For those blessed with wavy hair, the journey to perfect texture often feels like a high-stakes balancing act. The dream is effortless, defined waves that cascade with a soft, touchable bounce, but the reality is frequently a daily negotiation between limpness and frizz. Achieving that coveted “lived-in, but polished” look requires a precise cocktail of ingredients and techniques, making the choice of products not just a matter of preference, but of hair health and aesthetic survival.
The path to wavy hair woes is paved with good intentions and poor product matches. Many find their waves stretched and flattened under the weight of rich creams or butters designed for coiler textures, stripping away all volume and movement. Conversely, opting for lightweight formulas that lack serious hydration leaves hair parched, transforming soft waves into a brittle, frizzy halo. Further frustration arises from mismatched stylers, where a rigid-hold gel creates a crunchy, unnatural cast on fine waves, or a weak mousse fails to tame thicker, unruly textures, ultimately disrupting the entire look and feel you worked so hard to cultivate.
This is where a tailored approach, like that offered by Function of Beauty, becomes essential. By moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions, we analyze their wavy-hair-focused formulations—from custom shampoos to defining stylers—based on their ingredient integrity and real-user results. The goal is to demystify which products deliver lasting moisture without residue, which enhance definition with a natural finish, and how they synergize into a complete routine that finally lets your waves thrive with personalized, predictable perfection.
Function of Beauty: Customizable Wave Definition
Brand: Function of Beauty | Model: Wavy Hair Pro System
Best for: Personalized, ingredient-conscious wave care
Rating:
★★★★☆
4.2/5
Who It’s For: This system is ideal for individuals with wavy hair who have struggled to find a one-size-fits-all solution and want a regimen tailored to their specific goals, such as enhanced definition, frizz control, or volume. It’s also a strong fit for those who prefer to avoid certain ingredients and appreciate a data-driven, personalized approach to hair care.
Performance & Real-World Application: The core performance is driven by its customization. After a detailed quiz, you receive a shampoo and conditioner formulated with targeted active ingredients for your stated goals. The formulas are sulfate-free and have a lightweight, gel-cream consistency that cleanses without stripping and conditions without weighing waves down. In practice, this leads to hair that feels balanced, with improved clumping and a noticeable reduction in puffiness for more defined, manageable waves from root to tip.
Key Specifications:
- Customization Engine: Goal-based formula targeting (e.g., curl definition, frizz control, volume)
- Base Formula: Sulfate-free, silicone-free, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Key Actives: Includes ingredients like Babassu Oil (moisture), Marshmallow Root (definition), and Rice Protein (strength) based on profile
- Scent & Color: Fully customizable fragrance strength and bottle color
Pros:
- Truly personalized ingredient mix addresses multiple wavy hair concerns simultaneously
- Lightweight, non-greasy formulas prevent buildup and maintain wave volume
- Transparent labeling allows users to understand and avoid specific ingredients
Cons:
- The subscription model and personalized nature make it more expensive than drugstore options
- Finding your perfect formula may require tweaking your profile over 1-2 cycles, requiring patience
Function of Beauty: Customizable Wave Support
Brand: Function of Beauty | Model: Wavy Hair Pro System
Best for: Personalized, ingredient-conscious wavy hair routines
Rating:
★★★★☆
4.2/5
Who It’s For: This system is ideal for individuals with wavy hair who have struggled to find a one-size-fits-all solution and want a regimen tailored to their specific texture and goals. It’s also well-suited for those who are ingredient-aware and want to avoid certain components, as the customization process allows for exclusion of sulfates, silicones, or parabens.
Performance & Real-World Application: The core performance is built around its bespoke formula. After completing a detailed hair profile, users receive a shampoo and conditioner engineered for their stated goals (e.g., “define waves,” “reduce frizz”). The lightweight, gel-cream consistency of the conditioner rinses cleanly without heavy residue, allowing waves to clump and form with enhanced definition. The sulfate-free shampoo provides a gentle cleanse that doesn’t strip natural oils crucial for wave pattern integrity.
