from waves, causing frizz and static. Switch to a richer leave-in, add a weekly deep mask, and consider a humidifier in the bedroom, since ambient moisture helps more than any product. Reduce heat styling, which compounds winter dryness. Summer: humidity is the enemy, making humectant-heavy products go frizzy as they pull water from the air. Switch to anti-humidity stylers with light hold, cut back on heavy creams, and let the gel do the work. The transition weeks of spring and fall are when routines fail; that is the signal to swap, not to buy new products. One routine with two seasonal settings beats a drawer of products used randomly. Track which products work in which season for one year and the pattern becomes automatic. For the stylers themselves, the Aussie wavy hair guide covers the options.
Skincare Actives On The Scalp: What Works
The skincare-on-scalp trend needs honest sorting, because some actives transfer well and others are wasted. What genuinely works: salicylic acid, which exfoliates the scalp and clears follicle buildup much as it clears pores; niacinamide, which supports the scalp barrier and calms irritation; and gentle AHAs in low concentrations for flaky scalps. What is wasted: vitamin C serums, which oxidize too fast on the scalp to matter; retinoids, which irritate scalp skin without meaningful benefit; and expensive essences with no scalp-relevant actives. The application rules: use scalp-specific formulations when available, since facial products often contain fragrances that irritate; apply to a clean scalp, not over product buildup; and introduce one active at a time. More is not better on the scalp; the barrier there is delicate and over-treatment causes the flaking you were trying to fix. The main wavy hair type page covers the routine this fits into.
Medication Changes And Your Waves
Medications change hair in ways routines cannot fix, and knowing the pattern prevents product-chasing. Thyroid medications can shift texture as levels stabilize; the hair often needs six months to settle after a dose change, and no product speeds that. Hormonal contraception changes starting or stopping can trigger shedding or texture shifts for several months. The honest approach during medication transitions: simplify the routine to gentle basics, avoid chemical services until the hair stabilizes, and track changes with photos rather than memory. What is safe and what is not: discuss any new shedding with the prescribing doctor before self-treating, since the cause may be the medication itself. Postpartum shedding follows its own timeline and resolves on its own. The key insight is patience: medication-driven hair changes are temporary in most cases, and aggressive product intervention during the transition usually makes things worse. The wavy hair type guide has more on adapting the routine.