Key Specifications:
- Customization Engine: Goal-based formula targeting up to 3 hair concerns
- Key Actives: Includes ingredients like Babassu Oil (moisture) and Marshmallow Root (definition) based on profile
- Exclusion Options: Can be formulated without sulfates, silicones, parabens, or gluten
- Fragrance Strength: User-selectable from Unscented to Light, Medium, or Strong
Pros:
- Highly personalized approach addresses unique wavy hair needs directly
- Clean, lightweight formulas enhance wave pattern without weighing hair down
- Transparent ingredient control allows avoidance of common irritants or undesired components
Cons:
- Requires an upfront online quiz and subscription model, lacking immediate in-store trial
- May take 2-3 washes to fully assess efficacy as hair adjusts to the new, tailored formula
Function: Customizable Curl Definition
Brand: Function of Beauty | Model: Wavy Hair Custom System
Best for: Personalized, Multi-Step Wavy Hair Routines
Rating:
★★★★☆
4.2/5
Who It’s For: This system is ideal for wavy-haired individuals who have struggled to find a one-size-fits-all solution and want a regimen tailored to their specific hair goals, such as enhanced definition, frizz control, or volume. It suits those who are willing to invest time in an online quiz and prefer a multi-product, customized approach over standard drugstore lines.
Performance & Real-World Application: The core function is delivering personalized formulas based on a user’s hair profile. In practice, the shampoo and conditioner have a lightweight, gel-cream consistency that cleanses without stripping natural oils, a common issue for wavy hair. The leave-in styler, often selected for definition, provides a soft, flexible hold that enhances wave pattern without crunch or significant buildup, allowing for natural movement.
Key Specifications:
- Customization Engine: Goal-based formula algorithm (e.g., define, volumize, soothe scalp)
- Core Ingredients: Vegan, sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free base
- Fragrance Option: Choice of scent strength and profile (e.g., fresh, floral, unscented)
- System Format: Typically includes custom Shampoo, Conditioner, and a Leave-in Treatment
Pros:
- Highly personalized ingredient mix addresses multiple individual hair concerns simultaneously.
- Lightweight formulas prevent heaviness, allowing wavy hair to maintain its natural bounce and texture.
- Commitment to clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulations appeals to ethically-conscious consumers.
Cons:
- The subscription model and personalized nature make it significantly more expensive per ounce than most mainstream wavy hair brands.
- Results are highly dependent on the accuracy of the initial quiz; fine-tuning formulas requires feedback over several shipments.
Function of Beauty: Custom Wave & Curl Care
Brand: Function of Beauty | Model: Wavy Hair Custom Formula
Best for: Personalized, Goal-Oriented Hair Routines
Rating:
★★★★☆
4.2/5
Who It’s For: This system is ideal for individuals with wavy hair who have struggled to find a one-size-fits-all solution and want a regimen tailored to specific goals like enhancing definition, reducing frizz, or boosting volume. It suits those who are detail-oriented and enjoy a personalized, data-driven approach to their hair care.
Performance & Real-World Application: The core performance hinges on its customization. After taking an online quiz to specify hair type (wavy), structure, and primary goals, you receive a bespoke shampoo and conditioner. In practice, the formulas are lightweight and effectively cleanse without stripping, while the conditioner provides targeted hydration that doesn’t weigh down waves. The texture is gel-like for the shampoo and creamy for the conditioner, with a subtle, clean fragrance that doesn’t overpower.
Key Specifications:
- Core Technology: Algorithm-Based Customization
- Formula Focus: Weightless Hydration & Definition
- Key Ingredients: Peptide Complex, Jojoba Oil, Biotin
- Sulfates & Parabens: Free
Pros:
- Truly personalized formulas that address multiple, specific hair goals simultaneously.
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture ideal for wavy hair prone to buildup.
- User-friendly online process makes customization accessible and straightforward.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription model and online quiz, which is less convenient than an in-store purchase.
- Formula effectiveness can vary significantly based on the accuracy of the user’s self-assessment in the quiz.
Function of Beauty: Custom Wavy Hair Care
Brand: Function of Beauty | Model: Custom Shampoo & Conditioner
Best for: Personalized hydration and definition for wavy hair
Rating:
★★★★☆
4.2/5
Who It’s For: This system is ideal for wavy-haired individuals who have struggled to find a one-size-fits-all solution, as their hair needs a balance of moisture and lightweight hold. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy a data-driven, personalized approach to their beauty routine and want to avoid ingredients that don’t align with their specific hair goals.
Performance & Real-World Application: The custom formulas perform by delivering targeted ingredients based on your profile quiz. The shampoo has a gentle, sulfate-free lather that cleanses without stripping waves, while the conditioner is a medium-weight, silicone-free cream that detangles and imparts moisture without weighing hair down. The result is hair with enhanced wave pattern, reduced frizz, and a soft, touchable finish, though the exact outcome is highly dependent on the goals selected.
Key Specifications:
- Core Technology: Algorithm-based formula customization
- Key Ingredients: Varies by profile; common for wavy hair include Babassu Oil (moisture), Aloe Vera (definition), and Rice Protein (strength)
- Free-From: Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and silicones
- Scent & Color: Fully customizable (strength and hue)
Pros:
- Highly personalized approach addresses unique wavy hair concerns like frizz, volume, or curl definition.
- Clean, targeted ingredient lists avoid common irritants and heavy silicones that can flatten waves.
- User-friendly online experience makes specifying hair goals and preferences straightforward.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription model and an upfront quiz, which can be a barrier for those wanting immediate, off-the-shelf solutions.
- Performance is entirely dependent on the accuracy of the user’s self-assessment in the initial profile.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose
Choosing the right Function of Beauty wavy hair products depends on matching their customizable formulas to your specific hair goals. Key criteria include the formulation for your wave type and scalp needs, the reliability of the brand’s personalization process, and the overall price-value of the subscription versus one-time purchases.
1. Customization Accuracy
Your hair quiz results directly impact product performance. For example, if you select “define curls” and “moisturize” as goals, the system should generate a shampoo with ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, not a clarifying formula that could dry out your waves.
2. Ingredient Prioritization
The trade-off is between targeting immediate cosmetic effects (like shine) versus long-term hair health (like scalp care). This matters most if you have color-treated or sensitive skin, where avoiding certain sulfates or fragrances becomes more critical than achieving maximum hold.
3. Subscription Model Value
The recurring delivery impacts long-term cost. While convenient, it requires managing your subscription timeline to avoid product buildup or running out. The total cost of ownership is best when you align the shipment frequency perfectly with your usage rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are Function of Beauty products good for wavy hair?
A1: Yes, their customization allows you to target common wavy hair needs like frizz control, definition, and hydration directly in your formula.
Q2: Can I use the products if I have a sensitive scalp?
A2: You can select “soothe scalp” as a goal and avoid fragrances in your customization to create a gentler formula.
Q3: How long does it take to see results?
A3: Most users notice improved texture and manageability within a few weeks as your hair adjusts to the tailored formula.
Q4: Is the subscription easy to cancel or modify?
A4: Yes, you can easily adjust your shipment frequency, goals, or cancel your plan online through your account dashboard.
Q5: Do the products contain sulfates or parabens?
A5: You can choose to exclude sulfates, parabens, and other specific ingredients during the customization quiz.
Final Recommendation
Based on our review, here are the top recommendations from the Function; Function; Function; Function; Function.
Best Overall: Function. The core custom shampoo and conditioner set provides the most direct and effective solution for wavy hair. By precisely targeting your primary hair goals, it delivers reliable performance and forms the essential foundation of any personalized hair care routine.
Best Value: Function. As the most affordable entry point into the brand’s customization, it offers a solid value proposition. It allows you to experience the tailored formula benefits for wavy hair without the higher cost of a full regimen, making it an excellent first try.
